Are you aware that sex can be considered a form of exercise? During sexual activity, several physiological changes occur that are similar to those experienced during exercise, including: increased heart rate and blood pressure, increased breathing rate, muscle contractions, and the release of endorphins (feel-good hormones).
While sex may not be as intense as traditional forms of exercise, it can still provide some cardiovascular benefits and help to strengthen certain muscle groups, such as the pelvic floor muscles. Additionally, it can be a fun and enjoyable way to get moving and engage in physical activity.
Even masturbation burns some calories, though the exact amount varies depending on the intensity and duration of the activity. According to science, masturbation is healthy, and it’s considered a mild to moderate physical activity, similar to walking up a few flights of stairs, as it elevates your heart rate and blood pressure. While it won’t replace a gym workout, any physical activity contributes to calorie expenditure.
Research suggests that there are many potential benefits to having sex, both for individuals and for relationships, that can offer surprising benefits to all facets of life, including physical, intellectual, emotional, psychological, and social health.
However, it’s important to note that the amount of exercise derived from sex can vary depending on factors such as the frequency, duration, and intensity of the activity. Additionally, not all sexual activities involve the same level of physical exertion.
Physical benefits
- Improved Cardiovascular Health: Regular sex can elevate heart rate and may be linked to a lower risk of heart disease for both men and women. Some studies even show a connection to increased longevity.
- Boosted Immune System: Studies have found that people who have sex once or twice a week have higher levels of immunoglobulin A (IgA), an antibody that helps protect against infection.
- Pain Relief: The endorphins and oxytocin released during sex and orgasm can act as natural painkillers, potentially easing headaches, menstrual cramps, and other types of pain.
- Better Sleep: Sex can release hormones like oxytocin and prolactin, which promote relaxation and contribute to deeper, more restful sleep.
- Lower Blood Pressure: Sexual activity can help to reduce stress and anxiety, which can lead to lower blood pressure and improved heart health.
- Strengthened Pelvic Floor Muscles: For women, orgasms involve muscle contractions in the pelvic floor, which can strengthen these muscles and help prevent incontinence and potentially improve sexual pleasure.
- Reduced Risk of Prostate Cancer: For men, some research suggests a link between frequent ejaculation and a lower risk of prostate cancer.
- Potential for Weight Loss: Sex can be considered light exercise, burning calories and increasing heart rate, according to a study published in the journal PLOS One.
Mental and emotional benefits
- Reduced Stress and Anxiety: Sex triggers the release of endorphins, oxytocin, and dopamine, which are “feel-good” hormones that can reduce stress and anxiety while promoting relaxation.
- Improved Mood and Self-Esteem: The release of endorphins can boost mood and increase feelings of self-worth and confidence.
- Enhanced Intimacy and Bonding: Oxytocin, released during sex, strengthens feelings of attachment, trust, and empathy between partners, fostering a deeper connection and emotional closeness.
- Better Relationship Satisfaction: Studies have shown that couples who have regular and satisfying sex tend to report higher levels of relationship satisfaction.
- Improved Cognitive Function: Some studies suggest a correlation between more frequent sexual activity and improved memory performance, particularly in older adults.
It is important to remember that these are potential benefits, and individual experiences may vary. A healthy sex life, whether partnered or through masturbation, should always involve consent, open communication, and mutual pleasure.
Burning Calories is Easier Than You Think with THESE Sex Positions
Want to burn some extra calories after the gym? Try one of these sex positions and burn up to 70 calories in just 10 minutes.
Quick Highlights
- The butter churner sex position burns 70 calories in just 10 minutes, ranking as the most physically demanding intimate activity.
- Coming in close behind are standing and doggy style, which torch 66 and 61 calories in just 10 minutes.
- Reverse cowgirl and cowgirl positions burn the fewest calories at 16 and 13 calories per 10-minute session.
Have you ever wondered what you can gain from sex besides satisfaction? Well, according to a new study, the butter churner tops the list of calorie-burning sex positions, with participants burning up to 70 calories in just 10 minutes.
