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10 Yoga Poses That Double as Sex Positions
By Karla Walsh
Updated November 05, 2019
MATTHEW STEWART BENNETT/GETTY IMAGES
And, no, we're not just talking about cat-cow.
1 of 12
Yoga Sex Positions
MATTHEW STEWART BENNETT/GETTY IMAGES
"Yoga has been linked to positive sexual function for both women and men," says Debby Herbenick, PhD, author of The Coregasm Workout and associate professor at Indiana University in Bloomington.
From increased flexibility to more mindfulness to familiarity with—and confidence in—your body, the benefits of a yoga practicecan really pay off in the bedroom, says Herbenick. (See: 7 Ways Exercise Makes You Better In Bed)
Yoga need not stay in the studio, though. Try these 10 yoga sex positions that do double duty.
2 of 12
Plow Pose
SHUTTERSTOCK
How: Lie on back with knees bent and pulled in near chest. Straighten legs so they're perpendicular to the bed. Brace lower back with hands and bend at the hips to lower legs overhead, feet together. Partner can kneel behind or stand if you're near the edge of the bed.
Why: "It allows for deep penetration," Herbenick says. (So it might not be your best choice if you find cervical contact uncomfortable or have an unusually well-endowed partner—but it's a great choice if you want to have a cervical orgasm.)
3 of 12
Standing Straddle Forward Bend
SHUTTERSTOCK
How: Stand with feet 3 to 4 feet apart, depending on flexibility. Lower upper body forward to bring chest near legs as partner stands behind.
Why: "This pose is a variation on rear entry that allows your partner to reach your front vaginal wall," Herbenick says. (You know what's near your front vaginal wall? Your g-spot. Enjoy.)
4 of 12
Downward Dog
SHUTTERSTOCK
How: Start on all fours with hands a few inches in front of shoulders and knees under hips. Press palms into bed, curl under toes, and press hips toward ceiling (body should form an upside-down "V") as your partner stands behind.
Why: Similar to the forward bend, downward dog allows for stimulation of the sensitive front vaginal wall. The variation on the popular doggy-style position also engages your core.
5 of 12
Three-Legged Downward Dog
SHUTTERSTOCK
How: From downward dog position, lift one leg straight toward the ceiling.
Why: Just like downward dog, but with more space to move and hit just the right angle. Open your hips to the side that has the leg in the air for an extra hip opener—and for an easier angle for your partner.
6 of 12
Bridge Pose
SHUTTERSTOCK
How: Lie on back with knees bent and feet hip-width apart (or a bit wider to make room for partner to kneel between legs). Keeping head resting on floor, raise hips to form a straight line from knees to shoulders.
Why: "Some women experience enhanced arousal while doing bridge—even just as part of their regular yoga practice," Herbenick says. Consider this a bonus if you need a little help finishing off.
7 of 12
Balasana
SHUTTERSTOCK
How: Sit on heels. Lean upper body forward, lowering chest toward knees, to place forehead on bed. Extend arms straight in front as partner kneels or stands behind.
Why: Balasana, or child's pose, opens up the almost-always tight lower back to cut your stress. (Also, let's be honest, sometimes you need a rest interval while you're getting it on.)
8 of 12
Savasana
SHUTTERSTOCK
How: Lie on back with legs extended straight and palms facing up. Partner can straddle your hips or lie on top.
Why: Sometimes, simple is best. And more often, after a long day, you only have enough energy for the basics. "When it comes to sex, precision is less important than your comfort, passion, and connection," Herbenick says. "Sometimes it's nice not to overthink it since doing so is likely to decrease arousal and make orgasm more difficult." (Or you can combine a Savasana with a plank, and you'll get 69ing—here's how to love it.)
9 of 12
Ananda Balasana
How: Lie on back, lift legs toward ceiling and bend knees out toward sides to grasp each foot's midsole with the same hand. Partner can kneel or lunge (so they'll can get a workout in, too!) near your hips.
Why: "Similar to missionary position, this pose gives you the freedom to wrap your legs around your partner instead of keeping them stretched out to the side," Herbenick says. (Then try turning it into a tantric sex position for even more intimacy.)
10 of 12
Cobra
SHUTTERSTOCK
How: Lie facedown on bed. Place palms on bed just outside of shoulders with elbows near torso. Press hands into bed, straighten arms, and raise upper body away from bed while keeping lower body on bed. Keep legs about a foot apart to allow room for your partner to lie on top.
Why: Cobra opens up your lower back while giving your partner unique access to your G spot. Win-win.
11 of 12
Reclining Bound Angle Pose
SHUTTERSTOCK
How: Lie on back with your legs bent and feet touching each other, creating a diamond shape with your legs.
Why: This position will help you feel more relaxed and closer to your partner. (Do this yoga pose and these others solo to build better flexibility and pelvic floor strength for sex.)
