Coregasms: The Reality and Rarity of Exercise-Induced Orgasms

For decades, the idea that exercise could trigger orgasms was treated as an urban myth or an exaggerated gym anecdote. However, recent discussions, including a New York Post article featuring British influencer Sophie Habboo’s experience with a spontaneous climax during a workout, have reignited interest in the phenomenon known as “coregasms.”

While the experience of achieving orgasm through exercise remains rare, scientific studies suggest that it is indeed real. The mechanics behind it involve intense core engagement, activation of pelvic floor muscles, and possibly the stimulation of specific nerve pathways associated with sexual pleasure. But just how common is it? Are there studies that challenge the legitimacy of coregasms? Let’s explore the reality and rarity of exercise-induced orgasms, referencing studies that both support and question this experience.

What Is a Coregasm?

A coregasm refers to an orgasm triggered by physical exercise rather than direct sexual stimulation. The term derives from the core muscles, as many reports suggest abdominal workouts as the primary culprit. Other exercises such as cycling, weightlifting, and yoga have also been linked to coregasms. The phenomenon is believed to occur due to deep pelvic floor engagement, increased blood flow, and nerve stimulation that mimic sexual responses.

Sophie Habboo’s Coregasm and the New York Post Article

In a recent New York Post article, influencer Sophie Habboo revealed her personal experience of unexpectedly having an orgasm during an ab workout. The report featured medical professionals explaining how coregasms occur and why they remain relatively uncommon. According to Dr. Debby Herbenick, a well-known sex researcher, coregasms are real but not a frequent occurrence. The article notes that about 10% of people may experience them during specific exercises, most commonly abdominal-centric movements such as leg lifts, crunches, hip thrusts or kegals.

The New York Post piece also highlighted how specific individuals may be more predisposed to experiencing coregasms based on pelvic floor strength, nerve sensitivity, and hormonal fluctuations. However, despite the existence of personal accounts, many people have never experienced a coregasm, raising questions about how rare the phenomenon truly is.

Studies Supporting Coregasms

Scientific interest in coregasms dates back several decades, but one of the most comprehensive studies was conducted by Dr. Herbenick and her team. Their findings, published in the Journal of Sexual and Relationship Therapy (2012), provide some of the strongest evidence supporting the reality of exercise-induced orgasms.

1. Dr. Debby Herbenick’s 2012 Study

Dr. Herbenick and her colleagues surveyed 370 women aged 18 to 63, asking about their experiences with exercise-induced orgasms (EIOs) or exercise-induced sexual pleasure (EISP). Their results were fascinating:

124 women (33.5%) reported experiencing orgasms during exercise.
246 women (66.5%) reported experiencing sexual pleasure but not full orgasms.
The most commonly associated exercises were:
- Abdominal exercises (51.4%)
- Weightlifting (26.5%)
- Yoga (20%)
- Cycling (15.8%)
- Running (13.2%)
- Walking or hiking (9.6%)

This study suggests that while coregasms are not unheard of, they remain a relatively rare occurrence, with less than half of participants experiencing even mild sexual pleasure from workouts. It also emphasizes the role of core engagement, reinforcing the idea that abdominal workouts are most likely to induce these experiences.

2. A Follow-Up Study on Pelvic Floor Activation

A 2018 study published in Sexual Medicine examined the role of pelvic floor muscles in sexual response and orgasms. Researchers found that individuals with stronger pelvic floor muscles were more likely to experience heightened sexual sensations and, in some cases, non-traditional orgasmic responses, such as coregasms. This suggests that people who engage in regular core strengthening or pelvic floor exercises, such as Kegels, may be more predisposed to experiencing coregasms.

3. The Role of Autonomic Nervous System Activation

Another study, published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine (2020), explored how autonomic nervous system activation—specifically, the balance between sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous responses—might contribute to exercise-induced orgasms. Since exercise increases circulation, oxygen intake, and neuromuscular engagement, the study suggested that these physical changes could inadvertently trigger an orgasmic response in some individuals. However, researchers noted that this is still an underexplored area of study and that more data is needed.

Studies Challenging the Coregasm Phenomenon

While the studies above provide support for the reality of coregasms, not all researchers agree. Some question the frequency and biological plausibility of exercise-induced orgasms.

1. A 2016 Review on Sexual Response and Exercise

A comprehensive review published in the journal Archives of Sexual Behavior (2016) analyzed existing studies on exercise and sexual response. The review found that while anecdotal evidence exists, controlled studies often fail to replicate the experience in a laboratory setting. The authors argued that coregasms might be more of a psychological response to physical exertion rather than a true physiological orgasm.

2. The “Placebo Effect” of Exercise-Related Pleasure

A 2019 study in Frontiers in Psychology suggested that coregasms may be influenced by psychological factors, such as a heightened awareness of bodily sensations rather than a direct physiological cause. This study proposed that individuals who expect pleasure from physical activity are likelier to report experiencing coregasms. In essence, the placebo effect could play a significant role in the perception of coregasms.

3. Lack of Objective Measurement

One of the major criticisms of coregasm research is the reliance on self-reported experiences. Unlike traditional orgasms, which can be studied through physiological responses such as muscle contractions or hormonal changes, coregasms have yet to be objectively measured. This limitation leaves room for skepticism, as individual perception can vary significantly.

Why Are Coregasms So Rare?

Despite documented cases and supporting research, coregasms remain a relatively rare phenomenon. Several factors contribute to their rarity:

1. Individual Physiology

Not everyone has the same level of pelvic floor sensitivity or nerve responsiveness. Coregasms seem to be more common in individuals with stronger pelvic floor muscles and heightened neuromuscular responses.

2. Type of Exercise

Only specific exercises seem to induce coregasms. Movements that deeply engage the core and activate pelvic floor muscles—such as hanging leg raises, crunches, or weighted hip thrusts—are most likely to contribute to the experience.

3. Psychological Influence

As some researchers have pointed out, the expectation of experiencing a coregasm may increase the likelihood of perceiving one. Psychological arousal can enhance physical sensations, making it difficult to differentiate between genuine orgasms and heightened pleasure responses.

4. Hormonal and Neurological Variability

Hormonal fluctuations can influence sexual sensitivity. Women are more likely to experience heightened sexual responses during certain phases of their menstrual cycle, which could impact the likelihood of experiencing a coregasm.

Final Thoughts: The Reality and Rarity of Coregasms

Coregasms are a fascinating, albeit rare, phenomenon that has gained attention thanks to firsthand accounts and emerging scientific research. While studies like Dr. Herbenick’s provide compelling evidence for their existence, other research questions their frequency and biological plausibility.

Regardless of whether coregasms are a common physiological response or a psychologically enhanced experience, they highlight the complex relationship between exercise and sexual well-being. As scientific understanding continues to evolve, future research may provide more definitive answers about the mechanics behind this rare but intriguing occurrence.