Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsCalories BurnedContributing FactorsOther Forms of ExerciseWays to Burn Calories

Table of ContentsView All

View All

Table of Contents

Calories Burned

Contributing Factors

Other Forms of Exercise

Ways to Burn Calories

During sex, your heart rate rises, your breath quickens, and you might even work up a sweat. It’s natural to wonder if all this physical exertion translates to burningcalories. The short answer is yes. Like all physical activities, sex burns calories, though not as many as you might think.On average, people burn around 3 to 4 calories per minute during moderate-intensity sex, but certain factors can influence whether you burn fewer or more calories than average.This article discusses what you need to know about how many calories you burn during sex, orgasms, and other calorie-burning activities.Maskot / Getty ImagesCalories Burned During Sex​​Sex burns calories, but it’s not the same as ahigh-intensity interval training(HIIT) workout orweight-liftingsession at the gym. You burn calories during everyday activities like walking, standing, reading, andsleeping.Sexual activities—including foreplay, kissing, oral and penetrative sex, and other forms of physical intimacy—may contribute to your daily expenditure of calories.While sex may not be the most effective calorie-burning strategy, it does contribute to your overall activity level and can be a fun and healthy way to connect with your partner.Averages per MinuteResearch suggests that, on average, men burn around 4.2 calories per minute during sex, while women burn 3.1 calories per minute.However, the amount of calories burned varies from person to person, depending on factors like the intensity and duration of sex and individual differences in body composition and age.Averages per HourWhen extended to an hour, men burn roughly 252 calories during sex, and women burn about 180 calories.While it may be nice to picture an hour-long workout between the sheets, the reality is that the average sexual encounter clocks in around six minutes, according to one research study.This means a man would burn around 25 calories during the average sex session, and a woman would burn roughly 19 calories.However, the average sex session in this research study didn’t factor in time spent engaging in foreplay activities, like kissing, or other variables, such as sex position. If you’re particularly active during sex, spend more time on foreplay, or if your sexual activities tend to last longer, you’re likely to burn more calories.Sex Research LimitationsMuch of the existing data in sex research comes from older studies, and some may not reflect the current understanding of sex and sexuality. Additionally, many studies have focused primarily on heterosexual couples and men, with less emphasis on LGBTQ+ and women’s experiences, which can skew the overall findings and limit the applicability of the research.As sex research continues to evolve, we can expect a more comprehensive, inclusive picture of the benefits and factors involved in a healthy sex life.What Determines Calories Burned During Sex?Just like individual factors like body composition and age play a role in how many calories you burn during sex, factors related to sex itself can affect your overall calorie burn.Signs of Sex Addiction to RecognizePositionWhen it comes to calorie burning, positions that require more exertion will burn more calories. Sex positions in which you are on top require more body movements, exertion, and sustained effort and will naturally burn more calories. Similarly, switching positions throughout sex keeps your body moving and can contribute to a higher calorie burn.SpeedThe intensity of your movements also plays a role in how many calories you burn during sex. A slow and sensual session will burn fewer calories than a more vigorous encounter. Think of it like walking vs. running—your heart rate increases the faster you move, leading to more calories expended.DurationAs with any physical activity, the longer you engage in sexual activity, the more calories you burn. Take your time with foreplay to prolong the pleasure—calorie expenditure increases with your heart rate, and even foreplay gets your heart beating faster.OrgasmThe science onorgasmsand calorie burn is unclear. Orgasms may contribute a small amount to the total calories burned during sex, but exactly how many calories you burn during an orgasm is difficult to quantify.Research shows that heart rate tends to reach its peak in the moments leading up to orgasm, and the physical exertion getting to that point contributes to your overall calorie expenditure.The Health Benefits of SexBeyond the calories burn,sex offers benefitsfor your health and well-being, including:Boosted immunityImproved sleepIncreased self-esteemPain reliefStress reductionStronger bondsAdditionally, increased ejaculations—whether from sex or masturbation—are associated with a lower risk of prostate cancer in men.Calories, Sex, and Other Forms of ExerciseSex is a healthy way to stay active, but its primary focus is intimacy and pleasure, with exercise being a secondary benefit. Depending on the sex positions you engage in and how long sexual activity lasts, sex can be considered a mild to moderate form of exercise.Regular workouts provide a more comprehensive range of health benefits and a more significant calorie burn. Adults should get at least 150 minutes weekly of moderate-intensity aerobicexercisecombined with muscle-strengthening activities, such as weight-lifting or resistance training, at least two days per week. If you’re new to exercise or haven’t worked out in a while, start gradually and work up to more intense exercises as you build your tolerance and strength.Think of sex as a bonus workout you can enjoy with your partner, and prioritize dedicated exercise sessions to reach your fitness goals.Effective Calorie-Burning ActivitiesBeyond sex, many other activities can help you burn calories and improve your overall health. There are many options, depending on your preference and fitness level. For a 190-pound person, 30 minutes of exercise will burn:Brisk walk: 173 caloriesCycling: 173 caloriesDancing: 194 caloriesRunning: 432 caloriesSwimming: 259 caloriesEveryday activities can boost your calorie expenditure, such as:Doing yard work: Mowing the lawn, raking leaves, or gardening are all activities that get your body moving and burn calories.Taking the stairs:Skip the elevator and take the stairs whenever possible. It’s a simple way to burn extra calories throughout the day.Walking when you can: When possible, walk rather than drive when running errands, visiting friends and family, or exploring your neighborhood or town.SummarySex is a fun and intimate way to burn some calories, but it’s not a replacement for exercise. People burn an average of 3–4 calories per minute during sexual activity, while activities like swimming, cycling, and running can burn hundreds of calories in 30 minutes.Sex offers more health benefits beyond calorie burning—it can reduce stress, strengthen relationships, boost your immunity, and help you get a good night’s sleep.

