Who else hates deprivation diets? 

Health and fitness has to be fun, enjoyable, and sustainable if it’s worth anything. 

There are plenty of pleasurable ways to lose weight, and this valentine’s day offers the perfect opportunity to fold a new workout into your routine.

It’s free, fun, and fitness-friendly. I’m talking about getting leaner with a lover.

For many of us, sex is much more pleasant than pounding the treadmill. Plus, its health benefits extend far beyond a good calorie burn.

Let’s get down and dirty with the details of how getting your freak on can boost your fitness. 

How Many Calories Do You Really Burn in the Bedroom?

Believe it or not, having sex can burn almost as many calories as a quick jog. On average, sex burns 150 to 250 calories per half hour. 

Sex is such a good cardiovascular activity that doctors often tell people in very poor cardiovascular health to avoid sex. Even better, you don’t even realize you’re working out. 

Recent research has found that exercise in short bursts over the course of the day can be as effective as 30 to 40 consecutive minutes. A 15 to 20 minute session in the bedroom plus a quick mile jog can both count toward the recommended 30-minutes of daily exercise.

Sex has Snowballing Benefits for your Figure 

Did you know that the hormones released during our amorous experiences cause us to eat less? 

Healthy sex within a loving relationship lowers our feelings of stress, frustration, and loneliness—three emotions that often lead us to eat away our feelings. But hormones released during sex also help us steer clear of the snack cabinet. 

When we have sex, our oxytocin levels shoot up. On top of lowering our stress and anxiety, oxytocin reduces hunger. So after each sexual encounter, we experience a temporary curb on eating. 

Boost the Burn with Different Positions

Sex gets your heart rate up, even if it’s not acrobatic. That said, the more athletic ability a position takes, the more calories you’ll burn in bed. 

Of course, if you’re going to get crazy, make sure you’re practicing safe sex—using protection if needed and only trying the stunts you can handle physically. 

Talk with your partner about what they’re comfortable with and challenge yourself to a few new positions. Even if you discover the new position is not your favorite way to get freaky, you’ll have fun with your partner and burn some calories in the process. 

Try switching positions several times. Similar to interval training, moving through multiple positions is great for your cardiovascular health. 

Other Health Benefits of Sex

Sex burns calories, but the benefits don’t stop there. When you get your groove on, your whole body benefits. Treat yourself to some time in the bedroom regularly, and enjoy these twelve bonuses.

• Lower cortisol: That means less stress!
• Deeper sleep: Sex stimulates the release of prolactin, our natural sleep aid.
• A stronger immune system: Sex helps us create protective antibodies which fight bacteria, viruses, and other germs that enter our bodies.
• More endorphins: Endorphins are the feel-good chemicals that boost our mood.
• Lower blood pressure: Many studies have found a link between sex and lower systolic blood pressure—that first number on a blood pressure test.
• Better brain power: Sex may improve our memory and help us think more analytically.
• Lower risk of heart attacks: Sex keeps certain hormones balanced, lowering the risk of heart disease and osteoporosis.
• Lower risk of certain cancers: Our bodies’ ability to fight certain cancers, including prostate cancer, may improve with frequent sex.
• Less appearance of aging: Sex releases estrogen and testosterone, two hormones that keep us looking young and vital.
• Reduced physical pain: Orgasms can block our bodies’ pain signals and increase our pain threshold. 
• Longer life: Frequent sex is associated with a lower death rate and a longer lifespan. 
• A stronger bond with your partner: Sex releases oxytocin, which helps us build love and trust for another person.

The Healthier You Are the Better the Sex

Time spent exercising can bring several payoffs when you’re tangled in the sheets. Being physically active seems to be a potent aphrodisiac. Here’s why: 

• Exercise boosts your sexual self-esteem: Sometimes sex isn’t enjoyable because we don’t feel comfortable with our bodies. But feeling confident in bed is not just about achieving a slimmer waistline.
  Women of all sizes who exercise regularly rate their desirability and sexual performance high above average. When we workout regularly, we’re much happier to leave the lights on, leave the sheets off, and enjoy a confidence-boosting and intimacy-building time with our partner. 
• Physically fit people have better orgasms: People who exercise frequently become aroused more quickly and are able to orgasm faster and more intensely. Plus, a single strength training workout produces higher levels of growth hormone and testosterone. These hormones play a pivotal role in sex drive. Just three strength training sessions a week is enough to stoke greater sexual desire. 
• More physical strength = more positions to try: Trying new positions makes sex even more exciting. But some positions require quite a bit of physical strength. With a strong core, upper, and lower body, you can add those gymnastic positions that sound super sexy to your bedtime routine.

Spike Your Sexual Desire During Valentine’s Day Dinner

While many aphrodisiacs don’t have much scientific evidence, these five are science-backed to boost your libido. Try out these foods to get you and your lover in the mood. 

• Maca: Nicknamed “the Peruvian Viagra,” maca can increase sexual desire and even improve erectile dysfunction.
• Red ginseng: Red ginseng is a medicinal Chinese herb commonly used to treat low libido and sexual function.
• Fenugreek: This South Asian herb contains compounds that our bodies can use to make sex hormones, like estrogen and testosterone.
• Pistachios: In one study men who regularly snacked on pistachios reported increased blood flow and firmer erections after just three weeks. 
• Saffron: This luxurious spice may help increase levels of arousal and sexual function in men and women who are on antidepressants.

Spend More Time at Your Home Gym

If you’re looking to shed a few pounds and boost your physical strength, why not make the journey a fun and sexy one? Making love is the ultimate exercise machine, and you don’t even need to leave the house to get in some good sexercise.

For more tips on how to get fit, feel confident, and enjoy the process, sign up for my weekly newsletter. If you’re ready to kick your health journey into high gear, join the next LEAN session today.