By Karla Walsh
Updated November 05, 2019
MATTHEW STEWART BENNETT/GETTY IMAGES
And, no, we're not just talking about cat-cow.
1 of 12
Yoga Sex Positions
MATTHEW STEWART BENNETT/GETTY IMAGES
"Yoga has been linked to positive sexual function for both women and men," says Debby Herbenick, PhD, author of The Coregasm Workout and associate professor at Indiana University in Bloomington.
From increased flexibility to more mindfulness to familiarity with—and confidence in—your body, the benefits of a yoga practicecan really pay off in the bedroom, says Herbenick. (See: 7 Ways Exercise Makes You Better In Bed)
Yoga need not stay in the studio, though. Try these 10 yoga sex positions that do double duty.
2 of 12
Plow Pose
SHUTTERSTOCK
How: Lie on back with knees bent and pulled in near chest. Straighten legs so they're perpendicular to the bed. Brace lower back with hands and bend at the hips to lower legs overhead, feet together. Partner can kneel behind or stand if you're near the edge of the bed.
Why: "It allows for deep penetration," Herbenick says. (So it might not be your best choice if you find cervical contact uncomfortable or have an unusually well-endowed partner—but it's a great choice if you want to have a cervical orgasm.)
3 of 12
Standing Straddle Forward Bend
SHUTTERSTOCK
How: Stand with feet 3 to 4 feet apart, depending on flexibility. Lower upper body forward to bring chest near legs as partner stands behind.
Why: "This pose is a variation on rear entry that allows your partner to reach your front vaginal wall," Herbenick says. (You know what's near your front vaginal wall? Your g-spot. Enjoy.)
4 of 12
Downward Dog
SHUTTERSTOCK
How: Start on all fours with hands a few inches in front of shoulders and knees under hips. Press palms into bed, curl under toes, and press hips toward ceiling (body should form an upside-down "V") as your partner stands behind.
Why: Similar to the forward bend, downward dog allows for stimulation of the sensitive front vaginal wall. The variation on the popular doggy-style position also engages your core.
5 of 12
Three-Legged Downward Dog
SHUTTERSTOCK
How: From downward dog position, lift one leg straight toward the ceiling.
Why: Just like downward dog, but with more space to move and hit just the right angle. Open your hips to the side that has the leg in the air for an extra hip opener—and for an easier angle for your partner.
6 of 12
Bridge Pose
SHUTTERSTOCK
How: Lie on back with knees bent and feet hip-width apart (or a bit wider to make room for partner to kneel between legs). Keeping head resting on floor, raise hips to form a straight line from knees to shoulders.
Why: "Some women experience enhanced arousal while doing bridge—even just as part of their regular yoga practice," Herbenick says. Consider this a bonus if you need a little help finishing off.
7 of 12
Balasana
SHUTTERSTOCK
How: Sit on heels. Lean upper body forward, lowering chest toward knees, to place forehead on bed. Extend arms straight in front as partner kneels or stands behind.
Why: Balasana, or child's pose, opens up the almost-always tight lower back to cut your stress. (Also, let's be honest, sometimes you need a rest interval while you're getting it on.)
8 of 12
Savasana
SHUTTERSTOCK
How: Lie on back with legs extended straight and palms facing up. Partner can straddle your hips or lie on top.
Why: Sometimes, simple is best. And more often, after a long day, you only have enough energy for the basics. "When it comes to sex, precision is less important than your comfort, passion, and connection," Herbenick says. "Sometimes it's nice not to overthink it since doing so is likely to decrease arousal and make orgasm more difficult." (Or you can combine a Savasana with a plank, and you'll get 69ing—here's how to love it.)
9 of 12
Ananda Balasana
How: Lie on back, lift legs toward ceiling and bend knees out toward sides to grasp each foot's midsole with the same hand. Partner can kneel or lunge (so they'll can get a workout in, too!) near your hips.
Why: "Similar to missionary position, this pose gives you the freedom to wrap your legs around your partner instead of keeping them stretched out to the side," Herbenick says. (Then try turning it into a tantric sex position for even more intimacy.)
10 of 12
Cobra
SHUTTERSTOCK
How: Lie facedown on bed. Place palms on bed just outside of shoulders with elbows near torso. Press hands into bed, straighten arms, and raise upper body away from bed while keeping lower body on bed. Keep legs about a foot apart to allow room for your partner to lie on top.
Why: Cobra opens up your lower back while giving your partner unique access to your G spot. Win-win.
11 of 12
Reclining Bound Angle Pose
SHUTTERSTOCK
How: Lie on back with your legs bent and feet touching each other, creating a diamond shape with your legs.
Why: This position will help you feel more relaxed and closer to your partner. (Do this yoga pose and these others solo to build better flexibility and pelvic floor strength for sex.)
