Certain exercises are associated with experiencing a coregasm, which is an orgasm that can occur during core exercise. They happen separate from sexual thoughts, but scientists aren’t exactly sure why coregasms occur.

A coregasm is an orgasm that happens while you’re doing a core exercise or workout. When you engage your muscles to stabilize your core, you may also end up contracting the pelvic floor muscles that can be essential to achieving orgasm.

This may sound unusual, but scientists have recognized this occurrence since the 1950s. In medical literature, a “coregasm” is referred to as an exercise-induced orgasm (EIO) or exercise-induced sexual pleasure (EISP).

Keep reading to learn more about why coregasms happen and how to have one of your own.

Scientists aren’t exactly sure why coregasms happen. The prevailing theory is that shaky, fatigued abdominal and pelvic floor muscles produce some type of inner stimulation that causes a coregasm. For men, this may be tied to prostate stimulation.

Given this, there probably isn’t a fixed pattern of muscle activation that can lead to coregasm. Your ability to coregasm may be determined by your anatomy, emotional state, and muscle strength at the time of your workout.

The exact way in which you move your body to perform each exercise may also affect your ability to coregasm.

There is one thing that scientists know for sure: Coregasms occur independently of sexual thoughts and fantasies. They’re considered asexual in nature.

Both men and women can have coregasms, but they’re considered less common in men.

Much of the research surrounding coregasms has been focused on women. More research is needed to learn about how men experience them.

For women, a coregasm feels similar to a deep vaginal orgasm — though it may not be as intense. Some women say it’s not as tingly.

You’ll most likely feel the sensation in your lower abdominals, inner thighs, or pelvis instead of a throbbing or quivering feeling in your clitoris.

For men, a coregasm may feel similar to a prostate orgasm. Prostate orgasms are said to last longer and be more intense. That’s because they can produce a continuous sensation instead of a pulsating one. This sensation may also expand throughout your body.

Ejaculation is also possible — even if your penis isn’t erect.

There are certain exercises associated with coregasms. Most of the exercises involve working the core, especially the lower abdominals.

Generally speaking, exercise can increase blood flow to the genitals. This can have a positive effect on sexual function.

For women

If you’re interested in having a coregasm, consider adding one or more of these moves to your routine:

  • crunches
  • side crunches
  • leg lifts
  • knee lifts
  • hip thrusts
  • squats
  • hanging straight leg raises
  • plank variations
  • rope or pole climbing
  • pullups
  • chinups
  • hamstring curls

You could also add a couple of yoga poses to your routine. Boat Pose, Eagle Pose, and Bridge Pose all work your abdominals.

For men

You may be more likely to experience a coregasm with:

  • situps
  • weight lifting
  • climbing
  • pullups
  • chinups

Coregasm has also been associated with biking, spinning, and running.

While coregasms can definitely happen by accident, there are certain tricks you can do to increase your chances of having one.

If you can, focus your workout to strengthen your core and incorporate Kegel exercises. Doing 20 to 30 minutes of cardio at the start of your workout may also increase your sexual arousal and desire.

Although high-intensity workouts are thought to inspire a quicker coregasm, you can also make a low-impact routine work for you. If you want to spend time on an easier exercise, you can improve your chances by doing more repetitions.

Use mindfulness to bring your awareness to your body and notice any sensations that arise. Even if you don’t have a coregasm during your workout, it’s possible that by promoting blood circulation you’ll be more likely to respond to sexual arousal after you finish.

You may experience exercise-induced arousal if you don’t have a coregasm.

You may find that coregasms are awkward or uncomfortable. They may distract you from your workout or make you feel self-conscious, especially if you’re working out in public.

If you want to decrease your chances of having a coregasm, you should avoid any exercise that causes you to have one. And if you feel a coregasm coming on in the middle of your workout, gently come out of the exercise and move on to your next move. This should be enough to stop it from gaining intensity.

You may also find it helpful to focus on relaxing certain parts of your body when doing exercises known to cause a coregasm.

Enjoy the experience and don’t be too focused on results. Even if you don’t have a coregasm, you may inadvertently strengthen your pelvic floor, which could lead to more pleasure in the bedroom.

You’re also more likely to feel more sexually desirable, energetic, and aroused after exercising. Exercise releases feel-good endorphins, which could lead to a fitter, happier you. You may end up being more in touch and in tune with your body, with rock-solid abs as an added bonus.