Sexual activity has long been recognized as a pleasurable activity that can enhance intimacy and improve overall well-being. However, what many people may not realize is that sex can also be a surprisingly effective way to burn calories and shed pounds.
With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, access to traditional forms of exercise, such as going to the gym or participating in group fitness classes, has been limited for many people. As a result, many have turned to home exercise equipment or outdoor activities to stay active. But for those who enjoy sex, it can be a fun and enjoyable way to incorporate cardio exercise into their routine.
The Health Benefits of Sex
Not only is sex a fun way to get your heart pumping, but it also provides a range of health benefits. For example, sexual activity can improve cardiovascular health by increasing heart rate and improving blood flow. It can also help to reduce stress and anxiety, promote better sleep, and boost overall mood.
In terms of physical fitness, sex can be an effective form of cardio exercise. To achieve the maximum health benefits from cardio exercise, it is generally recommended that adults engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity per week. This can include activities such as brisk walking, cycling, or running. However, sexual activity can also be included as part of this overall cardio regimen.
The Importance of Time
While any form of sexual activity can provide some health benefits, the length of time spent engaging in the activity can have a significant impact on the number of calories burned. Quickies may be fun, but they don’t provide much of a workout. Instead, it’s important to focus on prolonging sexual activity in order to increase the calorie burn.
Foreplay can be an effective way to increase the duration of sexual activity and boost calorie burn. As foreplay increases arousal, it also increases heart rate and the number of calories burned. Other techniques to prolong sexual activity include active alternation of positions and delaying climax. The longer the sexual activity lasts, the more calories will be burned.
The Most Effective Positions for Calorie Burn
When it comes to calorie burn during sex, the most effective positions are those that require more physical effort. For example, the traditional missionary position can be quite demanding on fitness, especially if the partner on top is holding their weight on outstretched arms. This can be an effective position for men to burn calories, as they can burn up to 120 kCal per session.
Another effective position for men is the popular “doggy style” position, which can burn up to 120 kCal for men and 80 kCal for women in the same amount of time. For women who want to burn more calories, the cowgirl position is recommended. This position involves the woman performing most of the activity and therefore burning more calories, with some women burning over 170 kCal per session.
For those looking for a more challenging workout, the standing position can be a good option. In this position, the partner is standing on top of the other and depends on their partner’s physical strength and stamina to maintain stability. While this position can be challenging, it can also be an effective cardio workout.
On average, men can burn over 400 kCal per hour of sexual activity, while women burn around 300 kCal per hour. Of course, these numbers can vary depending on factors such as the duration of sexual activity, the intensity of the activity, and the physical condition of the individuals involved.
In Conclusion
While sexual activity may not replace traditional forms of exercise entirely, it can be a fun and enjoyable way to supplement your fitness routine. By prolonging sexual activity and focusing on positions that require more physical effort