During sex, your heart rate rises, your breath quickens, and you might even work up a sweat. It’s natural to wonder if all this physical exertion translates to burningcalories. The short answer is yes. Like all physical activities, sex burns calories, though not as many as you might think.

On average, people burn around 3 to 4 calories per minute during moderate-intensity sex, but certain factors can influence whether you burn fewer or more calories than average.

This article discusses what you need to know about how many calories you burn during sex, orgasms, and other calorie-burning activities.

Maskot / Getty Images

Couple sitting on a bed embracing one another intimately

Calories Burned During Sex

​​Sex burns calories, but it’s not the same as ahigh-intensity interval training(HIIT) workout orweight-liftingsession at the gym. You burn calories during everyday activities like walking, standing, reading, andsleeping.

Sexual activities—including foreplay, kissing, oral and penetrative sex, and other forms of physical intimacy—may contribute to your daily expenditure of calories.

While sex may not be the most effective calorie-burning strategy, it does contribute to your overall activity level and can be a fun and healthy way to connect with your partner.

Averages per Minute

Research suggests that, on average, men burn around 4.2 calories per minute during sex, while women burn 3.1 calories per minute.

However, the amount of calories burned varies from person to person, depending on factors like the intensity and duration of sex and individual differences in body composition and age.

Averages per Hour

When extended to an hour, men burn roughly 252 calories during sex, and women burn about 180 calories.While it may be nice to picture an hour-long workout between the sheets, the reality is that the average sexual encounter clocks in around six minutes, according to one research study.This means a man would burn around 25 calories during the average sex session, and a woman would burn roughly 19 calories.

However, the average sex session in this research study didn’t factor in time spent engaging in foreplay activities, like kissing, or other variables, such as sex position. If you’re particularly active during sex, spend more time on foreplay, or if your sexual activities tend to last longer, you’re likely to burn more calories.

Sex Research LimitationsMuch of the existing data in sex research comes from older studies, and some may not reflect the current understanding of sex and sexuality. Additionally, many studies have focused primarily on heterosexual couples and men, with less emphasis on LGBTQ+ and women’s experiences, which can skew the overall findings and limit the applicability of the research.As sex research continues to evolve, we can expect a more comprehensive, inclusive picture of the benefits and factors involved in a healthy sex life.

Sex Research Limitations

Much of the existing data in sex research comes from older studies, and some may not reflect the current understanding of sex and sexuality. Additionally, many studies have focused primarily on heterosexual couples and men, with less emphasis on LGBTQ+ and women’s experiences, which can skew the overall findings and limit the applicability of the research.As sex research continues to evolve, we can expect a more comprehensive, inclusive picture of the benefits and factors involved in a healthy sex life.

Much of the existing data in sex research comes from older studies, and some may not reflect the current understanding of sex and sexuality. Additionally, many studies have focused primarily on heterosexual couples and men, with less emphasis on LGBTQ+ and women’s experiences, which can skew the overall findings and limit the applicability of the research.

As sex research continues to evolve, we can expect a more comprehensive, inclusive picture of the benefits and factors involved in a healthy sex life.

What Determines Calories Burned During Sex?

Just like individual factors like body composition and age play a role in how many calories you burn during sex, factors related to sex itself can affect your overall calorie burn.

Signs of Sex Addiction to Recognize

Position

When it comes to calorie burning, positions that require more exertion will burn more calories. Sex positions in which you are on top require more body movements, exertion, and sustained effort and will naturally burn more calories. Similarly, switching positions throughout sex keeps your body moving and can contribute to a higher calorie burn.

