Is sex better exercise than walking?

Conclusion This study found the energy expenditure and intensity of sexual activity in 21 healthy young heterosexual couples was significantly less (approximately 38% of the total) than that expended during a 30-minute treadmill exercise at moderate intensity. Some men exerted more energy during sex than the average expended on the treadmill, but this was the exception among men and was not seen in any women. The practical implications of the research aren’t too clear. Arguably, the results are of more interest on a sociological level; we may live in a more open society compared to the past but the"nuts and bolts" of sex, such as "how often" or "how long?", remain very much a taboo subject for many people. However, the authors’ hint that health professionals might find it useful to know that sexual activity may not be contributing to the recommended weekly physical activity tally. A significant limitation of the study was it’s stringent inclusion and exclusion criteria. This meant the study group was very homogenous (comprising of similar traits) and not very representative of a diverse general population. The results are mostly applicable to young (average age 22.6 years), healthy, heterosexual, sexually active couples in stable relationships. The researchers’ placed the energy expenditure of sexual activity in their study somewhere between a walk and a jog. This was based on a comparison with results from other studies presented in ...
Source: NHS News Feed - Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Lifestyle/exercise Source Type: news