Sex is an important part of life; not only does it feel amazing, it's good for your body and mind. Regular sex with your partner creates a physical and emotional bond, and whilst you're at it, natural chemicals are released that are so beneficial for your bod. Endorphins (our happy hormones) are a natural anti-depressant and help to lower stress levels (which is good for fat loss), serotonin is released with orgasm which gives you that wave of happiness and relaxation, and prolactin is produced during sex which helps you get a good nights sleep.
So, it's good for mental health and relaxing your body. What about the physical benefits? First of all, it's good for your skin. The hormones released help promote the growth of new skin cells and natural collagen, meaning it can help prevent wrinkles, and all that sweating? Great for cleaning out those pores.
And obviously, if you're being enthusiastic enough, getting jiggy with it is going to burn some calories, so don't just lie there. Half an hour of reasonably active sex can burn around 100 calories and is good for your heart health too. It's recommended that we get five 30 minute sessions of cardiovascular exercise each week, and if you're putting in enough effort, sex totally counts as one of these sessions (as long as you're getting sweaty)... Get at it, girls!
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It's worth mixing it up a bit; try tweaking your usual go to positions or try new, more challenging positions to really turn your love making into a body-toning, fat burning workout.
Missionary
Obviously you're lying on your back, so to work your body you're going to have to put a little effort in here. Missionary will naturally work your core and legs, and can provide a good glute workout if you make sure you squeeze your bum muscles whilst thrusting; so give him as good as he's giving you! You could even bring in some props to increase the workout potential; try handcuffs (on you) and when you pull against them mid-sex, you'll be toning your arm muscles too.
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Cowgirl
Girl on top is going to work your core as you're having to sit upright; make sure you're puling your tummy in and sitting tall (think shoulders back for better posture). To increase the amount of leg toning, squeeze your thighs tight against your partner whilst you're doing your thang; he'll love it and your leg muscles will be working hard. You could even come up onto your feet and squat over him to really work your legs and bum (just take it slowly until you find your rhythm; you don't want to injure yourself - or him!)
Doggy
Again this position is going to work your core as you're having to stabilise yourself on all fours. To get a good upper body workout too, try placing your hands on a wall in front of you, and as he thrusts you can push against the wall to move your body back and forth; it'll help to tone your arms and shoulders.
Standing
Sex standing up can be a bit of a challenge, so obviously it's going to be working those muscles. If you face your partner and stand on one leg (wrapping the other tightly around him), that standing leg is going to get a good workout and the core muscles will be constantly engaged. Just remember to swap legs ever so often to balance out the toning action! If you and your partner face the same direction (so he's behind you) you'll work a lot of the same muscles as in doggy and you can use your hands to brace yourself against a wall to work those arms a little too.
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Lotus
Get your man to sit down and climb on top, facing him. Wrap your legs around him tightly. This position will really use your butt muscles to help with the thrusting movement, your core will be working hard to keep you sat up straight and your arms will be working to keep your body close to him. Squeeze those thighs nice and tight too to improve the leg-toning (and the sex will feel better too!)
Bridge
This one is like doggy - but you're facing upward. This position is not for the faint-hearted; it's pretty tough. Start lying on your back, get your partner to kneel in between your legs and (keeping your feet on the bed or floor) bring your hips upwards to his manhood, whilst supporting your body weight on your hands and feet (think straight arms, bent knees). He needs to hold your bum up and he can then control his movements in and out. The bridge position is physically challenging; it's going to work your glutes as you keep your hips lifted high and also really tone those arms and shoulders as you support your weight on them. Your man is going to LOVE this one too; he gets to be in control, he gets an amazing view of your body and he gets to grab your arse the entire time. To make it easier, lie on your shoulders instead but keep those hips up high to really work your bum and tone your core too.
Working out and getting off? Best. Multitasking. Ever.
Written by Samantha Neades / Personal Trainer / Cheltenham Women's Fitness
Featured Image Credit: Screen GemsTopics: Love, Sex, Romance, Relationship, Fitness, Health