Going to the gym increases sexual desire hormones, so it's easy to have an affair?

A recent survey of 2,000 people by the dating advice and support website Illicit Encounter (UK) showed that the gym is the top place that "promotes" women to have affairs , while for men, this is the 7th place that makes them more likely to "cheat".

Research shows that testosterone can spike within an hour of exercise, a hormone that specifically impacts sexual desire and can make it harder for exercisers to resist, leading to cheating, says Illicit Encounter sex researcher Jessica Leoni.

The gym is the perfect place for inappropriate relationships to arise - (Photo: DRAGONIMAGES)

Seeing other people sweating, wearing revealing clothes and panting can easily turn a person on. The expert also emphasized that even if the person has no intention of cheating, such images can make it difficult for them to control themselves.

The gym is often a place where married people engage in micro-cheating, says Leoni .

This is the act of developing an emotional or sexual relationship with another person through spending time interacting with someone other than your partner. Over time, it becomes a common, overt act of infidelity, Ms. Leoni asserts.

'There are some obvious actions in the gym that can be considered micro-cheating, ' she explains . 'For example, helping someone out or giving nutrition and fitness advice in an overly aggressive way even when they haven't asked.'

'Spending too much time with a personal trainer after the workout is over is another telltale sign ,' she continues.

The expert also described micro-cheating as similar to the peacock's flirtatious behavior of spreading its tail to attract attention.

'People who micro-cheate will try to run (on the treadmill) faster than usual or lift heavier weights to prove that they are a better candidate and suitable for (the needs of) the other person ,' she explains.

Additionally, she advises people to be careful if their partner or spouse suddenly becomes addicted to exercise and spends a lot of time at the gym.

Expert Leoni also advises couples to communicate with each other and set limits on unacceptable behaviors in each other to avoid unfortunate events.

Illicit Encounter 's research isn't the only data to support these findings.

Canadian-based adultery dating site Ashley Madison surveyed 1,100 members and found that three-quarters exercised to maintain the attention of an extramarital partner. Few exercised for health or longevity.

Another study by the website also found that 'going to the gym' was the fifth most common reason for cheating , followed by 'working late', 'meeting friends', 'going shopping' and 'going on a business trip'.