Sexercise: Turning Sex Into a Workout

This mashup of "sex" and "exercise" describes exactly what it sounds like. It's a method for torching calories, working up a sweat, and toning muscle, all while getting off at the same time. Short on time for both a gym session and sex? Skip the either/or. Sexercise lets you combine them. It probably won't fully replace leg day, and there will still be moments when you crave slow, sensual sex instead, but sexercise is worth a try to see whether it clicks for you and how it might benefit your body.

There are other perks, too. Beyond skipping the gym membership fee, the commute, and needing anything more than a bed and a willing partner, plenty of people find sexercise more fun than a standard workout [1]. You still get that endorphin rush, plus a bonus dose of oxytocin thanks to the physical closeness. More on why sex feels so good.

Top 8 Sexercise Positions

Here are sexercise positions you and your partner can try out tonight. Most require little beyond your bed or a couple of sturdy chairs.

1. Speed Bump

If an exercise ball has been gathering dust somewhere in your house, now's its moment! Lie face down on the ball with your legs extended behind you, bracing yourself with your toes and, if your arms reach, your hands too. Your partner squats with his legs outside your thighs and enters you from behind. It's a solid choice for both vaginal and anal sex, though clitoral stimulation may be limited here.

2. Wheelbarrow

This one demands more arm strength from both of you. He holds your waist while you're face-down, propped up on your hands with your legs wrapped around him. Depending on your respective heights, you might need to position yourself closer to his feet. He'll need a firm grip on you to thrust properly, and since you're busy holding yourself up, there's not much else you'll be able to do.

3. Bridge

Think of this as Wheelbarrow flipped upside down. You face upward, bending your arms back at the shoulders to hold your weight. Rather than standing, your partner kneels, with your feet reaching the floor on either side of him, taking some of the weight off his body. A piece of sex furniture or an ottoman can help you nail the form.

4. Big Dipper

Here, your partner's body is suspended between two chairs or similar furniture pieces. Make sure he's steady supporting himself on his hands – anyone with joint issues should skip this one. Once he's set, straddle his lap. He'll bear part of your weight while your feet handle the rest. This position runs a bit more intimate than other sexercise poses since you're face-to-face and can kiss or hold eye contact.

Wrap your arms around him, touch his hair or chest, or reach down to rub your clitoris if the angle works. Mostly, though, you'll be squatting up and down over him. If he's flexible enough, he can add his own upward thrusts too.

5. Piston

You may have pictured this position without knowing its name. In the Piston, your partner stands upright while you wrap your legs around his waist. Instead of making him carry your full weight, rest your toes on a bed or piece of furniture at the right height. This gives you leverage to control your own stimulation, too.

6. Little Dipper

Swap places with your partner from Big Dipper. Now you're the one bridging between two pieces of furniture while he lies beneath you and enters from below. Little Dipper works best when you can bend at the waist for penetration. Lower furniture makes it more manageable, and it's a surprisingly good workout for your arms, legs, and core as you rise and fall.

7. Jellyfish

This one looks a little goofy, and you might get a laugh out of it. It won't suit every body type or height combination. A big height gap makes it trickier, but it's still worth attempting. Have your partner squat down so you can straddle his legs, then adjust your height so you're both supporting the combined weight through your feet. You'll basically end up perched in his lap.

If you're significantly taller, try squatting first instead. Just be aware his penis will need to angle more downward, which risks straining his suspensory ligament.

8. Side Saddle

The final position here is sneakier than it looks. Have your partner lie at the edge of the bed with his legs hanging off. Perch above his penis and lower yourself onto him, feet on the floor in front of the bed. Rest your hands on his inner thighs as you rise and fall; he can assist by holding your butt. Just be careful not to bear down too hard on his thighs!

Is Sexercise Risky?

Sexercise isn't dangerous by nature, but caution is smart with some of these positions. In several sexercise poses, your partner supports your entire body weight, or you're balancing yourself in an unfamiliar way. Your body becomes a kind of load that can strain muscles, particularly if you're not used to physical activity. Sex shouldn't hurt.

Understand your limits, and work up from the easier positions before attempting the harder ones. And never force a pose – if you lack the flexibility for something, just skip ahead to the next option.

One thing worth watching closely is orgasm. Your muscles and body control can get shaky when you're climaxing, which might mean you can no longer hold yourself or your partner steady. In elevated sexercise positions, that could mean tipping over or falling. Pillows or a yoga mat placed nearby can add a safety net. Or simply transition to a steadier, more comfortable position as orgasm nears.

Not quite ready to jump into sexercise? Try 100+ sex positions instead. And don't get discouraged if these positions take a few tries to master. Enjoyment really is about the journey!

March 1, 2012