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Can You Count Sex As Exercise?

The debate over whether sex counts as exercise isn’t exactly a new one, and it seems that the answer is different depending on which so-called sexpert you ask. However there’s no doubt that great sex burns off a few calories and requires a bit of stamina! Here’s a look at what sex can do for your physical fitness.

According to Harvard Medical School, most people tend to overestimate just how much exercise they are getting during sex. On average, the heart rate stays below 130 beats a minute, and the number of calories burned is a modest five per minute; the equivalent to a gentle stroll. 

Of course, it also depends on the style of sex you are having and how much effort is going into it. Some positions require more exertion than others, and some even demand a degree of strength and flexibility that would challenge the most dedicated yoga practitioner. (Viennese Oyster, anyone?)

If you want to try and tone up and burn up some extra calories during sex, a great tip is to try something new. This could be as simple as standing up in the shower instead of your usual bedroom location, or experimenting with new positions such as the wheelbarrow. Simply making your sex sessions last longer with great foreplay and afterplay can help too.

However, perhaps counting the calories and measuring heart rates is not the way to think about sex. After all, it is not just about physical needs, as it is also important for our mental wellbeing too. When we make love, the brain releases neuro chemicals such as endorphins, which are a natural mood booster. 

Maybe ditching your regular exercise for sex is not the way to go, but introducing a little variety into your usual routine can’t do any harm.


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