- Some people experience non-sexual orgasms, known as “coregasms,” during or after intense core workouts.
- Research suggests that intense muscle contractions in the abdominal and pelvic area, combined with the release of endorphins, could trigger this phenomenon.
- Although there are no specific exercises to guarantee a coregasm, varying core workouts and listening to your body is suggested for those who are curious.
Let’s face it, when we’re told to “work on our core,” our minds go to the much-loved (and hated) planks, to crunches that remind us how little we love gravity, certainly not to unexpected peaks of pleasure. Yet, there are people who, during or immediately after an intense workout, especially if it involves the abdominal area, experience something different from the usual fatigue. Not just the usual rush of endorphins that makes you feel like Wonder Woman, but a wave of physical pleasure, a decidedly unplanned “arrival” on the training schedule.
Science (a little surprised) says yes
Despite sounding like a joke told between reps, coregasm has been the subject of serious studies. Research conducted by Dr. Herbenick, also reported by sources like Running Magazine Canada, highlighted how some women have actually experienced non-sexual orgasms induced by exercise.
We’re not talking about a slight tingling or a pleasant sensation of muscle fatigue: it’s a real orgasm, triggered by the intense contraction of the abdominal and pelvic muscles.
Why does it happen?
There are several hypotheses. It is thought that the combination of intense muscular effort in the core and pelvic floor area, combined with the release of endorphins (our personal natural “happiness pills”), may trigger this unexpected response. Imagine your abdominal muscles as a band playing a piece so powerful it makes your soul vibrate… well, almost.
Some experts also suggest that the reduction of stress and the increase in blood flow to the pelvic area during exercise may be related to this phenomenon. In short, our body is an amazing machine, capable of giving us unexpected “bonuses,” a bit like finding a 20 euro bill in the pocket of old jeans.
Practical advice (no need for censorship)
Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Enlighten us! How do we unlock this secret level of running?”. Well, here things get delicate. There are no specific exercises with a sign that says “WARNING: POSSIBLE COREGASMS”. The advice, if you are really curious (and perhaps a bit masochistic when it comes to effort), is to vary the workouts that intensely involve the core: planks, all kinds of sit-ups, exercises with a medicine ball. Listen to your body and, above all, don’t become obsessed with this secondary “goal”. Remember that the main objective is always well-being. If another type arrives, well, all the better.
Something different
So if you ever happen to feel strange sensations during or after a particularly intense core workout, don’t be alarmed. Perhaps you are simply experiencing one of the most unique “side effects” of the core. After all, life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re going to get. And sometimes, you get a coregasm.