Sex: Is It Considered As a Workout?

Sex, a beautiful expression of emotions, is both emotional and physical. With its intensity, it often feels like a workout. But is it truly an activity that can be considered part of your fitness program? Let’s delve into this question.

While personal trainers and research may lean towards considering sex as not being a workout, a particular study provides insight into this intriguing question.

In a study involving 21 heterosexual couples from Montreal, researchers discovered that a 25-minute session of sexual intercourse burned an average of 101 calories for men and 69.1 calories for women. A comparison was made with participants’ 30-minute treadmill workouts.

Research indicates that sexual intercourse may not be as intense of a workout as commonly believed. A study found that men burn around 279 calories and women burn around 213 calories on a treadmill, suggesting that sex is less strenuous. Another study revealed that men typically expend 3.5 calories per minute during intercourse, comparable to a leisurely walk.

On average, a sexual intercourse session lasts about 6 minutes, burning just over 18 calories for men. While not a significant calorie burner, Sara Silberstang of Mind Body Love acknowledges that any calories burned during sex are better than none.

In addition to its pleasurable nature, sex offers various health benefits. Studies suggest that engaging in a 10-minute session can boost cardiorespiratory health, elevate serotonin levels, and enhance sleep quality.

Research suggests that sexual intercourse not only provides physical pleasure but also offers potential mental health benefits. Orgasms release hormones like oxytocin, prolactin, and serotonin, which contribute to improved mood, reduced stress, and increased relaxation.

It is often not classified as a workout due to the average session’s duration. To qualify, sessions would require increased length, which can be achieved by improving endurance.

Activating the pelvic floor muscles enhances endurance by improving blood flow to the genitals, resulting in longer orgasms and potential prevention of premature ejaculation.

Enhance pelvic muscles with Kegel exercises for improved prostate health and increased sexual endurance. Contract and release in sets for optimal results. Build up reps over time for enhanced performance.

Ready to boost your sexual endurance and improve prostate health? Give Kegel exercises a try and let us know how they work for you!