This 'sexercise calculator' shows which positions burn the most calories

Spoiler– missionary didn't make the cut

If you’re looking to maximise your steamy sessions and burn more calories, here are the best positions to include.

There’s no denying the positive impact physical exercise has on the human body. But if the thought of running a half marathon (or running around the block) fills you with dread, we’ve stumbled across something you might find interesting. 

UK-born digital health platform NowPatient has created a ‘Sexercise Calculator’, and yes, the team here at Body+Soul are already obsessed. 

Because even though most of us aren’t jumping into the sack to fill our Apple watch rings, knowing you could be burning more than a few calories during sex is a nice little bonus.

The Sexercise Calculator (available here) analyses your inputted sex data based on what positions you and your partner explored, and for how long. 

From classics such as ‘doggy style’ and ‘cowgirl’ to potential new favourites such as the ‘butter churner’ and ‘the squat’, the calculator features 12 common positions. 

Users simply need to enter how many minutes they spent in each position, and the calculator churns out your estimated calorie burn per session. 

Which position will have you working up a sweat? Image: Pexels

Which positions burn the most calories?

#1. The Butter Churner

Cals per 30 mins: 211

This sex position takes out the top spot for a reason – but be warned, this elaborate position is not for the faint-hearted and easily tired out. To master the Butter Churner, the receiver lies on their back with their legs raised above and behind their head, with the giver penetrating from above. Every part of your body will be burning, making it pretty unlikely you’ll endure 30 minutes after all. 

#2. Standing

Cals per 30 mins: 198

If the Butter Churner sounds way too advanced for your liking, the position taking out second place may be more up your alley. According to the calculator, standing sex can burn up to 6.6 calories per minute. If balance concerns you, try using a wall or chair for support. While standing may be a top calorie burner, it unfortunately has been found to have one of the lowest rates of female orgasm  – so keep that in mind. 

#3. Doggy style

Cals per 30 mins: 182

On the flip side, doggy style –  a bedroom classic – is often listed as one of the leading positions to induce female orgasm. Plus, burning up to 182 calories every half an hour, it’s a no-brainer if you’re looking to get in a bit of late-night cardio.  

Don't give up on your weekly gym sessions just yet. Image: Pexels

How accurate is the calculator?

As an online data generator (only taking into account the length of time you input) the results of the Sexercise Calculator should purely be interpreted as an estimation.  

But fair warning – based on our team’s thorough tinkering and trialling, the caloric calculations appear to be estimated from the perspective of the ‘giver’ instead of the ‘receiver’. 

For example, when a couple is doing the deed in positions such as ‘standing’ or ‘doggy’, naturally the giver exerts more energy than the receiver. 

That means if you’re a woman entering the data, the calculator is going to assume you did a little more heavy lifting than you probably did, giving you an inflated calorie score. 

If you’re looking for a more accurate read, we suggest tracking your steamy session on your smartwatch under the guise of ‘Wrestling’. 

Originally published as This 'sexercise calculator' shows which positions burn the most calories