Edging-the technique of repeated, controlled arousal that leads to orgasm without climaxes on the first go-round known to enhance pleasure and control generally. But does this sexual activity benefit one in terms of caloric burn or fitness? The idea seems bizarre, but given the overlap between the physiology of sexual arousal and exercise, it’s understandable that there’d be an interest in whether edging provides physical benefits to reality.
We will explore the science of edging—from whether or not it burns calories to how it impacts your body and mind—with some practical insights into its benefits and risks. Knowing how edging affects your body and energy levels, you can make a mindful decision about its position in your lifestyle for pleasure, personal discipline, or even a light fitness boost.
What Is Edging? An In-Depth Look at the Technique and Its Benefits
Edging often comes under other names, like “orgasm control” or “peaking.” It is bringing yourself to the point of orgasm, then stopping short and repeating the cycle until you feel that you would like to let go and have an orgasm. A study led by Dr. Eric M. Ravussin and others in the Louisiana State University Pennington Biomedical Research Center looked at the calories burned in sexual activity. The study found that, on average, men burn approximately 4.2 calories per minute, while women burn about 3.1 calories per minute in sex. The study, however, noted that the figures are almost destined to vary with the intensity and duration of the activity. This controlled state of arousal can be done solo or with a partner and is used for several purposes:
- Increased Sensory Pleasure: With edging, people have reported that they achieve a greater climax at the end, and the sense experience they encounter is positively sharper.
- Better Sexual Control: For some, it is a practice of better control over the state of arousal. Better sexual control during sexual activity may also manifest in controlled sexual intercourse.
- Deeper Emotional Intimacy: Since edging depends on verbal communication with a partner that enables their trust and emotional closeness, it can also be very potent for couples who want to deepen their intimacy.
- Self-Exploration: For those who are practicing alone, edging can improve self-awareness so that an individual can understand his or her responses and preferences.
These benefits make edging an activity that increases pleasure and a practice that can impact one’s personal growth. Still, as noted above, the physical aspect of edging—the effort required—raises the question of whether or not it will also burn calories.
Also Read: Does Edging Affect Muscle Growth?
How Does Edging Affect the Body Physically?
To establish if edging burns calories, it’s first necessary to examine how edging affects the body. One study reveals that sexual activity burns about 100 calories within the traditional course of a 25-minute sexual encounter, though it may differ based on intensity and duration. This is a description of the physiological activities triggered:
A. Heart Rate and Circulatory Effects
Sexual arousal increases heart rate but does not do so in the same manner a full workout would. Research indicates that during sex, heart rates can reach as high as 100 to 140 BPM in some participants, depending on the individual and his stimulation. For reference, moderate exercise typically raises the heart rate levels to somewhere between 120 to 160 BPM, yet again, depending on age and health.
How this affects calorie burn: The heart rate increase is usually accompanied by an increased expenditure of calories, but to a small amount, in low-impact activities, such as edging.
B. Muscle Engagement and Tension
The arousal will cause increased tensing of the musculature in the abdomen, pelvic floor, thighs, and glutes. Increased arousal in edging tends to maintain these muscles in a state of contraction much longer than when exercising. It is a small caloric burn but nowhere near as intense as an aerobics workout.
How this affects caloric burn: Muscle activity causes caloric burn. However, the amplitude and time spent edging must be more extreme to increase the resting daily caloric burn significantly.
C. Increased Respiratory Rate
As bodies become sexually aroused, their breathing rates accelerate, contributing to an increment in oxygen consumption. This does increase the number of calories burned, but without increased exertion like that which occurs during cardio exercises, this is a small and momentary increase.
How this affects calorie burn: Increased breathing does generate some calorie burn, but it is very low in edging’s low-intensity method.
Estimating Calories Burned: Can Edging Count as a Workout?
Based on physiological comparisons with other activities, here’s an estimation of the calories burned during edging:
A. Average Calorie Burn in Edging
The average calorie burned during edging for a 30-60 minute session may range from 60 to 100 calories, influenced by individual factors like weight, intensity of engagement, and metabolism. This estimation aligns with activities like:
- Stretching and light yoga: 40-80 calories per hour
- Light housework (e.g., dusting, light cleaning): 85-100 calories per hour
- Slow walking (2 mph): 100 calories per hour
These activities are low-impact, low-intensity activities that primarily contribute to modest calorie burn. Compared to high-impact workouts, edging burns only a fraction of the calories.
