posted 11-15-2001 12:14            

When you give sugar, you actually burn sugar. Sex sparks a good calorie burn, Stamford says, especially "if you're passionately involved, thrashing around. If things were really hot and heavy, you might be looking at a caloric expenditure similar to a brisk walk."

Humans, interestingly enough, are the only species that includes nipple stimulation in lovemaking, he adds.

Fisher says there are three different stages one typically goes through:

lust -- the craving for sexual gratification
romantic love -- the feeling of giddiness, euphoria, sleeplessness, and loss of appetite when you meet a new love
attachment -- that sense of security you find with a with long-term partner.

"Each of these is associated with different chemical systems in the brain," says Fisher. Sex drive and lust are triggered by testosterone, in both men and women. Dopamine and norepinephrine kick in when romance begins. Oxytocin and vasopressin factor in at the attachment phase, bringing the sense of calm and peace you find with "the one."

I think we should all start kissing at the gym. It'd sure be more fun than spinning or water aerobics.

-Bex

posted 11-15-2001 16:33            

Working out with mama.