Does sex count as a workout? I mean really, is a sex workout a thing? Depending on your pace and position, there are definitely times when sex really feels like a workout. Here are some of the benefits of sex as a workout.

Sex as a workout

To answer the question of whether or not a sex workout exists or if sex as a workout really is a thing, let’s first define what exercise really means.

Exercise is an “activity requiring physical effort, carried out to sustain or improve health and fitness.” If during your latest sex session, you’re exerting yourself in sex positions that increase heart rate and challenge muscles to hold positions that require physical endurance and strength, then you, my friend, may be engaging in a sex workout. (Heck yes, get it, girl.)

Plus, sex gets you moving, and just like you never regret going for a walk or taking the stairs — because hello, you’re moving — the same can be said about a sex workout. Movement, after all, counts as exercise.

“Sex can certainly count as a physical workout, depending on the level of intensity and the duration of the activity,” shares Mak Adikami, a certified sex expert at Lusty Boy. “It requires physical exertion and can involve anaerobic activity, similar to other forms of physical exercise.”

However, Adikami says it’s important to note that sex doesn’t provide the same health benefits as regular physical exercise such as aerobic activity and strength training, and thus, it shouldn’t be solely relied on for physical fitness. (No need to cancel your gym membership just yet, folks.)

How sex can be just as good as a workout

1. Boosts mood

Sex, like a workout, has many benefits. One of those benefits of sex is boosted mood. That’s because the act of sex can release some of the same neurochemicals that you get when you exercise. Think of things like endorphins, which are a natural mood elevator. Want to be in a better mood, but can’t get to the gym? Have some partnered sex or ride solo with your favorite sex toys.

2. Improved flexibility

Let’s be real, some sexual positions often require a certain level of flexibility. Adikmai shares that engaging in sexual activity regularly can help improve your flexibility over time, making it easier to try out different positions and enjoy a more satisfying experience. Naked yoga, anyone?

3. Increased cardiovascular health

According to Adikami, “Engaging in sexual activity can provide a great cardiovascular workout. It gets your heart pumping and your blood flowing, which is excellent for your overall heart health.”

4. Muscle toning

“Sex involves various muscle groups, including your core, glutes, and even your arms,” notes Adikmai. “Regular sexual activity can help tone and strengthen these muscles, giving you a more defined physique.”

5. Stress relief

Sex is a natural stress reliever, says Adikami. “When you engage in sexual activity, your body releases feel-good hormones like endorphins and oxytocin, which can help reduce anxiety and improve your mood,” he adds. Back to point number one. 

Tips for sex as a workout

• Add some resistance. Incorporating resistance into your sexual activities can help make them more physically demanding, shares Adikami. “You can do this by using resistance bands or even your own body weight,” he explains. “For example, try doing planks or push-ups while engaging in certain positions.” (Can someone please try this and report back to me? Okay, thanks.)
• Engage your core. “Your core muscles play a crucial role in many sexual positions,” says Adikami. “To make sex more of a workout, focus on engaging your core muscles throughout the act.” This can be done by consciously contracting and strengthening your abdominal muscles during different movements.
• Get your heart rate up. One of the best ways to create a sex workout is by getting your heart rate up. To do this, Adikami says to try incorporating more cardio-like movements into your sexual activities. “Think of it as a fun and intimate way to get in your daily exercise,” he says.
• Make your sex sessions longer. One way to make sex more like a workout is to go for longer sex sessions. Longer sex sessions can increase your heart rate, stamina, and strength. Whether you’re into foreplay or penetrative sex, set that clock and get after it for longer amounts of time if you’re game. If you need to work on your sexual endurance, consider incorporating edging into your sex life.
• Try a new position. Although you may love a good routine, muscles crave challenges and newness. That means mixing it up in the gym and in the bedroom. Changing your sex positions or routine will engage different muscle groups providing a new (and hopefully) fun challenge. Adikami says to make sex more of a workout, try experimenting with different positions that require more effort and engage different muscle groups. “This will not only keep things interesting but also give you a better workout,” he says.

Need some ideas? Try for at least one orgasm, different types of orgasms, or multiple orgasms. On your period? Don’t worry, period sex can still happen. Oh, and don’t forget to moan if you feel so inclined.

The bottom on line on a sex workout

Sex as a workout can definitely be a thing. Even though it doesn’t give you the same workout as you would get in a class or at the gym, there are some benefits of sex as a workout. Just remember to use safe sex practices and have fun with it.