‘Coregasm’: Gymgoer details unusual workout experience

A British influencer has shared how she had a ‘coregasm’ during an ab workout at a gym – and yes, experts say it’s a real thing.

A popular British influencer has shared a strange experience she had at a gym, claiming she had an orgasm while working out – dubbing the phenomenon a “coregasm”.

Sophie Habboo, known for appearing on Made in Chelsea, openly discussed the incident on her Wednesdays Podcast with co-host Melissa Tattam, although commenters weren’t convinced it was a real thing.

The clip, which has since gone viral on TikTok, begins with the duo discussing various ways people can reach orgasm.

“People can get off literally just from their brain, without being touched,” Tattam claims, sharing that she once had one in the middle of the night while asleep.

“Yeah, I’ve had an orgasm in the gym,” Habboo replies.

‘Area of arousal’

“I remember doing an ab workout in the gym and thinking, ‘What the f**k just happened?’” Habboo continues before referring to it as a “coregasm” and saying it felt different to a typical orgasm.

“Something (was) going on – you just gotta really push through with the core exercises.

“Give it a go, guys. Let me know if it works for you. I reckon you’ve got to be properly relaxed.”

Vanessa Huffman, Head of Education at Club pilates ANZ, told news.com.au, “Although it’s not common, a coregasm is a real thing.”

“The activation of the deep pelvic floor muscles may contribute to this sensation,” she added.

“Exercises focusing on the core, like Pilates, engage the lowest pelvic floor muscles that contain the ‘area of arousal’ for the lucky few who experience this.”

Sophie Habboo said she had a 'coregasm' at the gym. Picture: TikTok/WednesdaysPodcast

What is a ‘coregasm?’

Dr Debby Herbenick, an associate professor, leading sex researcher, and author of The Coregasm Workout, explained to SELF that the technical term for this phenomenon is exercise-induced orgasms.

In her book, she states that roughly 10 per cent of people — regardless of age, gender, or fitness level — experience this phenomenon.

“They generally feel similar to orgasms from vaginal intercourse, but they tend to be more dull, less intense, and more tingly,” she said.

“They seem to last about the same length of time as orgasms during sex. They occur from exercises that heavily engage the core abdominal muscles.”

She noted that most people won’t typically feel a coregasm on the “third or fourth crunch,” but rather when they fatigue their core muscles, and interestingly, it’s equally likely to happen to women as it is to men.

While the exact physiological mechanisms remain a mystery, there are some workouts that might help enhance your chances of arousal during exercise.

These include crunches, leg lifts, knee lifts, hip thrusts, squats, and hanging straight leg raises, according to Healthline.

For men, sit-ups, weightlifting, climbing, pull-ups, and chin-ups might do the trick.

Experts have revealed it’s a real phenomenon. Picture: Instagram/SophieHabboo

Commenters weigh in

Despite the known research, many commenters on the clip were unconvinced.

“Come on … this does not happen,” remarked one.

“In the gym, c’mon … hahaha sorry Sophie, love ya but hell nooo,” wrote another.

“This is news to me!” someone else added.

However, others were on board, with one stating, “Well that’s one way to get me to the gym …”

“I’ve been looking for a sign to hit the gym and I think this is it,” said another.

Steph Claire Smith admits she’s had one too

It comes after Aussie influencer and KIC founder Steph Claire Smith admitted she had the same experience in 2023.

She spoke on her podcast about how ab exercises were the “unexpected” thing that got her “going”.

“It only happened a few times but I did enjoy it,” she said. “It’s totally normal”.

Originally published as ‘Coregasm’: Gymgoer details unusual workout experience