Sexercise is real: 9 ways you're getting fit while you get it on

Let’s be real: sometimes the idea of working out feels about as appealing as doing your taxes in a thunderstorm. You know it’s good for you, you know you need it, but the effort is simply beyond your scope. Guess what? There's good news.

Just in case you missed the memo, it turns out that one of the most enjoyable, intimate, and satisfying activities you can do with a partner (or without) also happens to be a legit form of exercise? Yep—sexercise, baby. Whether it’s a sweaty morning quickie before work, a lazy Sunday romp, or a solo sesh with your favorite toy and some mood lighting, sex can 100% count as physical activity. And it does a hell of a lot more for you than get your blood pumping .

So how exactly does getting it on help you get fit? Let’s break it down, shall we?

1. It burns calories (true story).

While you may not be bench pressing, sex can still torch a surprising number of calories. On average, a sexy rumble 'n tumble can burn anywhere from 70 to 100 calories in just 25 minutes—depending on how enthused you are, of course. And, depending on your position preferences, and/or certain movement-types (i.e., cowgirl), sex can really engage your legs, core, and glutes. So next time you’re debating whether to hit the gym or hit the sheets, the only real answer is...why not both?

2. It’s great cardio.

Sex increases your heart rate, just like a solid cardio session does. If your heart’s pounding, you’re breathing heavy, and your Apple Watch is pinging you like, “Girl, are you okay?”—chances are high that you’re getting a solid workout. Regular sex can help improve circulation and even support heart health over time. You can think of it as the sexiest form of interval training ever.

3. It boosts your mood and lowers stress.

Nothing chases away a bad day like an orgasm (or three). Sex floods your brain with feel-good chemicals like oxytocin, dopamine, and serotonin—AKA nature’s chill pills. These "happy hormones" lower cortisol levels, which means less stress, fewer anxiety spirals, and a much calmer you. In others words, sex is the mental health day you may not have even realized you needed...badly.

4. It improves sleep (which improves fitness).

Raise your hand if you’ve ever passed out in the coziest, most blissed-out heap imaginable after having sex. That post-coital snooze isn’t just a coincidence—it’s science-backed, baby. The hormones released during orgasm promote better sleep, and good sleep is everything when it comes to muscle recovery, fat loss, and overall performance. So yes, that nap after a steamy sesh is basically part of your fitness routine now.

5. It strengthens your pelvic floor.

Sex works your pelvic floor muscles—especially for those of us with vulvas—and that’s a reaaallly good thing. Strong pelvic floor muscles can lead to better orgasms, better bladder control, and increased core stability. You can level this up by adding in some Kegels mid-action (partners with penises may just feel really, um, stimulated AF by the sensation this creates!). Bonus: all this pelvic strength makes future sex even better.

6. It increases flexibility.

Ever tried to hold a position for too long and suddenly realized you’re sorta kinda doing yoga or pilates quite by accident? Sex can involve some serious stretching—twists, arches, and angles you didn’t even know you were capable of. Over time, this kind of movement can gently improve flexibility and range of motion. While you might not nail the splits right away, who says fitness can't feel unbearably good?

7. It boosts your immune system.

Believe it or not, getting busy on the regular might actually help keep you from getting sick. While boosting your immune system doesn’t directly tone your muscles or improve endurance, it does help you stay healthy enough to keep working out (or having sex), which supports an active lifestyle. Studies show that people who have sex at least once a week have higher levels of immunoglobulin A (IgA), an antibody that plays a key role in immune function. Translation: you could be more resistant to colds just by letting your freak flag fly.

8. It builds body confidence.

This one’s more about mindset—but it definitely counts. Feeling desired, exploring your pleasure, and seeing your body as powerful and sexy can all have major fitness side effects. When you feel confident and positive about your body, you're more likely to treat it well, move it more, eat a balanced diet, and celebrate everything it can do. Sexy self-love leads to sweaty self-love, and vice versa.

9. Solo sex counts too—big time.

Let’s not forget about the OG fitness partner: you. Masturbation increases heart rate, engages your core and pelvic floor, and releases the same cocktail of feel-good chemicals that partnered sex does. Plus, it helps you learn what feels amazing in your body, which leads to more satisfying sex—and more motivation to keep coming (pun 100% intended). So if you’re flying solo, you’re still absolutely working on your fitness.

Bottom line: the next time you’re feeling guilty for skipping core workout day, remember that a well-timed roll in the hay (or under the covers, or against the wall, or in the shower—you do you) can be just as beneficial as a trip to the gym. Sex isn’t just hot, it’s healthy. And whether you’re with a partner, partners, or flying solo with your vibrator named Veronica, you’re doing your body—and your soul—a whole lot of good. Now go forth and get sweaty for all the right reasons. <3