How Much Sex Counts as Exercise?

Sex can count as an exercise option in a couple’s workout routine; Study

The average sex romp can burn more calories than walking.

Sex counts as aerobic exercise and can burn more calories than other forms of physical activity outside the bedroom, according to a study conducted at the University of Quebec at Montreal (UQAM).

The study found the average sex romp lasts 25 minutes and burns 101 calories in men and 69 calories in women.

Researchers tracked 21 young heterosexual couples from Montreal, Quebec to measure calorie loss from sex and compare it to aerobic exercise outside the bedroom. All the couples were in their twenties and healthy with no cardiovascular diseases, diabetes or orthopedic ailments.

Each participant ran on a treadmill for 30 minutes when the study began. Then the couples were asked to have sex in the privacy of their homes doing what they normally enjoy.

Calorie loss and exercise intensity both in and outside the bedroom was measured by a SenseWear armband, which each volunteer wore on the upper left arm.

“Energy expenditure from sexual activity was significantly higher in men compared to women,” wrote Dr. Antony D. Karelis, a professor in the Department of Human Kinetics at UQAM, and the study’s lead author.

However, the exercise intensity of sex, measured in METS (metabolic equivalent of task, oxygen used/energy expended), was similar in men and women.

Intensity during sex was 6.0 METS in men and 5.6 METS in women, which represents moderate exercise like running on a treadmill.

Source

Frappier, J et al. (2013). Energy Expenditure during Sexual Activity in Young Healthy Couples. PLOS One. Doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0079342

The researchers believe the results could help medical professionals create healthy living plans with their patients. The study is published in the journal PLOS One.

Sexercise connection

Sexercise is an active lifestyle that provides couples with ways to combine sex and exercise with healthy food choices to keep fit, have fun and maintain happiness.

Sexual intercourse has been scientifically shown to burn calories. It is more fun than exercise outside the bedroom and sex can count as another workout option in a couple’s fitness plan for a healthy lifestyle. Read about the most frequently asked questions about Sexercise to learn more.

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