Speed

The intensity of your movements also plays a role in how many calories you burn during sex. A slow and sensual session will burn fewer calories than a more vigorous encounter. Think of it like walking vs. running—your heart rate increases the faster you move, leading to more calories expended.

Duration

As with any physical activity, the longer you engage in sexual activity, the more calories you burn. Take your time with foreplay to prolong the pleasure—calorie expenditure increases with your heart rate, and even foreplay gets your heart beating faster.

Orgasm

The science onorgasmsand calorie burn is unclear. Orgasms may contribute a small amount to the total calories burned during sex, but exactly how many calories you burn during an orgasm is difficult to quantify.

Research shows that heart rate tends to reach its peak in the moments leading up to orgasm, and the physical exertion getting to that point contributes to your overall calorie expenditure.

The Health Benefits of SexBeyond the calories burn,sex offers benefitsfor your health and well-being, including:Boosted immunityImproved sleepIncreased self-esteemPain reliefStress reductionStronger bondsAdditionally, increased ejaculations—whether from sex or masturbation—are associated with a lower risk of prostate cancer in men.

The Health Benefits of Sex

Beyond the calories burn,sex offers benefitsfor your health and well-being, including:Boosted immunityImproved sleepIncreased self-esteemPain reliefStress reductionStronger bondsAdditionally, increased ejaculations—whether from sex or masturbation—are associated with a lower risk of prostate cancer in men.

Beyond the calories burn,sex offers benefitsfor your health and well-being, including:

Additionally, increased ejaculations—whether from sex or masturbation—are associated with a lower risk of prostate cancer in men.

Calories, Sex, and Other Forms of Exercise

Sex is a healthy way to stay active, but its primary focus is intimacy and pleasure, with exercise being a secondary benefit. Depending on the sex positions you engage in and how long sexual activity lasts, sex can be considered a mild to moderate form of exercise.

Regular workouts provide a more comprehensive range of health benefits and a more significant calorie burn. Adults should get at least 150 minutes weekly of moderate-intensity aerobicexercisecombined with muscle-strengthening activities, such as weight-lifting or resistance training, at least two days per week. If you’re new to exercise or haven’t worked out in a while, start gradually and work up to more intense exercises as you build your tolerance and strength.

Think of sex as a bonus workout you can enjoy with your partner, and prioritize dedicated exercise sessions to reach your fitness goals.

Effective Calorie-Burning Activities

Beyond sex, many other activities can help you burn calories and improve your overall health. There are many options, depending on your preference and fitness level. For a 190-pound person, 30 minutes of exercise will burn:

Everyday activities can boost your calorie expenditure, such as:

Summary

Sex is a fun and intimate way to burn some calories, but it’s not a replacement for exercise. People burn an average of 3–4 calories per minute during sexual activity, while activities like swimming, cycling, and running can burn hundreds of calories in 30 minutes.

Sex offers more health benefits beyond calorie burning—it can reduce stress, strengthen relationships, boost your immunity, and help you get a good night’s sleep.

10 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Frappier J, Toupin I, Levy JJ, Aubertin-Leheudre M, Karelis AD.Energy expenditure during sexual activity in young healthy couples.PLoS One. 2013;8(10):e79342. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0079342MedlinePlus.Ways to burn more calories every day. June 22, 2022.National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine; Health and Medicine Division; Food and Nutrition Board; Committee on the Dietary Reference Intakes for Energy. Dietary Reference Intakes for Energy. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 2023 Jan 17. 4.Factors affecting energy expenditure and requirements.Casazza K, Fontaine KR, Astrup A, et al.Myths, presumptions, and facts about obesity.N Engl J Med. 2013;368(5):446-454. doi:10.1056/NEJMsa1208051Oliva-Lozano JM, Alacid F, López-Miñarro PA, et al.What are the physical demands of sexual intercourse? A systematic review of the literature.Arch Sex Behav. 2022;51(3):1397-1417. doi:10.1007/s10508-021-02246-8American Academy of Family Physicians.Health benefits of a good sex life. December 16, 2022.Jian Z, Ye D, Chen Y, Li H, Wang K.Sexual activity and risk of prostate cancer: a dose-response meta-analysis.J Sex Med. 2018;15(9):1300-1309. doi:10.1016/j.jsxm.2018.07.004American Heart Association.American Heart Association recommendations for physical activity in adults and kids. January 19, 2024.State of Wisconsin: Department of Health Services.Calories burned per hour.U.S. Masters Swimming.How many calories will I burn while swimming?December 24, 2019.

