Although sex and masturbation don’t always lead to orgasms, they often do. Besides feeling amazing, having an orgasm can also burn calories.
That brings us to our question of the day – can having an orgasm burn calories?
Orgasmic Fitness
Much like other forms of exercise, the number of calories you burn during sex depends on how vigorous your session is. A slow sex session is probably equivalent to a gentle yoga class, whereas intense sex with multiple positions can be more like crossfit.
There is limited research on how many calories are burned during sex because of the many variables, including sex, weight, age, and the type of sex.
One study found that on average, during sex men burn about 4.2 calories per minute (101 calories per session), while women burn an average of 3.1 calories per minute (69 calories per session).
Other studies suggest that having sex gives roughly the same cardiovascular boost as climbing a couple flights of stairs or going for a brisk walk.
While these studies were done on straight couples, it’s safe to assume that in queer relationships, the person who’s putting in more work is likely burning more calories (commonly referred to as ‘tops’).
Okay, but what about a single orgasm?
Both males and females experience rhythmic pelvic floor contractions during an orgasm. These contractions take energy, as does your heart as your heart rate increases during sex.
Unfortunately, there’s no clear research on exactly how much you burn during a single orgasm. But based on research done on calories used during sex, it’s safe to say you likely burn a handful of them while you climax.
Are Orgasms a Replacement for Exercise?
Burning calories is probably not your priority when it comes to having sex and should not be a replacement for exercise.
Having an orgasm, even if it’s from vigorous sex, does not offer enough physical activity or cardiovascular benefits to replace your workout routine. Certain positions probably offer more calorie-burning benefits like cowgirl, doggy style and standing positions.
Although orgasms certainly aren’t going to help you meet your fitness goals without a solid workout plan, they do offer another benefit – helping you form a deeper connection with your body.
Generally speaking, the more connected you are with your body, the more likely you are to want to take care of it. So, in a way, having more orgasms can help motivate you to move your body in other ways, and vice versa.
How To Have More Orgasms
It’s clear by how many research this topic that most people want more orgasms, and more often. Here are some tips to do so:
- Communicate clearly: If you’re satisfied with the amount of orgasms you’re having during partnered sex, it can often be improved with communication. You need to be able to tell your partner what does and doesn’t work for you in the moment.
- Try a new toy: One of our favorite ways to bring more orgasms into our lives is with sex toys. If you’re looking for a beginner toy, we recommend DOT, a clitoral pinpoint vibrator with a soft, bendable tip designed with female orgasms in mind, whether during solo masturbation or partnered sex.
- Use lube: When you’re going at it for a while, it’s easy to lose lubrication. Lube is great for minimizing friction and aiding climax. Use a water-based lubricant with your silicone sex toys to keep them in the best condition while keeping you lubricated.
As a gentle reminder, orgasms don’t have to be the point of sex. Whether or not it’s with a partner, sex is a time for you to connect with your body and your partner, experience deep pleasure, explore intimacy and sensuality, and maybe even burn a few calories!
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