Expert reveals whether or not sex can replace exercise as debate sparked

If you thought you were putting in enough work in the bedroom to skip the gym, then you might be sadly mistaken.

It's sweaty, it's hot and it gets your heart racing... there's no doubting that good sex really can get your body working.

But is it really a good enough workout to replace normal exercise?

People on social media have started discussing whether their nightly sessions can replace their daily run or leg session at the gym and the experts have started to weigh in.

Surprisingly, a UAE-based physiotherapist has said you can - but there are quite a few catches.

Can sex be just as beneficial as traditional exercise? (Getty Stock Image)

Physiotherapist Kieran Sheridan said: "It sort of can, but it would require too much effort and time. You may need to target some muscles."

According to Sheridan, six minutes of sex burns about 21 calories. To transform it into a meaningful routine, you would need to be getting down and dirty three or four times a day for half an hour each time, burning between 315 and 420 calories.

So it's certainly possible, but unless you and your partner have really got nothing to do all day, every day, it might be a little more difficult to fit it all in.

GP at the UK Care Guide Dr. Lawrence Cunningham has argued against it, however, saying for most people sex doesn’t work your body enough compared to regular workouts.

He explained: "To 'count' as a moderate workout, sexual activity would need to be vigorous and sustained, similar to brisk walking or cycling, which is rarely the case.”

"The key components of fitness, such as cardiovascular endurance, strength, flexibility, and body composition, are not adequately addressed through sex alone.

A GP has argued against it, saying for most people sex doesn’t work your body enough. (Getty Stock Image)

"The intensity and duration of physical activity during sex can vary significantly, and typically, it does not meet the recommended levels of cardiovascular or strength-training guidelines suggested for health benefits."

While you might have the will to try, chances are you aren’t going to exceed the calories lost doing these normal exercises.

Dr. Cunningham added: "It's still better to do exercises the traditional way because it can better improve your health and it will definitely target muscles and joints that you need to work on."

“A balanced approach, incorporating regular cardiovascular and strength-training exercises, alongside other lifestyle measures, provides the best formula for health."

So, while replacing normal exercise with sex might not be the most efficient way to get into shape... I can’t think of a better way to give it a go.