7 Ways Yoga Can Improve Your Sex Life

Haven't you always wondered why yoga instructors have that certain glow? Is it the vegan, gluten-free, raw diet they're on? Or the hundreds of hours they've logged on their mats? Perhaps it's the super organic skincare routine all yogis seems to follow? I'm going to take a wild guess and say the reason for the glow is their amazing sex lives. The benefits of yoga are so wildly impressive, it's kind of a shock we can't use it to achieve world peace — or, you know, something close to that. The long list of yoga benefits includes: Better posture, lower blood pressure, improved lung capacity, better balance, flexibility, weight loss, improved brain function, and dozens of other stellar benefits. But the one that wakes plenty of yogis up in the morning? The promise of a more fulfilling sex life. I don't know about you, but I'd get out of bed early for a few sun salutations for that.

Everyone knows that working out can improve your sex life when it comes to your energy and self esteem, but with yoga, you get all those benefits plus a few you could have never imagined. Whether you just want a new, fun form of exercise or you are always searching for ways to spice up your sex life (go you), yoga could be the answer to everything.

1. Mula Bandha is yogi talk for "doing lots of kegals"

You might not realize it, but yoga actually requires pretty much all of your muscles. When working on standing positions that force you to support your own body weight (like warrior and balancing poses), you're increasing the strength of your sphincter muscle and the muscle that controls your urination. What this translates to is anywhere from 10-40 minutes of kegal exercises per yoga class — or repeatedly contracting the muscles used when you urinate. As we all know, daily kegals can give you much stronger orgasms, so if that's not an incentive to break out the yoga mat, I'm not sure what is.

2. You can finally live in the moment

Sometimes being present during sex is harder than it seems, even if it feels great. You might be loving everything your partner is doing, but you get so focused on how your moans sound or how your stomach looks from a certain angle that you end up missing all the good stuff. Plus orgasming with a jam-packed mind is near impossible. A huge part of practicing yoga is being mindful of your body in each moment. Your instructor might bring your attention to parts of yourself you rarely pay attention to. When you're in tune with yourself, you can bring your A-game to any sexy situation, and take your sex life to new heights.

3. It makes you feel super sexy

From the outside yoga might look easy, but nothing strengthens your core and increases your flexibility like a good vinyasa flow. Working out not only gives you feel good energy, but boosts your self esteem —and in turn, your sex life. When you're getting sweatier at the gym, things can get steamier at home. In the yoga studio, the only equipment you really need is your own body, because you use your own weight as resistance, which is way harder than it seems. Thanks to a regular yoga practice, you can feel slimmer, more fit, and overall a lot more confident in your body.

4. Today's yoga poses are tomorrow's sex positions

Your newfound ability to touch your toes and wrap a leg behind your head can certainly be put to good use. Now you can flip through the Kama Sutra with full confidence that you can conquer practically any position. Focusing on a few key yoga poses can help really enhance your sexual skills. For releasing tension in your groin muscles, try a seated wide-legged straddle. For increasing blood to your nether regions, cobra pose if your go-to. Now, try out some of those poses with your partner…naked. The possibilities (and the positions) really are endless.

5. You'll have way more energy

Apparently, 6 in 10 Americans crave sleep more than sex. I'm going to go ahead and guess that's because we're a country of non-stop workers, thinkers, and doers, who rarely take a moment to relax, let alone have a siesta. Many couples are so sleep-deprived, sex often feels like just another thing on a never-ending to-do list. It turns out, doing yoga regularly works wonders for your energy levels and also helps you sleep better at night, which could be just what your sexual appetite needs.

6. It can help ease your period symptoms — and up your sex drive

When you're bloated and feeling like a blow-up doll version of yourself, it's likely the last thing on your mind is getting laid. And although going to the gym probably isn't high on your list either, getting in 35 to 40 minutes of yoga can help those pesky symptoms. In India, researchers did a study on 150 women with period problems including spotting, cramps, and heavy flows — half of which practiced yoga. After six months, those who maintained a regular yoga routine had lower levels of follicle stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, and prolactin, which lead to less severe menstrual symptoms. When you aren't plagued by cramps and backaches, you'll be more inclined to get your orgasm on, which also helps to relieve period pain.

7. You can find your zen place

When you aren't in a great mental head space, it can be difficult to truly enjoy being intimate with someone else. You generally need a clear mind to be feel fully satisfied with your sex life and yourself. It has been proven that yoga helps with all kinds of mental and physical troubles, including high blood pressure, anxiety, and depression. After 60 minutes of dimly lit candles, a soothing instructor's voice, and stretching out those sore muscles, you can't help but feel like a brand new, and much more relaxed person.

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