Having sex burns calories: science says so.

The festive period is over, and after lots of seasonal indulgence, it’s time to feel healthy again! What if we told you that burning calories didn’t have to involve gym memberships, training sessions, or hours of jogging? What if we told you that good health could come from hours of long, satisfying sex?

Can this be true? Can an activity that gives such pleasure also be a workout? Does sex burn calories?

The fact that sex is beneficial both physically and psychologically is well-known: it reduces stress, helps us sleep better and enhances natural beauty. But exactly how many calories does sex burn?

Let's take a closer look.

According to various studies, sex helps burn calories, but this doesn’t mean it should replace all other forms of exercise…

How many calories does sex burn? Studies show that men tend to burn more than women during sex. During a 20 minute session, a man will burn an average of 100 calories, and a woman, 70. These numbers vary in relation to what exactly you get up to during those 20 minutes…

Long, sensual kissing.

Studies show that kissing your partner for at least 20-30 minutes helps you burn about 230 extra calories!

couple in bed exchanging a kiss during sexual intercourse

Changing position.

The positions adopted during intercourse certainly impact how many calories are burned. If you decide to go on top, or keep your legs up? Expect to burn around 120 more calories!

Healthy oral sex.

Did you know that an extra 100 calories can be burned during 20 minutes of giving oral sex? What amazing news! Let’s start giving foreplay the credit it deserves - and acknowledge that it can be quite a work out.

woman simulates oral sex with a banana in bed

Massage.

Does sex burn calories? Yes, and massage, too! Massaging your partner will not only help to warm up the atmosphere, but it will also burn an extra 80 calories per hour!

Reaching the pinnacle of pleasure.

Does your intercourse end with a satisfying orgasm? Well, you can count an extra 60 calories burnt!

woman reaches orgasm in bed

Once again, we are reminded of the benefits of not only sex, but also touch, sensuality, and physical closeness. How many calories does sex burn? In the end, the numbers don’t really matter! While having sex doesn’t mean you should forgo your usual exercise routine, we can celebrate the fact that there’s no other activity capable of providing so many psychological and physical benefits.

Make the most of these sensual moments by switching off your mind and dedicating yourself to the moment. If you’ve managed to burn some extra calories by the end, well, that’s just a bonus!