A “coregasm” refers to an orgasm that a person may achieve through exercise, particularly intense abdominal, or core, workouts.
While coregasms may seem like a new concept, Dr. Alfred Kinsey, a famous sexologist, was the first to document them in 1953. In his book Sexual Behavior in the Human Female, Dr. Kinsey noted a link between the female orgasm and exercise. While experts are still unsure about the underlying process behind coregasms, research suggests that engaging muscles that stabilize the core may also contract pelvic floor muscles, which play a role in achieving orgasm.
Coregasms can occur even without a feeling of arousal or physical stimulation. While some enjoy this sensation, others may see it as a nuisance.
In this article, we will discuss what coregasms are, how they feel, and how people can achieve or avoid them.
A note about sex and gender
Sex and gender exist on spectrums. This article will use the terms “male,” “female,” or both to refer to sex assigned at birth. Click here to learn more.
A coregasm refers to an exercise-induced orgasm. Experts may also refer to it as exercise-induced sexual pleasure. People call the phenomenon “coregasm” because it typically happens during an intense core workout, specifically when engaging the abs and pelvic floor muscles. They are purely physiological, occurring without prior sexual thoughts or fantasies.
Dr. Debra Herbenick, professor and author of the book The Coregasm Workout, mentions that they are quite common. Around
Like other types of orgasms, the sensation and intensity of a coregasm may differ from person to person.
Anecdotal evidence suggests that individuals with a vulva report that it feels similar to an orgasm that a person achieves from vaginal penetration. However, they reportedly occur with less intensity and without the throbbing feeling in the clitoris. The sensation often begins in the lower abs and then spreads to the vagina and the lower body.
For individuals with a penis, a coregasm may feel similar to a prostate orgasm. Unlike penile orgasms, a prostate orgasm may provide a more intense and longer sensation.
Experts still do not know the exact mechanism behind coregasms. However, research notes that it typically relates to an intense core or abdominal workout. In an older study on female experiences with exercise-induced orgasm, abdominal exercises were the most common activity to induce orgasm.
Currently, most evidence indicates that a coregasm may relate to the pelvic-floor recoil theory. This suggests that activating and contracting pelvic floor muscles may help with clitoral, deep vaginal, or prostate stimulation. Aside from supporting the lower bowel, bladder, and uterus, these muscles can also contribute to arousal and orgasm intensity.
Additionally, some exercises that work the core may activate the pudendal nerve. This is the main nerve in the pelvis, which helps supply sensation to areas that include the genitals. Some experts consider this nerve to be the
Most studies focus on coregasms occurring in females, but males can also experience them. However, research suggests they are more common in females. Sufficient core strength is likely an essential factor in having coregasms, so possessing a stronger core may make it easier for a person to experience them.
Similar to other types of orgasms, coregasms may be easier for some individuals to achieve. While a person may experience one during an intense abdominal workout, there is no guarantee that exercising will result in a coregasm.
A person’s anatomy, movements, alignment, and emotional state may also influence their ability to trigger a coregasm.
Generally, core exercises that engage the lower abdomen and pelvic floor muscles may increase the likelihood of achieving a coregasm. These can include:
- situps
- hanging leg raises
- captain’s chair leg raise
- hanging knee tucks
- crunches
- flutter kicks
- hanging flutter kicks
- hip thrusts
- leg and knee lifts
- squats
- planks
- hollow holds
- pullups
- chinups
- rope climbs
- pole climbs
See the best core exercises for all fitness levels.
While coregasms typically relate to abdominal exercises, a person may also experience exercise-induced sexual pleasure from other activities, such as climbing and lifting weights.
Many individuals who have had a coregasm may have experienced them by accident. However, while a person cannot guarantee to achieve a coregasm, regularly performing exercises that target the abs and pelvic muscles can help them practice and familiarize themselves with these exercises.
Being mindful of a person’s own body can help them stay attuned to what is happening inside them. Once they feel a coregasm coming, they should begin to relax and allow it to come along without stopping the exercise.
Not only is exercising essential to coregasms, but a 2018 study notes that short-term exercise can lead to an influx of endorphins, serotonin, and other neurochemicals that play a role in arousal. It also heightens a person’s sympathetic nervous system activity, increasing their arousal responses to sexual stimuli. As such, someone can incorporate core and pelvic floor exercises into a regular workout routine to increase their chances of a coregasm.
However, underdeveloped pelvic floor muscles can affect sexual function. Additionally, common reasons for underdeveloped pelvic floor muscles can include childbirth and prostate cancer treatment. A 2019 study suggests that pelvic floor exercises after birth can help improve sexual function. Some evidence also suggests that pelvic floor exercises can help improve sexual function in males.
Some people may find coregasms embarrassing and uncomfortable, while others find them distracting. It may also make a person self-conscious, especially when in public places.
A person can attempt to avoid them by ending a workout before they reach climax due to a coregasm. People who previously had one from a specific workout routine may wish to avoid such exercises and switch to alternative movements.
Being attentive to the body can also help. If a person feels a coregasm coming along, they may stop it by slowing down or stopping entirely to let the feeling pass. They could also switch to the next exercise.
A coregasm is a potential side effect of extreme abdominal workouts. It refers to an exercise-induced orgasm that may be a pleasurable experience for some people. However, others may find it uncomfortable and distracting.
While research is still inconclusive, some evidence suggests that the sensation may occur due to working muscles that can influence sexual function.
Not all people may get a coregasm from exercising. However, regular exercise and strengthening the core and pelvic floor muscles can help with sexual function and increase the likelihood of experiencing a coregasm.