Yoga has many benefits and the gurus out there will start listing them off one-by-one. It promotes general well-being, improved flexibility, peace of mind, etc. The list goes on. But all that stretching has another benefit: better sex. We all kind of knew that already, right? But which poses in particular should you be practicing for improved action in the sack? Take a look at this infographic from WorldLifestyle that purports to show which poses up your game.
And if you want to take it one step further? Think about Naked Yoga (courtesy YogaSimple.net).
Infographic challenged? Here’s a list of the poses that are highlighted:
- Plank Pose
- Upward Dog
- Happy Baby Pose
- Downward Facing Dog
- Cat-Cow Pose
- Pigeon Pose
- Cobbler’s Pose
- Legs up the Wall Pose
- Reclining Big Toe Pose
- Bridge Pose
Details of Yoga Poses for Better Sex
Plank Pose (Kumbhakasana):
Often used as a transitional pose, Plank is an essential component of Sun Salutations and Vinyasa Yoga. It’s a strength-building pose that primarily works the abdominal muscles but also targets your shoulders, chest, and lower back. The pose is akin to the traditional push-up position, encouraging the practitioner to maintain a straight line from the head to the heels, engaging the core, and keeping the hands shoulder-width apart.
Upward Dog (Urdhva Mukha Svanasana):
Upward Dog is a back-bending yoga pose that stretches the chest and spine while strengthening the wrists, arms, and shoulders. It is often used as a strengthening pose in Sun Salutations and Vinyasa Yoga sequences. The practitioner begins lying on their belly and then lifts their torso and thighs off the ground by straightening their arms, opening their chest, and keeping their gaze forward or slightly upward.
Happy Baby Pose (Ananda Balasana):
This beginner-friendly pose is a delightful way to gently stretch the inner groins and the back spine. The Happy Baby Pose also has a calming effect on the mind and can help alleviate stress. The practitioner lies on their back, grabs the outside edges of their feet with their hands, and pulls their knees toward their armpits, creating a shape reminiscent of a happy, kicking baby.
Downward Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana):
Downward Facing Dog is a cornerstone of many yoga practices and is often used as a rest position or a transitional pose. It is an invigorating full-body stretch that targets the hamstrings, calves, and shoulders, while also strengthening the arms and legs. From a tabletop position, the yogi lifts their hips high, creating an inverted ‘V’ shape with the body, and focuses on pressing the chest gently toward the thighs.
Cat-Cow Pose (Marjaryasana-Bitilasana):
The Cat-Cow Pose is a gentle flow between two poses that warms the body and brings flexibility to the spine. It’s often incorporated in the beginning of a yoga class to help warm up the body. Starting in a neutral tabletop position, the practitioner alternately arches the back for Cat pose (exhaling as they draw the spine up and drop the head) and scoops it for Cow pose (inhaling as they lift the head and tailbone, creating a dip in the spine).
Pigeon Pose (Eka Pada Rajakapotasana):
Pigeon Pose is a deep hip opener and stretch for the lower body. It can help increase hip flexibility and release tension and stress. The pose involves folding one leg in front of the body with the knee wide and extending the other leg straight behind, while maintaining an upright torso. It can also be modified to be more accessible or challenging depending on the practitioner’s flexibility.
Cobbler’s Pose (Baddha Konasana):
Known for opening the hips and stretching the inner thighs, Cobbler’s Pose, or Bound Angle Pose, is named after the sitting position of Indian cobblers. In this pose, the practitioner sits upright with their soles of the feet touching, allowing their knees to drop toward the floor. This pose can help improve circulation in the lower body and stimulate the heart and abdominal organs.
Legs up the Wall Pose (Viparita Karani):
This restorative pose is a simple way to reverse the flow of gravity and refresh the body. Legs up the Wall Pose involves lying on the back with the legs extended straight up against a wall. This pose can be incredibly relaxing, relieving tired legs, stretching the hamstrings and back, and helping to quiet the mind.
Reclining Big Toe Pose (Supta Padangusthasana):
A gentle stretch for the hamstrings and calves, the Reclining Big Toe Pose also strengthens the knees and improves digestion. The practitioner lies on their back, lifts one leg while keeping the other on the floor, and reaches their hand to hold the big toe of the lifted leg. A strap can be used for those with less flexibility.
Bridge Pose (Setu Bandha Sarvangasana):
Bridge Pose is a back-bending pose that opens the chest, neck, and spine while strengthening the back and hamstrings. It can also help to relieve stress and mild depression. Lying on their back, the yogi bends the knees, keeps the feet hip-width apart, and lifts the hips towards the ceiling while interlacing the hands underneath the body.
