Yoga for Better Sex
I lied.
In a post I made a few years ago called 8 Myths About Sex, I said that Yogis aren’t necessarily better in bed.
But it’s actually not a myth… yoga can totally improve your sex life. If you are doing yoga regularly (aka consider yourself a yogi) it’s actually quite a safe bet that you are better in bed for a number of reason. More and more research is supporting this (check out this study on Yoga in Male Sexuality) and it’s a key part of the transformations I see with my coaching clients as part of our program (why Myth Busters didn’t pick this one up, I have no idea ;).
I’ve been practicing yoga for more than half my life at this point (crazy!) and teaching for 10+ years so not only do I know from personal experience, but from the way it’s benefited thousands of students through the years.
Yoga has been around for a very long time and we know it offers MANY benefits to those who practice regularly. Not only does it offer mental and physical health benefits, but it can also add spice to your sex life!
The Power of Yoga
Yoga helps increase body flexibility, boost self-confidence, and reduce stress. Each of these aspects plays a crucial role in our sex lives. Flexible muscles help to promote blood flow and circulation which supports sexual arousal. Enhanced flexibility also leads to greater comfort and more possibilities during sex, which can lead to more fun and exploration. Increased self-confidence creates a huge shift, in and out of the bedroom. Yoga is a great way to move and love your bodies which leads to feeling more attractive and confident with your partner(s). Lastly, reducing stress can improve your overall mood and energy levels, and helps you to stay more present during all parts of intimacy. Rather than a racing mind that distracts you during passionate moments, you will notice the ability to stay with sensation and feel more pleasure. Flexibility, self-confidence, and stress reduction are all ways that a consistent yoga practice impacts your life and contributes to a more satisfying sex life.
Yoga Poses for Better Sex
If you’re nervous about starting to attend a yoga class or you just want a few simple postures to help you get started, I’ve got you! Here are three yoga poses that will have a positive impact on your sex life. These poses focus on areas that are physically and energetically important for sexual wellness.
Cat-Cow Pose (Marjaryasana-Bitilasana): This pose is great for improving pelvic flexibility, back mobility, and more. To do this, start on all fours with your hands directly under your shoulders and your knees under your hips. As you inhale, arch your back, lifting your chest and tail bone towards the ceiling (Cow Pose), allow your belly to feel soft and relaxed towards the floor. Think about initiating Cow Pose from your SI join- where your spine meets your pelvis. As you exhale, push into your hands and round your spine, tucking in your tailbone and drawing your pubic bone forward (Cat Pose). Repeat this sequence for 1-2 minutes and explore the in-between parts of these shapes- maybe adding in rolling movements. This pose supports healthy pelvic floor muscles as well as core and back mobility.
Reclined Butterfly Pose (Supta Baddha Konasana): This pose is excellent for opening the hips and increasing overall flexibility, which definitely enhances your sexual experience. Begin by lying flat on your back. Bend your knees, bringing the bottoms of your feet together, and allow your knees to fall open to either side. If this feels like an intense inner groin stretch, you can support the outside of your legs with blocks, pillows, or book piles (depending what you have available). Place your hands on your low belly or alongside your body. Hold this pose for up to one minute, focusing on deep belly breaths. Imagine that with every exhale, the muscles on the inner and outer thighs relax and release a little more. Reclined Butterfly pose can help alleviate tension in the hips and increase blood flow to the pelvic area.
Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana): This pose also helps with core mobility and energetically helps to move energy in your body. Lie on your stomach, stretch your legs back, and place your hands flat besides your ribs. As you inhale, press into your hands into the floor and lift your chest off the ground. Look to keep the elbows slightly bent and your shoulder blades down away from your ears. As you exhale, move back towards your starting position. Move through this pose for about a minute and only lift to a height that feels comfortable for you. This posture is great for feeling more connected to your heart space, as well as opening the front line of your body and
Embrace the Benefits
Integrating yoga into your daily routine can bring numerous benefits, including enhancing your sex life. You can start with these three poses and gradually add more as you become more comfortable and confident in your practice. Yoga is all about connecting with your body, and what better way to do that than by enriching your most intimate moments? Remember, every body is different, so it's essential to listen to your body and modify poses as needed.
Yoga for better sex isn't just about improving your performance in the bedroom. It's about cultivating a deeper connection with your body, understanding its needs and responses, and using that knowledge to enhance your overall sexual experience. So, why wait? Start your journey towards a better sex life with yoga today!