A new survey from the Cleveland Clinic highlights the powerful impact of exercise on men’s overall health — and reveals that nearly one in three men aren’t exercising regularly.
The findings come from the clinic’s 10th annual MENtion It campaign, which encourages men to discuss their health openly. This year’s focus explored the links between physical activity and men’s physical, mental, and sexual well-being.
Fitness Benefits More Than Muscle
According to Dr. Petar Bajic, director of the Men’s Health Section at Cleveland Clinic’s Glickman Urological Institute, men often concentrate only on physical fitness, overlooking mental and sexual health. “All aspects of health are connected,” he said. “When one area suffers, it can affect the rest.”
Key insights from the survey include:
Exercise and overall well-being: 81% of men who exercise regularly reported feeling more fatigued, stressed, or mentally drained when they skip workouts.
Impact on sexual health: 61% said fitness influences their sex drive or sexual performance. Yet 18% reported low sexual desire, and 15% experienced erectile dysfunction in the past year.
Knowledge gaps: Many men didn’t realize that sexual health issues may signal more serious conditions:
- 72% were unaware of a link to heart disease
- 74% didn’t know about connections to diabetes
- 65% didn’t associate it with high blood pressure
- 59% didn’t recognize links to mental health issues such as depression
Stress and Self-Image Take a Toll
The survey also revealed that stress and self-image concerns affect many men. Eighty-six percent said they experience stress, anxiety, or mental exhaustion during a typical week, and about half admitted to comparing themselves to others online. Despite this, roughly two-thirds said they have sought or would consider seeking help from a mental health professional.
Why This Matters for High-Stress Jobs
The findings are particularly relevant for first responders, including police officers, firefighters, EMS providers, and corrections officers, who face high-stress environments, long shifts, and unpredictable challenges.
Dr. Bajic emphasized the benefits of a proactive approach: “When men prioritize exercise, get regular health screenings, and care for their mental health, they can prevent serious health issues or detect them early.”
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