Best Sex Positions to Burn Calories in 2026 Revealed
- Jessica Toscano
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
The most fun way to stay fit in the new year!
by Jessica Toscano Dec 17, 2025
Sex can be adventurous, fun and thrilling—why not tackle calorie burning to the list? With wellness increasingly becoming more popular each year, it makes sense to explore new ways to achieve optimal health…and what better way than to get your fit on with the most intense calorie burning positions?
A recent study by adult content creation platform Hidden examined 2025’s most popular positions to reveal which were the closest to getting in a workout. Turns out, some moves can cut up to five times more calories in one 15-minute session than other popular go-tos, burning 300 calories having sex just two to three times per week. For the daring bunch, mixing in a few high-intensity romps could be all the activity you need to replace a gym sesh. Either way, rest assured that playing out even one position from the list can propel you closer to reaching your 2026 fit goals.
Grab your fave lube and start stretching! Here are the best–and really the only–sex positions you need in the new year to burn the most calories.
The Butter Churner - Calories Burned: 106
As the highest intensity position, the butter churner can earn those penetrating up to 57 calories burned and those receiving up to 49 calories. That’s because this position involves muscle-strengthening poses from both partners. See also: Sex positions for yoga enthusiasts.
How to achieve: The receiving partner lies on their back, lifting and bending legs so they’re on either side of the head. The other party squats over them to “churn” aka penetrate.
Standing - Calories Burned: 99
Thanks to the balance and leg strength needed to maintain uprightness during the deed, the standing position places second in the high-intensity category. Penetrating parties burn up to 57 calories, while those receiving can cut up to 42 calories per 15-minute session.
How to achieve: The most basic way to enter this position is to keep the penetrating partner upright. The other party is free to then lift one leg up, bend slightly forward or even stand back to front.
Doggy Style - Calories Burned: 99
With more than 2 million monthly searches, it comes as no surprise doggy style is one of the most popular positions of 2025. Thankfully, it’s also one of the most energy expending, burning approximately 58 calories for penetrating parties and 33 calories for those receiving.
How to achieve: The receiving party kneels on all fours while the penetrating party enters from behind while also on their knees.
Kneeling Wheelbarrow - Calories Burned: 84
For couples looking to strengthen their upper bodies and tighten their cores, the kneeling wheelbarrow utilizes key muscles to achieve maximum gains during the deed. The penetrating party burns up to 45 calories per 15-minute session, while the receiver cuts up to 39 calories.
How to achieve: Similar to doggy style, the penetrating party kneels with the receiving partner in front, holding their legs on either side of their waist as their partner uses their hands to steady themselves.
Lotus - Calories Burned: 84
Although considered moderate-intensity, the lotus still burns 39 calories for penetrators and 35 calories for receivers as both parties move in synchronicity.
How to achieve: The receiver sits atop of the penetrating party, either keeping legs straight or wrapping them around their partner as they gyrate together.
