10 Health Benefits of Having Sex

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By Jocelyn Voo

Let's state the obvious: Having sex is fun. But what might be less obvious is that it's also good for you -- mentally and physically. While it's something of a chicken or egg situation to determine the direction of causality -- "Do healthier people tend to have more sex or people who have more sex tend to be healthier?" says Jennifer Bass, head of information services for the Kingsley Institute, there are some studies that link better loving with better living. Read on for the perks for getting busy.

It's Time to Start Sexercising

While sex will never equal a kickboxing class or a session of strength training, the fact that you're getting some sort of a muscular workout is undeniable. The human body has over 600 muscles and during sex, "we're releasing and contracting all the muscles within the body," says Patti Britton, PhD, author of The Art of Sex Coaching and past president of the American Association for Sexuality Educators. Arms, butt, legs, core muscles -- they're all getting used. And while some positions have better toning payoffs than others, as long as you're putting some effort into it you'll be burning calories from start to (ahem) finish.

Next: A Happier Mood

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Comments (5)

a3984502 wrote:

Hi, everybody! I want to share with you one of my greatest discoveries: 'The Magic of Making Up', by T.W. Jackson. With the help of his guidance, my lover and I managed to solve all our problems. It was as if we were able to turn back time to the happy moments, erase old hurts and reignite passion again. If you also need help or just a piece of advice, try it: makehimlikeyou[dot]net

5/9/2012 04:16:01 AM Report Abuse

danni122 wrote:

Hato1969: I think it's oh so true and I sure didn't know that it's a great work-out from start to finish. No wonder I'm so happy all the time.

3/5/2012 04:58:02 PM Report Abuse

hfankhauser1 wrote:

Seems to be written by a man, not a woman. Stay up for s-e-x before a big meeting, it will make you fall asleep faster. Have s-e-x to get rid of a headache, etc. Sounds like a mans world, have s-e-x for whatever ails you. (Seems the s-e-x word is inappropriate to post, thus the -.)

2/15/2012 05:17:47 PM Report Abuse

kam_ra wrote:

Overall a great article, but you leave out a portion of the population (and some of your readers) when you assume all women are having relations with men.

2/15/2012 10:38:45 AM Report Abuse

gtf1788nd wrote:

A sensitive subject treated very nicely and professional. I enjoyed it and learned some healthful benefits from it

2/15/2012 10:01:12 AM Report Abuse