Ever finished a particularly sweaty session with your significant other and wished you hadn't taken off your smartwatch? 

Well, new research conducted by lelo.com has finally shed some light on exactly whether your favourite sex position can be considered a workout – or at least a 15-minute one.

The research team behind the report calculated the average caloric output of over 10 popular sex positions by comparing the average body weight of adult male and female participants with each position’s difficulty and breathing intensity (as analysed by fitness experts). Each calculation was based on an estimated duration of 15 minutes per position. 

So, without further ado, here are the top ten calorie-burning sex positions for couples that could rival even the sweatiest gym workout.

#1. The Butter Churner 

196 calories

One of the more advanced sex positions out there, the Butter Churner requires an outstanding amount of strength and flexibility from both the male and female participants, with a woman required to lie on her back with her legs behind her head while her partner squats down from above. 

In just 15 minutes, couples can burn up to 196 calories, though the squatting man was found to burn the bulk of that by ‘churning the butter’.

#2. Standing 

171.5 calories

This vertical position takes second place in the lineup and like its predecessor, also burns more calories for the male participant. 

#3. The Kneeling Wheelbarrow

156.5 calories

The third most calorie-burning sex position, The Kneeling Wheelbarrow requires immense upper body strength from both parties, delivering an intense ar workout for both the man and woman involved.

#4. The Lotus 

143.5 calories

According to search data, this intimate, face-to-face sitting position is the second most searched position online in the United States, generating 4.5 million searches last year. 

#5. Doggy Style 

142.5 calories

Only one calorie less than The Lotus, Doggy Style still has a pretty high combined calorie count, but understandably, the penetrating partner can burn almost twice as many calories as the receiving one.

#6. The Legs Up 

121.5 calories

In addition to making it into the top 6 most calorie-burning positions, The Legs Up ranked as the most searched term amongst Americans, with 12.9 million searches.

#7. The Squat

119 calories

Though The Squat can burn up to 119 calories in a pair, the majority of the work is taken on by the female, or receiver.

#8. The Eagle

107.5 calories

The Eagle is similar to a glorified version of missionary, with the receiver lying on their back holding their legs up high in a V shape. 

#9. The Sixty-Nine

94.5 calories

Similarly to The Squat, women were found to burn slightly more calories than men performing this all-hands-on-deck position.

#10. The Cowgirl

93.5 calories

Women were found to burn at least double as many calories as their male counterparts when performing The Cowgirl. 

All up, the research says women are expected to burn more calories than men while performing the Squat, Sixty-Nine positions and Cowgirl positions, while men could expect to feel the most zapped after The Butter Churner, Standing and Doggy Style. 

While it’s fun to play around and explore new positions with your partner, CMO of Lelo.com Luka Matutinović says it’s important not to get carried away. 

“Consider each individual's physical abilities and comfort level,” he says. “Communication is key to making sure that both partners are comfortable and physically capable of engaging in those types of sexual activities.”