A Pilates Teacher Shares the Simple Stretches You Can Do for Better Sex
Chelsea Streifeneder is a recognized Nationally Certified Pilates Teacher through the Pilates Method Alliance. She is a speaker, author of Studio Shape Up, and the owner of Body Be Well Pilates in Red Hook, Catskill and Saugerties, NY.
You probably stretch after a long day of sitting at your desk, before your workout, or in the morning after sleeping in an odd position. But before sex? Not likely.
Here’s why you should be: Having sex fires a lot of muscles you don’t normally use throughout the day. Getting into an awkward position for an extended period of time can lead to painful tightness and cramping. (Not great for the mood!)
Adding these simple stretches into your everyday routine will not only spice up your sex life (so you can try that bold new position), but also improve your overall flexibility so you can do everyday tasks pain-free.
Aim to do these stretches once a day. Remember to breathe deeply and hold each one for at least 30 seconds (or longer, once you work up to it). Avoid pushing your body too hard, so you shouldn’t feel any pain while doing these exercises.
Ready to get bendy? Here are the best stretches to try for better sex:
Standing Toe Touch
Reach your arms up, lift your shoulders, and separate your ribs as much as you can. See how long and tall you can make your body, and then start to roll forward to reach toward your toes. This stretches your hamstrings and releases the lower back. Hold here and shake your head “no” and “yes,” circling the arms a few times before slowly rolling back up to standing.
Knee Drops
Start on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the mat. Close your eyes to relax your mind and body, then start to sway your knees to the right, back to center, and over to the left. This gentle movement releases your lower back and helps clear away stress from your day so you can unwind and get in the mood for sex.
Butterfly
Still on your back, glue the soles of your feet together and drop your knees out to the sides. The closer you bring your heels into the midline of your body, the more of a stretch you will feel on the inner legs. You can keep arms at your sides or reach them overhead for a bigger stretch.
Side Split
Lift your legs up to the ceiling and bring your arms out in a “T” position. Gradually drop your legs out to the sides in a side split stretch. Make sure you aren’t rocking side to side and one leg isn't dropping further than the other. Flex your feet back toward the body to feel a greater stretch through your calves, feet, and ankles. If you need more support for this stretch, use a wall or perform it sitting up.
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