Yes, even this counts as movement

When we think of all the ways we have to add simple, beneficial movement to our lives, what comes to mind? Perhaps walking or wheeling during errands, dancing a little while doing chores or some light yard work.

But what about sex? Does physical intimacy count as exercise?

According to studies, including one at the University of Quebec at Montreal (UQAM), yes!  

Getting it on can count toward your daily activity goals the same way as getting in your steps does. If some intimate time lasts at least 10 minutes, increases your heart rate and makes you sweat a bit, it absolutely counts as moderate activity.

That means time spent getting busy – on your own or with a partner – can help you meet the latest guidelines on physical activity from the Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines. Depending on how heated things get, those UQAM findings might even put a new spin on the benefits of interval training.

(And for anyone out there competing in sports at a professional or Olympics level, don’t worry: Having sex before a game or competition doesn’t interfere with your athletic performance. That’s just a myth.)

It works both ways. More movement in your daily life can benefit your sex life, too. Even just a few minutes of stretching – trying out yoga poses like Prone Frog or flexing your limbs at your desk – relieves muscle tension and stress. These gentle movements have been shown to boost your libido and increase sexual desire and satisfaction. Some can even strengthen the pelvic floor.

Adding stretch breaks throughout your day can increase your range of motion. You’ll find it easier to bend and reach during daily tasks – and during intimate moments too. And stretching routines can be even more fun with a friend or romantic partner.

Any kind of aerobic activity – think of brisk walking, swimming or playing pickleball – is also beneficial for our sex lives. It literally gets the blood flowing – everywhere.

“Exercise improves circulation throughout the body, including the reproductive organs,” explains Charisma Grace Walker (RCT), founder and clinic director at Anahata Integrative Sex & Relationship Therapy in Halifax. “It balances and regulates sex hormones like testosterone, estrogen and progesterone, which can improve sexual arousal, libido and performance.”

Being active also releases dopamine, which is a neurotransmitter and one of the four happy hormones.

“It’s hard to feel good about yourself if you’re not getting a little daily hit of dopamine,” she says.

Adding or increasing movement doesn’t have to be a solo effort, either. To spark a connection with someone new or spice things up with a longtime partner, why not include some physical activity on your next date night? Being active with or alongside someone can bring you closer together, reinvigorate a sense of teamwork and even act as a little foreplay.

Essential to healthy relationships are partners with shared goals or activities, says Charisma. Making movement a priority – whether for yourself or with a partner – can also support your emotional and sexual well-being.

Taking the opportunity to enjoy movement together – in or out of the bedroom – is an ideal way to connect with someone, develop confidence together and reap its many benefits.