Sex and Exercise: How They Compare
Do you know that feeling of exhaustion after a passionate night spent with your partner? That’s not just because you’ve had a busy day, but also because you’ve had a good workout! Sex is considered an exercise that has a considerable impact on our bodies.
In this article, we’re going to talk about how sex affects our bodies, compare it to other exercises, and discuss how beneficial sex can be for our health. Let’s dive in!
Physical Changes During Sex
When we engage in sexual activity, many of our bodily functions change. Our hearts start racing, blood vessels dilate, and our breathing deepens.
Muscles in our arms, legs, hips, and core become more active, and we use more energy. It’s no wonder that we feel so exhausted after a session of lovemaking!
The Systems Activated During Sex
When we have sex, our bodies activate several systems that support our physical and emotional health. The cardiovascular system provides our muscles with more oxygen, which helps us maintain the required energy levels throughout the session.
The endocrine system also releases hormones such as oxytocin and endorphins, making us feel happy and relaxed.
METs for Traditional Sex
During sex, we exert a certain amount of energy, which can be measured through METs (metabolic equivalents). An average person burns between 3-4 METs per minute during moderate-intensity sex.
To put that into perspective, a person walking at a moderate pace burns around 3.5 METs per minute.
Comparing Sex to Other Exercises
Although sex doesn’t feel like exercise, it still yields similar benefits, such as burning calories. Let’s take a closer look at how sex compares to other workouts!
Study on METs During Sex and Jogging
A study conducted by the University of Quebec found that sex at moderate intensity produces energy equivalent to jogging on a treadmill at a speed of 7.5 km per hour. It’s not bad for an activity that most people enjoy!
Calories Burned During Various Sexual Activities
Just like with other exercises, the number of calories burned during sex depends on the intensity and duration of the activity. Here’s a breakdown of different types of sexual activities, along with the number of calories burnt per hour.
- Foreplay: 120-180 calories
- Kissing: 68 calories
- Making Out: 103 calories
- Undressing: 45 calories
- Normal sex: 144-286 calories
- Oral sex: 100 calories
- Getting handsy: 89 calories
Comparison of Sex to Other Exercises
To put things into perspective, here’s a quick comparison between sex and other exercises in terms of calories burnt per hour.
- Walking: 240 calories
- Cycling: 450 calories
- Swimming: 600 calories
- Yoga: 240 calories
- Running: 700 calories
- Sex: 144-286 calories
Benefits of Regular Sexual Activity
Other than the pleasure factor, regular sex and intimate contact can bring a series of health benefits. A few of them are listed below:
- Reducing stress levels: Sexual activity releases endorphins that reduce stress and enhance mood.
- Improving cardiovascular health: Regular sexual activity can improve heart health and lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
- Boosting immune system: Sexual activity stimulates cellular immunity, which is an essential defense mechanism against diseases.
- Reducing chronic pain: The release of endorphins during sexual activity can reduce chronic pain, including menstrual cramps and migraines.
Final Thoughts
Sex can be a fun and engaging activity that also keeps you healthy and happy. Although it’s not a substitute for other exercises, it’s still a great way to burn calories and engage your body systems.
So get active, have fun, and reap the benefits of regular sex!
Caution and Risks
Sex is a fun and enjoyable activity, but it can also come with risks. Here are some things to consider before engaging in sexual activity.
Dangers of Difficult Positions
One of the biggest dangers of sexual activity is the risk of injury. Certain sexual positions, especially those that involve extreme flexibility, can put strain on your body and lead to injuries such as broken bones, sprains, and strains.
To avoid this, make sure to communicate with your partner about what feels comfortable for both of you and avoid pushing past your physical limits.
Physical Demands of Sex
Sex can be a physically demanding activity, and it’s essential to listen to your body to avoid overexertion. During sexual activity, your heart rate can increase, and adrenaline can surge, making you feel out of breath and sweaty.
If you have a pre-existing heart condition, it’s crucial to talk to your doctor before engaging in sexual activity to ensure it’s safe for you.
Psychological Effects of Sex
Sex isn’t just a physical activity; it can also have a significant impact on your mental health. Willingness to engage in sexual activity varies from person to person.
It’s important to respect and communicate with your partner about what you’re comfortable with and what your boundaries are. Engaging in sexual activity that makes you uncomfortable can have lasting emotional effects.
Miscellaneous
Trivia on Extramarital Affairs
While it’s not advisable to engage in extramarital affairs, it’s interesting to note that certain activities that are typically associated with affairs can also burn a significant number of calories. Engaging in sexual activity with a mistress or lover can burn up to 411 calories per hour! However, it is important to remember that honesty and trust are essential components of any relationship.
Humorous Facts About Sex
Sex can be a fun and humorous activity that brings people together. Did you know that having sex with your clothes on can burn around 69 calories?
Alternatively, if you’re feeling adventurous, having sex in public can be a thrilling and exciting experience (though we don’t recommend it!). Overall, it’s important to remember that sex should be a safe, mutually enjoyable experience.
Sex and exercise are closely linked, and in this article, we’ve explored how sex affects our bodies, how it compares to other exercises, and the potential risks involved. We’ve learned that sex is a physically demanding activity that requires communication, consent, and respect to avoid injury or emotional damage.
Despite the risks, sex can also be a fun, safe way to enjoy physical activity and improve our mental and physical health. By staying informed about the physical and psychological effects of sex, we can make informed decisions and enjoy the benefits that sexual activity can bring to our lives.
