Sex is the only way you'll get me to exercise. Gym? For people who enjoy the fresh odour of smelly feet. I'm not keen on the idea of running along a road breathing in carbon monoxide either and to be honest, the public pool is chlorine soup filled with other people's bodily fluid. Yuk.

So what to do? All those health experts out there insist that getting our heart rates up and pumping daily is essential for a happy, healthy life. So I figured it's time to get creative and start working out in ways that suit me.

Before you poo-poo my idea as dirty, here are some points to consider:

Sex and the orgasm help to release endorphins, the chemical responsible for stimulating the immune system which means that having regular sex can help you to fight off those colds and flus. Studies suggest that having sex can reduce pain such as headaches and joint pain.

Sex uses every one of the muscle groups, so in one session, you could have a full body workout. In fact, it is said that having sex three times a week consistently is the equivalent of running about 120 kilometers a year. That's about a mile for every week of the year.

Sex helps keep you young at heart by relaxing you and reducing the pressure of everyday stress. People that have an active, healthy sex life tend to be happier and well-balanced.

The fitter you become, the better you'll be in the bedroom, and what's even better, the tighter your muscles, the more you'll find a welcome increase in the intensity of sensations.

The more sex you have, the more you'll want. That's because you stimulate the production of testosterone - the hormone that influences sexual arousal.

I think those are some strong facts to back my theory. Sexercise is a known form of exercise worldwide, stemming from the Karma Sutra and used to improve our wellbeing holistically. And I do mean holistically. How else would you get a healthy, happy AND sexually satisfying workout? For some reason I just can't see it happening at the gym.

Where to start with sexercise? I'd suggest in the most obvious place: your pelvis. Strengthening your pelvic floor is essential to improving your sexual experience because, as I've already mentioned, tighter muscles mean enhanced sensation.

According to the British Journal of Urology International, strengthening the pelvic floor muscles in men can improve erectile function in men with the same overall efficacy rate as Viagra. That's astounding! While Viagra might be the answer to some problems, it's only going to sort one thing out but increase you pelvic muscle strength will not only improve your erection, it'll improve your health too. Another good reason to consider taking up sexercise.

The basics

For men, this is about weight lifting?with your penis. For women, it's about being able to squeeze your vaginal muscles tight ? imagine that your vagina is gripping onto something.

It may not be easy to contract your pelvic muscles at first, so to start, lie flat on your back and suck your stomach in - imagine trying to get your belly button to touch your spine. Now clench your buttocks as well, hold both pelvis and buttock clench for a count of five and then relax, repeat 10 times initially, adding five extra clenches per week until you're up to 10 sets. Do this exercise after a bath, before bed and you're on your way to strengthening your love muscle.

In the bedroom

Sex positions are numerous, exciting and about personal preference and physical capability. As ever, you're going to need to consult your partner before contorting into some interesting Karma Sutra position.

Do consult with each other ? be open but considerate too. Two books that I absolutely swear by and enjoy simply for its down to earth yet sensual take on sex is Tracy Cox's Super Sex and Super Hot Sex guides. They're packed with interesting ideas, sexy positions and other ways to get your blood hotter than a boiled kettle. They're available in most bookstores, and offer sound professional advice. They're also a great Valentine's gift to your sex life ? why don't you and your partner treat yourselves to sexual well-being this Valentine's day and get a-sexercising?