Health2 min(s) read
Published 10:49 19 Jul 2026 GMT
It might sound unbelievable, but some people are experiencing orgasms while working out, and there’s a scientific reason behind it.
Known as a “coregasm,” the phenomenon refers to an involuntary orgasm triggered by intense exercise, particularly movements that heavily engage the core.
And it’s more common than many realise. Research cited by Tyla suggests it affects around “10% of women and 8% of men,” meaning a surprising number of gym-goers have experienced a discreet “mini orgasm” mid-workout.
Experts say it comes down to a combination of intense abdominal and pelvic floor engagement, sustained muscle contractions, and heightened nerve sensitivity.
When these factors align, especially with stimulation of the pudendal nerve, the body can trigger an orgasm without any sexual arousal.
One woman who spoke to SELF described the feeling as: “It’s like the lead-up to an orgasm when you’re having sex,” although she noted it’s “less intense and more diffuse,” making it possible to go unnoticed in a busy gym.
If it happens, it’s usually during exercises that put serious strain on the core.
These include:
For men, the pattern is similar, with pull-ups, climbing, sit-ups, and weightlifting most frequently linked. In short, if it heavily targets your core, it could be a trigger.
Despite common assumptions, coregasms don’t only affect women.
Dr Tommy Martin, M.D., explained: “Although she said this video is for the ladies, it can happen with men as well,” with estimates again sitting at “10% of women and 8% of men.”
Despite how widely it’s reported, there’s still no clear-cut explanation.
“Truthfully, there's not research on this… there's no exact known cause,” Dr Martin said.
Theories include repeated pelvic floor contractions that “result in an orgasm,” a nervous system “glitch,” or stimulation of the pudendal nerve, all of which may contribute.
What experts do agree on is that it’s not dangerous, and if it’s happened to you, you’re far from alone.
As Dr Martin puts it: “If this happens to you, know that you are not alone.”
