Is Masturbation a Form of Exercise? You Be the Judge
In my previous article, I promised my upcoming submission would demonstrate the fitness benefits of masturbation. At the time I believed that with little effort I would find scientific articles proving my hypothesis – masturbation can improve your health in similar ways to exercise. Much to my frustration, I came across no such articles.
However, while there is no official research done on the topic, my own reading indicates that the benefits of masturbation are extremely similar to those of physical exercise. Below is an outline of some of the similarities between these two worthwhile activities. I’ll let you draw your own conclusions.
After leaving the gym, how do you feel? Proud, satisfied, optimistic? Less stressed and better able to concentrate? Do you feel connected to and aware of your body? Perhaps more self-confident? How about after masturbating?
- Exercising can produce endorphins; pleasure hormones that make you feel contented and even euphoric. There’s quite a bit of research investigating the value of physical activity for treating depression, due to this neurotransmitter.
- Masturbation stimulates the release of a number of similar neurotransmitters, including endorphins, that leave you feeling happy and sensitive to touch. The result is an identical feeling of euphoria, optimism and self-satisfaction.
- Sexual arousal during masturbation raises levels of prolactin significantly, causing a hormonal feedback loop that can inhibit the desire for food consumption.
- Exercise also stimulates a rise in the level of prolactin in your body, often resulting in temporary appetite suppression.
- Exercise helps to reduce levels of the hormone cortisol in your body, a chemical associated with stress that also builds fat in the abdominal region.
- Many women also demonstrate a lowered level of cortisol after masturbating and solo sex is widely accepted as a form of stress relief.
Just like exercise, masturbation allows you to apply mental energy to the functions of your body, allowing you to put aside thoughts of work or school or trouble at home and focus on kinesthetics. Sometimes, this distraction is all we need!
We value and respect the experiences of all of our HERWriters, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.
Add a Comment14 Comments
Fascinating article. I hope you do your own research.
But seriously, I wonder if the reason you couldn't find any scholarly article about it would be because maybe in "academia" or the world of published papers Exercise (with a big E) is thought to be a very gym-only kind of thing.
You're right, though, someone should be researching this. ...and getting published.
October 8, 2010 - 2:01amThis Comment
Thank you! I think the subject definitely merits further investigation. Perhaps a case study is in order...
October 8, 2010 - 4:53amI think it counts, although I never thought of it that way before. Interesting point about the endorphin release and happy feeling being similar to the one you get after working out.
October 13, 2010 - 7:09amThanks for your comment. I'm always looking for sneaky ways to get endorphins AND avoid paying gym membership fees. Plus - workout clothes are optional!
October 13, 2010 - 11:50amIt certainly helps relieve menstrual cramps.....Try it and you'll see.
:)
October 28, 2010 - 7:39pmThanks for the tip!
October 29, 2010 - 4:58amI masturbate 2 to 3 times a day.I too, believe, that masturbation can replace exercise. I haven't been going to the gym within the last two months. Instead, I have been going "solo" at home. Afterwards, I feel the "burn", more happy, and have been looking great through the "epic sessions" of self pleasure. Great article.I think I am going to masturbate now, I want to burn more KCALS!!!
October 28, 2010 - 11:09pmI can reassure you it does work! Although i did many other things including some exercise to help me on my way and changed my diet i fully believe masturbation was a big part in my losing just over 100lbs!
July 1, 2011 - 4:53pmA mechanically inclined friend and I are working on the prototype for a pedal-powered masturbation machine. So basically, an exercise bike with a dildo attached. We have the design and we're working on a thrusting mechanism, so, double the pleasure, double the fun. ;D
October 26, 2011 - 10:53amHuhh??? Sorry but that's just way tooo weird.
January 18, 2012 - 5:24pm