Doctor Explains Why Some People Experience Unexpected Pleasure Responses at the Gym
A surprising fitness phenomenon is gaining attention online, as doctors explain why some people experience intense pleasure responses during workouts — often referred to as a “coregasm.”
Whether caused by stress, low confidence, or other personal factors affecting intimacy, some people report feeling similar sensations through certain exercises and core-focused movements.
According to Dr. Tommy Martin, M.D., this exercise-induced response isn’t limited to women.
“Although this topic is often discussed among women, it can happen to men as well,” the doctor explained.
While studies suggest it may be more common in women, experts say both sexes can experience it, with estimates affecting around 10% of women and 8% of men.
Certain exercises appear more likely to trigger this unexpected pleasure response, especially movements that intensely engage the core muscles. One commonly mentioned example is hanging leg raises, which place significant tension on the abdominal and pelvic areas.
So what’s actually happening inside the body? Experts say the answer still isn’t fully understood.
According to Dr. Tommy Martin, M.D., there is still very limited scientific research on the phenomenon known as a “coregasm,” which means experts have not yet identified one single proven explanation for why it happens. Although the experience may seem surprising or even confusing to some people, doctors say it appears to be a real physical response linked to the body’s muscular and nervous systems.
One of the leading theories focuses on repeated contractions of the pelvic floor muscles during intense exercise. Movements that heavily engage the core — such as hanging leg raises, crunches, planks, hip thrusts, or certain lower-body exercises — can create continuous tension and stimulation in the abdominal and pelvic regions. Over time, this muscular activation may become strong enough to trigger an involuntary pleasurable response in some individuals.
Another possible explanation involves the nervous system itself. During exercise, the body releases adrenaline, increases blood circulation, activates multiple muscle groups, and heightens overall body awareness. Some researchers believe that in certain people, this combination may lead to unusual nerve signaling or heightened sensitivity, creating sensations that resemble sexual arousal even when no sexual thoughts are involved.