Physical intimacy with a partner is a natural part of life. This is how the animal kingdom has been reproducing and fulfilling biological needs for ages.
However, after an intimate moment, when the body feels tired, a question may arise—how many calories were burned? Is sex as beneficial as exercise?
Although sex does burn calories, it cannot produce the same results as other physical activities.
The American Heart Association recommends that an adult should get 150 minutes of exercise per week. Sexual activity cannot replace this level of physical exertion.
According to the research paper ‘Energy Expenditure During Sexual Activity in Young Healthy Couples’ published in the journal PLOS, sex can burn about 3.1 to 4.2 calories per minute. The study also found that the increase in heart rate during sex is similar to the increase seen while running on a treadmill.
Although many believe that any activity that causes sweating burns calories, experts say sex does not yield the same results as cardio, strength training, or yoga.
In a report published on ‘WellandGood.com’, London-based sex therapist Gigi Engle said, “Even if you sweat, it is not accurate to think of sex as exercise.”
Rather, she emphasized, “It should be viewed as an enjoyable experience. Even if it doesn’t burn as many calories as needed, sex offers significant mental benefits.”
Sex releases endorphins, the hormones responsible for positive feelings such as happiness and satisfaction. These pleasant feelings motivate people to focus on other health-related activities as well—like exercising or managing stress.
Other Benefits
Some benefits of sexual activity are short-term, while others become evident later in life.
According to the study ‘The Health Benefits of Sexual Expression’ published in the International Journal of Sexual Health, short-term benefits of sexual activity include increased tolerance to inflammation, better blood circulation, and improved sleep quality.
“Not only that, the study also mentions that those who have sex regularly may enjoy a longer life.
In women, the benefits include improved pelvic floor muscles, better bladder control, and increased arousal,” says Dr. Sherry Ross, author of ‘She-ology: The Definitive Guide to Women’s Intimate Health’.
If sexual activity is enjoyable, it provides not only physical benefits but also mental relaxation. These include better mood, reduced stress, lower risk of depression, and improved sleep quality.
“For this, we can thank the release of endorphins and the ‘feel-good’ hormone dopamine after sex,” explains the California-based sexual health specialist.
However, experts warn that although sex reduces stress, enjoying intimacy with a partner also requires learning how to manage that stress.
Reading good books, spending more quality time with a loved one, taking yoga or exercise classes, or seeking advice from a mental health professional can all play a supportive role in maintaining well-being.
