She Strengthens

The Surprising Caloric Benefits of Sex

When it comes to burning calories, our minds often wander to traditional exercises like jogging or Pilates. But what about sex? Can it really contribute to our daily calorie burn?

The Caloric Reality of Sex

Research suggests that sex can indeed burn some calories, although not as many as we might hope. On average, sex burns around 3-4 calories per minute, which translates to approximately 21 calories per average sexual encounter (lasting around 6 minutes). While this may not replace your gym routine, it’s still a notable benefit.

Breaking Down the Numbers

A 2013 study of 21 healthy couples found that men burned an average of 101 calories (4.2 cals/min) and women burned 69 calories (3.1 cals/min) during 24-minute sex sessions. However, a 2013 review disputed these findings, claiming that burning 100-300 calories during sex is a myth. According to their research, a 150-pound man working at moderate intensity would burn only 3.5 cals/min, similar to walking at a 3-mile-per-hour pace.

Boosting Caloric Burn During Sex

Want to maximize your caloric burn during sex? Here are some tips:

• Go longer: Increase the duration of your sexual encounters to burn more calories.
• Get sweaty: Turn up the heat and get moving to increase your caloric expenditure.
• Mix it up: Try new positions and contortions to challenge yourself physically.

Beyond Caloric Burn: The Health Benefits of Sex

While sex may not be a significant calorie-torcher, it offers numerous other health benefits:

• Healthy heart: Regular sex can reduce the risk of heart disease.
• Stress relief and bonding: Sex releases feel-good hormones like oxytocin and prolactin, promoting relaxation and bonding.
• Better sleep: Orgasming before sleep can lead to improved sleep quality.
• Stronger pelvic floor: Sex can strengthen pelvic floor muscles, supporting bladder, bowel, and uterus health.

The Bottom Line

While sex may not be a substitute for traditional exercise, it can still contribute to your overall calorie burn. More importantly, it offers a range of physical and emotional benefits that make it a valuable part of a healthy lifestyle. So, go ahead and enjoy the ride – your body (and mind) will thank you!