How to Know If Someone Has Slept With a Lot of People, According to Research
A new study suggests a surprising indicator of sexual activity: upper body strength. According to researchers from Washington State University, individuals with stronger physiques tend to report a higher number of sexual partners over their lifetimes.
New research finds strong upper body strength may predict more sexual partners—plus the ideal partner count men and women actually prefer.
Igor Mojzes
The findings come from an analysis of data from more than 4,300 U.S. adults. The study, led by evolutionary anthropologists Caroline Smith and Ed Hagen, discovered that people—regardless of gender—who demonstrate greater upper body strength are more likely to have a larger sexual history and be in a current relationship.
The connection between physical strength and sexual success, as detailed in the study’s abstract, did not extend to the number of partners in the past year or the age of first sexual experience. However, lifetime partner count and current romantic status were notably higher among stronger participants.
Gym-goers may typically pursue fitness goals for health, appearance, or performance, but the study suggests another benefit: increased romantic and sexual prospects. Pushups and weightlifting may be doing more than building muscle—they could be quietly boosting one’s appeal in the dating pool.
Alongside the link between strength and sexual frequency, separate research featured in Social Psychological and Personality Science has outlined what many consider the “ideal” number of sexual partners. For men, that range falls between four and five lifetime partners, while women reportedly find two to three to be the sweet spot.
These figures reflect social preferences rather than biological norms. Although the word “ideal” carries personal and cultural weight, it highlights how perceptions of sexual history continue to shape societal views, especially when it comes to gender norms.
Despite these preferred numbers, the average American’s sexual experience tends to be far broader. According to a Talker Research survey conducted for intimacy brand LELO, most U.S. adults report an average of 14 lifetime sexual partners. That’s a stark contrast to the “ideal” count, indicating a significant gap between societal expectations and reality.
Frequency also tells a tale of shifting behaviors. Mattress company NapLab reports that the typical American engages in sexual activity only once per week. In certain regions, the numbers are even lower. New Yorkers average just 1.39 sexual encounters weekly, with New Jersey residents trailing at 1.21 times.