The research, conducted by whole-body vibration fitness experts, analyzed the caloric output of several sex positions to find out which ones provide the most physical benefits alongside pleasure.
Top 10 Positions That Burn the Most Calories
The butter churner position, where one partner lies on their back with their legs raised over their head while the other stands and penetrates from above, topped the list, with 70 calories burned in 10 minutes. This position requires significant core strength and flexibility, resulting in active muscle engagement that is comparable to a light workout.
The standing position ranked second in the study, with partners burning 66 calories in 10 minutes. This position requires good leg strength and balance, providing a workout for the lower body while reducing pressure on the back compared to some horizontal positions.
Doggy style came third, with 61 calories torched in 10 minutes. This classic position engages the arms, shoulders, and core muscles, offering a moderate workout while still ensuring plenty of fun in the bedroom with deep penetration.
The study found that the kneeling wheelbarrow position, which resembles a moving wheelbarrow, works off 56 calories in 10 minutes, ranking it fourth. Significant upper body strength is essential for this particular position and can improve arm endurance and core stability.
In fifth place is the lotus position, where partners sit face-to-face with legs wrapped around each other, burning 49 calories in 10 minutes. This intimate position promotes emotional connection while providing a gentle workout for the hips and thighs.
The eagle position, similar to missionary but with the receiving partner’s legs spread wide in an eagle shape, works off 48 calories in 10 minutes and ranked sixth. This position can improve hip flexibility while being less physically demanding than top-ranked positions.
With legs up in seventh place at 42 calories burned, this variation of missionary allows for deeper penetration while providing a moderate workout. The position is great for abdominal engagement for both partners.
Spooning ranked eighth, burning 34 calories in 10 minutes. This side-lying position requires less exertion than other positions but can still engage oblique muscles and is particularly suitable for pregnant women or those with back issues.
The mutual oral sex position, sixty-nine, came ninth with 26 calories burned in 10 minutes. While less physically demanding, this position can still improve neck flexibility and core stability depending on the specific arrangement.
Completing the top ten was the squat position at 17 calories burned in 10 minutes. Despite the name suggesting a demanding exercise, this sexual position involves less movement than higher-ranked activities but still engages the thigh muscles.
The study showed that the reverse cowgirl and cowgirl positions burned the fewest calories at 16 and 13 calories per 10-minute session, respectively. These positions are less physically dynamic due to slower movements that are smaller in range than other positions, like the butter churner.
Full Rankings
Gabriel Ettenson, MSPT, Chief Medical Officer of Hypervibe, added,
“It turns out that certain sex positions can double as effective mini-workouts. The top-ranked positions require significant muscle engagement and cardiovascular effort: the butter churner position demands excellent core strength and flexibility, explaining its high calorie burn, while standing positions challenge balance and leg muscles in ways similar to some fitness exercises.
“Couples looking to add physical benefits to their intimate lives might consider alternating between positions. Even the lower-ranked positions offer health benefits beyond calorie burning, including improved flexibility and circulation.
“While sex shouldn’t replace regular exercise, the more physically demanding positions can complement an active lifestyle and bring added benefits to intimate relationships.”
Methodology
This study utilized the NowPatient’s calculator to determine the number of calories burned in 10 minutes of various sex positions. The duration was based on the average of 7-13 minutes, which is the desirable duration of sex according to Healthline. The positions were then ranked from highest to lowest calorie burn.
This article was created at the WHN News Desk using some of the information provided by Anna Ryan on behalf of Hypervibe, committed to creating the highest quality products available at an affordable price, to offer state-of-the-art technology that can help support you in accomplishing your health and wellness goals.
As with anything you read on the internet, this article should not be construed as medical advice; please talk to your doctor or primary care provider before changing your wellness routine. WHN neither agrees nor disagrees with any of the materials posted. This article is not intended to provide a medical diagnosis, recommendation, treatment, or endorsement. Additionally, it is not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual, or anyone or anything. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
