Feb 16 • 05:00 UTC 🇫🇮 Finland Ilta-Sanomat

Which is better exercise, sex or gym? We tested: 'I watch the readings in astonishment'

A Finnish article explores whether sex or gym workouts offer better physical fitness benefits, testing various daily activities as forms of exercise.

The article from Ilta-Sanomat begins by comparing traditional gym workouts with activities like sex, questioning their respective benefits for physical fitness. It references a quote from the character Carrie Bradshaw that simplifies the concept of exercise, suggesting daily activities might provide sufficient health benefits. According to research by the UKK Institute, health benefits can be attained through light exercise that elevates heart rate, indicating that even common daily tasks can enhance basic fitness levels.

The author shares personal insights, emphasizing their preference for strength training at the gym to build muscle strength while admitting to a lack of interest in aerobic exercises. Despite this, they ponder whether everyday activities might inadvertently improve their fitness. A decision is made to measure various activities, including strength workouts and even dancing in a nightclub, using a sports watch to gather data and insights from expert Henri Vähä-Ypyä regarding how these activities influence heart rate and overall fitness.

Ultimately, the article seeks to demystify the nature of exercise and fitness, suggesting that activities previously dismissed as non-exercise, like dancing or housework, can significantly impact one’s health. This opens a broader discussion on redefining what qualifies as effective exercise, encouraging readers to consider how they can incorporate more movement into their everyday routines.

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