10 Sources

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Frappier J, Toupin I, Levy JJ, Aubertin-Leheudre M, Karelis AD.Energy expenditure during sexual activity in young healthy couples.PLoS One. 2013;8(10):e79342. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0079342MedlinePlus.Ways to burn more calories every day. June 22, 2022.National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine; Health and Medicine Division; Food and Nutrition Board; Committee on the Dietary Reference Intakes for Energy. Dietary Reference Intakes for Energy. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 2023 Jan 17. 4.Factors affecting energy expenditure and requirements.Casazza K, Fontaine KR, Astrup A, et al.Myths, presumptions, and facts about obesity.N Engl J Med. 2013;368(5):446-454. doi:10.1056/NEJMsa1208051Oliva-Lozano JM, Alacid F, López-Miñarro PA, et al.What are the physical demands of sexual intercourse? A systematic review of the literature.Arch Sex Behav. 2022;51(3):1397-1417. doi:10.1007/s10508-021-02246-8American Academy of Family Physicians.Health benefits of a good sex life. December 16, 2022.Jian Z, Ye D, Chen Y, Li H, Wang K.Sexual activity and risk of prostate cancer: a dose-response meta-analysis.J Sex Med. 2018;15(9):1300-1309. doi:10.1016/j.jsxm.2018.07.004American Heart Association.American Heart Association recommendations for physical activity in adults and kids. January 19, 2024.State of Wisconsin: Department of Health Services.Calories burned per hour.U.S. Masters Swimming.How many calories will I burn while swimming?December 24, 2019.

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Frappier J, Toupin I, Levy JJ, Aubertin-Leheudre M, Karelis AD.Energy expenditure during sexual activity in young healthy couples.PLoS One. 2013;8(10):e79342. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0079342MedlinePlus.Ways to burn more calories every day. June 22, 2022.National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine; Health and Medicine Division; Food and Nutrition Board; Committee on the Dietary Reference Intakes for Energy. Dietary Reference Intakes for Energy. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 2023 Jan 17. 4.Factors affecting energy expenditure and requirements.Casazza K, Fontaine KR, Astrup A, et al.Myths, presumptions, and facts about obesity.N Engl J Med. 2013;368(5):446-454. doi:10.1056/NEJMsa1208051Oliva-Lozano JM, Alacid F, López-Miñarro PA, et al.What are the physical demands of sexual intercourse? A systematic review of the literature.Arch Sex Behav. 2022;51(3):1397-1417. doi:10.1007/s10508-021-02246-8American Academy of Family Physicians.Health benefits of a good sex life. December 16, 2022.Jian Z, Ye D, Chen Y, Li H, Wang K.Sexual activity and risk of prostate cancer: a dose-response meta-analysis.J Sex Med. 2018;15(9):1300-1309. doi:10.1016/j.jsxm.2018.07.004American Heart Association.American Heart Association recommendations for physical activity in adults and kids. January 19, 2024.State of Wisconsin: Department of Health Services.Calories burned per hour.U.S. Masters Swimming.How many calories will I burn while swimming?December 24, 2019.

Frappier J, Toupin I, Levy JJ, Aubertin-Leheudre M, Karelis AD.Energy expenditure during sexual activity in young healthy couples.PLoS One. 2013;8(10):e79342. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0079342

MedlinePlus.Ways to burn more calories every day. June 22, 2022.

National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine; Health and Medicine Division; Food and Nutrition Board; Committee on the Dietary Reference Intakes for Energy. Dietary Reference Intakes for Energy. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 2023 Jan 17. 4.Factors affecting energy expenditure and requirements.

Casazza K, Fontaine KR, Astrup A, et al.Myths, presumptions, and facts about obesity.N Engl J Med. 2013;368(5):446-454. doi:10.1056/NEJMsa1208051

Oliva-Lozano JM, Alacid F, López-Miñarro PA, et al.What are the physical demands of sexual intercourse? A systematic review of the literature.Arch Sex Behav. 2022;51(3):1397-1417. doi:10.1007/s10508-021-02246-8

American Academy of Family Physicians.Health benefits of a good sex life. December 16, 2022.

Jian Z, Ye D, Chen Y, Li H, Wang K.Sexual activity and risk of prostate cancer: a dose-response meta-analysis.J Sex Med. 2018;15(9):1300-1309. doi:10.1016/j.jsxm.2018.07.004

American Heart Association.American Heart Association recommendations for physical activity in adults and kids. January 19, 2024.

State of Wisconsin: Department of Health Services.Calories burned per hour.

U.S. Masters Swimming.How many calories will I burn while swimming?December 24, 2019.

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