Does Sex Really Count As A Workout, Because I'm Also Just Asking For A Friend

You've probably joked before about how the last time you had sex, it felt like an actual workout. I mean, everyone's at least thought about that. But no one really wants to be the one to ask that question. Interestingly enough, research already shows women who exercise regularly have more active sex lives, are quicker to reach orgasm, and are more easily turned on than women who don't exercise.

So it's not a totally ridiculous thought, right? But when all is said and done, could you actually replace your usual SoulCycle class with a steamy sex session?

(I promise, I'm definitely just asking for a friend.)

Elite Daily spoke with Dr. Anthony Balduzzi, founder of The Fit Father Project, to see if you can actually skip the gym in the name of getting laid.

He explains,

Sex burns roughly four calories per minute, depending on how 'adventurous' your positions are. For reference, brisk walking burns roughly five calories per minutes. If you were to spend 30 minutes walking on the treadmill, you'd burn around 150 calories. If you spend 30 minutes 'between the sheets,' you'll burn roughly the same number of calories -- making sex a legitimate, light-to-moderate workout.

Depending on how vigorous the sex is, your heart rate can climb to over 100 beats per minute, says Dr. Balduzzi.

And, according to the American Heart Association, 100 beats per minute is a pretty solid target for overall heart health.

But don't go cancelling your gym membership just yet.

Though getting horizontal with a lover may be healthy AF, Dr. Balduzzi says sex doesn't quite raise your heart rate enough to replace some good old-fashioned cardio.

As healthy as sex is, it's still a good idea to do some higher-intensity cardio intervals outside the bedroom.

So... SoulCycle and then sex? Throw me a bone here, doc.

If you're feeling particularly ambitious, you can certainly get creative and set your alarm to make sure you incorporate morning sex before your AM workout, you little overachiever.

Bottom line: Sex really can amount to a full-blown workout, depending on how intense it gets.

And Balduzzi makes sure to remind you of the “less measurable” benefits of good sex, as well:

[These include] improved mood, increased oxytocin levels (our human bonding hormone), deeper sleep, and a stronger immune system -- all of which will benefit your overall health, fitness, and well-being.

So, go forth and “burn some calories.” I won't tell.