There’s no denying that you can build up a sweat between the sheets, but how many calories can sex burn exactly? A 2013 UK study found that on average, women burned three calories a minute and men burned four. On average, each sex session the researchers looked at was between 10 and 57 minutes. Maximum calorie burn, on average, was 117 for women and 239 for men. So, although that doesn’t equate to 30 minutes on a treadmill—you can burn 213 to 276 calories—it’s still something, especially if you aren’t active.
In order to burn maximum calories, you need to get your heart rate above 120 beats per minute. On the other hand, some experts suggest sex is most likely to burn fat as opposed to burning calories, which is still a plus for sure!
Even if sex isn’t a big calorie torcher, it offers another benefit—building muscle—if done in certain positions, of course.
Exercise physiologist Tom Holland explained, “[Having sex] may not be burning a ton of calories, but you’re working your core.” By experimenting with different positions, you can improve strength and flexibility.
One of the moves in particular that can build muscle is having the woman on top. Holding yourself up in a plank position above your partner is great for your arms and core.
Can sex replace your typical gym workout? No, sorry, it won’t, but that’s not to say that it isn’t a great and fun addition to your normal fitness routine!
Related: Researchers uncover secret to a healthy sex life