B. Comparison with High-Intensity Activities
| Activity | Approximate Calories Burned (per 30 mins) |
| Running (5 mph) | 300 |
| Swimming (moderate pace) | 400 |
| Cycling (moderate pace) | 300 |
| Walking briskly | 150 |
| Edging | 30-50 |
In comparison, it’s evident that edging cannot match the caloric burn of moderate to intense workouts like running or cycling. Thus, edging alone cannot substitute for physical exercise but might be a minor addition to daily calorie expenditure.
The Mental and Emotional Benefits of Edging
Beyond physical aspects, edging offers psychological benefits that make it valuable for some people’s well-being:
A. Mindfulness and Self-Awareness
Edging requires mental concentration and self-awareness, two elements essential to mindfulness. Often, older individuals find themselves in tune with their body’s responses, learning patience and control, which can help them extend to other lives.
B. Mood Enhancement and Stress Relief
Sex arousal releases a combination of “feel-good” chemicals—dopamine, oxytocin, and serotonin that have dramatic mood-building effects. Such chemical release could be a natural antidepressant, which can help ease stress and improve mood.
C. Sexual Confidence and Self-Esteem
Engaging often in arousal control helps to create sexual confidence and makes individuals feel more in control of their bodies. Rising self-esteem may breed confidence in other aspects of one’s life.
D. Enhanced Intimacy in Relationships
The technique helps improve intimacy for couples that practice edging with their partner. There is extreme communication, trust, and cooperation, which will strengthen the bond and may yield more satisfying sexual experiences.
The Drawbacks and Psychological Risks of Edging
While edging has benefits, excessive or uncontrolled edging can lead to drawbacks:
A. Potential for Compulsive Behavior
The pleasure associated with edging can become addictive for some, creating compulsive habits that interfere with daily life. This can lead to dependency on the practice for stress relief or emotional comfort, making it harder to manage daily responsibilities.
B. Sensory Desensitization
Excessive edging may reduce sensitivity over time. When practiced frequently, it can lead to delayed orgasms or reduced satisfaction, creating challenges in both solo and partnered sexual experiences.
C. Impact on Relationships
Indeed, when edging becomes the center, relationships are often taken to extremes, especially when neglected or pressured into practices they may be uncomfortable with.
D. Feeling of Guilt or Shame
Others may feel guilty or ashamed if they feel that edging becomes uncontrollable to the point of consuming their day-to-day lives. This results in anxiety, decreased self-esteem, and potential psychological issues.
The Role of Moderation Tools: How BlockP Can Help Manage Edging Habits
If you find yourself struggling with managing edging habits, moderation tools like BlockP offer practical support for healthy boundaries:
- Blocking Distractions: BlockP can help you manage and limit access to triggering websites, helping you reduce impulsive edging habits.
- Focus Features: With Focus Mode, BlockP allows you to schedule focused periods away from digital temptations, encouraging you to engage in other activities.
- Goal Setting: BlockP’s goal-setting features support mindful engagement with online content, creating space for productive habits.
Practical Tips for Incorporating Edging Healthily
If you’d like to incorporate edging without it taking over your routine, here are some best practices:
A. Set Clear Time Limits
Determine how long and how frequently you’ll practice edging. Limiting it to certain times can prevent it from interfering with work or personal life.
B. Balance with Exercise
Some fitness activities include edging. However, this is not a substitute for daily physical exercises. It is actually best to combine it with light exercises like yoga, stretching, and walking to achieve an even better health condition.
C. Practice Mindfulness Meditation
Incorporating meditation helps you remain present and reduces the urge to rely solely on edging for relaxation, keeping habits balanced.
D. Seek Professional Guidance If Needed
A therapist or sex counselor can be beneficial when the edging behaviors have gone out of control of a person.
FAQs on Does Edging Burn Calories
1: Can edging replace my workout routine?
A: No, edging burns very few calories compared to traditional exercise. It may be best viewed as supplementing rather than replacing the fitness activities.
2: How can I know that my edging habit has become problematic?
A: Edging becomes problematic if it interferes with your ability to fulfill other duties or obligations, affects your relationships, or causes detrimental effects on your mental health.
3: Is edging safe to practice frequently?
A: Edging is generally safe in moderation. However, frequent or excessive practice may lead to issues with sensitivity and relationship strain.
Conclusion: The Balanced Approach to Edging and Wellness
Edging, while primarily a tool for sexual pleasure, can also have modest impacts on physical and mental wellness. It burns calories at a low level, similar to gentle activities, and offers psychological benefits like stress relief and enhanced intimacy. However, as with any habit, moderation is key.
