Can Sex Count As Exercise?

Sex is not only a pleasurable experience but can also be counted as a workout given the similar physiological effects. However, sex cannot be completely considered as exercise as it does not burn enough calories.

The physiological response to sex is similar to exercise which makes it comparable to a full body workout. Compared to exercise, sexual activity showed a 75 percent of maximal exercise or a moderate level of physical stress.

Studies from the 1960s showed that people having sex had an increased heart rate, respiratory rate and blood pressure. These elevated rates experienced during sex are similar to what is experienced during exercise.

Similar recent findings have been observed by a number of researchers using wireless equipment allowing more realistic results. Results showed a significant increase in markers of physiological stress, including heart rate and blood pressure.

A 2013 study found out that men burned four calories per minute during sexual activity. Women, on the other hand, burned three calories per minute, according to Huffington Post.

Sex produces a change in human physiology similar to exercise. However, some experts argue that sex does not produce significant change in human physiology for the better in the long term.

Energy expenditure among sexual activity is similar to moderate physical activity such as brisk walking or walking uphill. Since the average time of sexual activity is at 33 minutes, the recorded time of energy spent was spent at lower stress levels.

Unfortunately, sex usually only lasts somewhere closer between two to six minutes. This means that only about 20 calories are burned during sexual activity. The treadmill workout, however, rated more intense as it burned double the calories compared to sexual activity.

Since most sex cannot be sustained long enough for a true physiological change to happen in the long term, some experts argue that it cannot be considered as exercise. In addition, sex does not occur as frequently enough to constitute as exercise.

While sex cannot completely substitute to a good workout, there are others ways sex can be beneficial such as boosting heart health, banishing stress and strengthening the immune system. While sex should not replace regular exercise, sex and exercise should be incorporated into a person's routine on a regular basis, according to Antony D. Karelis as cited by Men's Journal.