The Fascinating Link Between Exercise and Orgasms Explained
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The Science of Exercise-Induced Orgasms
Have you ever wondered why some individuals experience orgasms during workouts? It seems that while some people push through their sets with grunts and sweat, others might find themselves enveloped in a surprising wave of pleasure.
For instance, let’s take a look at the classic leg raise exercise: lying flat on a mat, keeping your legs together, engaging your core, and squeezing the groin to elevate your legs. Yes, you read that right—squeezing your groin is part of the action. Interestingly, research suggests that about 1 in 10 individuals may experience this sensation during their workouts.
This phenomenon, known in scientific circles as “exercise-induced orgasm” (EIO) or more popularly referred to as “coregasm,” might be more common than one thinks. Studies indicate that approximately 1 in 8 women and 1 in 10 men may encounter this experience at some point in their fitness journey. The term “coregasm” was popularized by Men's Health, which highlighted that core exercises often serve as the catalyst for this sensation.
According to Debra Herbenick, a professor and Director of the Centre for Sexual Health Promotion, “Interestingly, coregasms can occur without any sexual thoughts or genital friction; they often arise simply from engaging the abdominal muscles.”
But what exactly triggers these coregasms? The reasons are still largely speculative, yet several theories exist regarding how particular exercises may activate internal nerve pathways. Core workouts, in particular, might stimulate muscles related to the pelvic floor or prostate.
Moreover, Barry Komisaruk, a psychology professor, suggests that the body’s reactions to both physical exertion and orgasms are similar—heightened heart rate, elevated blood pressure, increased body temperature, and a surge of pleasure hormones. For some, these similar stimuli could lead to a mix-up in the body’s response.
Let's delve deeper into how to either enhance or diminish the likelihood of experiencing this phenomenon.
Understanding Triggers: How to Enhance or Reduce Chances
According to Herbenick’s findings in her book, The Coregasm Workout, exercises that induce fatigue, such as sit-ups, pull-ups, and weightlifting, are often the gateways to this experience.
To minimize the chances of an unexpected orgasm, it's essential to identify personal triggers. Different exercises, their intensity, and duration can have varied effects on individuals. For men, avoiding this experience is crucial due to its potentially messy outcome. Interestingly, men can still ejaculate from a coregasm without being erect, and women may experience it more subtly. The most straightforward way to prevent an incoming orgasm is simply to halt the exercise immediately.
So how can you increase the likelihood of experiencing a coregasm? Herbenick suggests that a combination of 20 minutes of cardio followed by a core workout without breaks to induce fatigue is the optimal approach. Among various abdominal exercises, the Captain’s Chair (a specific type of leg raise) is notably effective in triggering this response. For men, climbing seems to be a particularly potent exercise. Healthline even provides a dedicated guide on this topic.
The Unexpected Pleasure of Exercise
One cannot discuss this topic without mentioning the iconic Arnold Schwarzenegger, who famously stated, “The most satisfying feeling you can get is the pump.” He equated the euphoric sensation of a good workout to the pleasure of climax, saying he feels as though he’s experiencing the same joy both in the gym and in more intimate moments.
After exploring the science behind coregasms, one might wonder if Schwarzenegger had any inkling of this phenomenon before it was even named. While it’s uncertain, it’s intriguing to consider that such experiences happen to a significant number of individuals, yet few openly discuss them.
This raises questions about whether some individuals adapt their routines to avoid or deliberately seek out this sensation. Do personal trainers encourage excessive abdominal workouts to elicit this response? Have you ever trained alongside someone who, amidst the exertion, may have also felt a surge of unexpected pleasure?
© Jamie D Stacey 2021
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