Yoga moves that will improve your sex life

It’s Tuesday morning, and I have a meeting with a very handsome Brazilian man who claims he can improve my sex life… while keeping our clothes on. Sounds unlikely, right?

Heberson Oliveira is giving me a special yoga lesson. The yogi, who just launched the app Yoga & Sex, believes the ancient Indian practice can make you happier and more fulfilled in more ways than just spiritually.

Yoga is known for its many benefits, including reducing stress, strengthening the limbs and improving flexibility — all of which can lead to a better sex life, according to the yoga expert. Oliveira’s method focuses on poses that have a direct effect on several aspects of sexuality, by invigorating specific parts and stimulating hormone production.

“For women, regular practice improves desire, gives stronger orgasms and makes them feel more conscious of their body,” he explains. “Men will get better erections, stronger orgasms and will be able to have longer intercourse.”

The lesson starts with several exercises focusing on breathing: the type that contract the perineum (the erogenous zone located between your fun bits at the base of your body). Developing the muscle of the pelvic floor is supposed to increase pleasure during intercourse. But the postures aren’t only muscle-centered: stimulating the thyroid is also a way to boost your sexuality.

“The idea is to make the whole body work. For example, men are usually quite stiff and they can’t move their hips very easily, especially in Europe,” he says, adding that his method is like a “cocktail” of many yoga techniques.

After half an hour contracting my pelvic floor, I start to feel some interesting vibes in my body.

After an hour of breathy, sensual exercises, things are starting to get hot… very hot. The fact that the Brazilian teacher took off his T-shirt so we could get a better “understanding” of the movements obviously has nothing to do with it.

The end of the class comes all too prematurely, leaving me and the rest of the somewhat invigorated crowd, wanting more.

Although I was pretty sceptical about the program, I have to admit it definitely made me feel more connected to my body – my whole body. The postures are quite simple but the effect can be felt pretty much immediately on the pelvic floor. One lesson did not considerably change my life in the bedroom, but regular exercises through the app could make a difference in the long run.

These poses stimulate the hormones and strengthen the pelvic floor. Try to hold each pose for at least one minute. If you can’t, take a break and start again.

1. Temple

Spread your legs and squat with your knees facing outward. Gather your hands and breathe in and out slowly and deeply while contracting the perineum.
Effect:strengthens the perineum

2. Warrior III (Virabhadrasana III)

Bend one knee until the thigh is parallel to the floor. The head, chest and leg should be aligned facing forward, hands in prayer position.
Effect:tones the leg muscles and core, improving posture and agility

3. Chair (Utkatasana)

With knees slightly bent, push your hips back and then slowly forward, while contracting the tummy. Do 10 reps.
Effect:improves flexibility and releases tension around hips, strengthens abs

4. Supported Bridge (Setu Bandhasana)

Lie on your back with knees bent and the soles of your feet flat on the floor. Lift your hips off the floor, while letting your arms rest alongside your body, and contract the perineum.
Effect:strengthens the butt and perineum