Sex isn't a performance. Honestly, most of us spend our lives rotating through the same three or four moves because, well, they work. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that. But sometimes, you just get bored. You find yourself staring at the ceiling fan or wondering if you remembered to move the laundry to the dryer while you're right in the middle of it. It happens.
When you start looking for sexual positions to try, you aren't necessarily looking to become a Cirque du Soleil performer. Most people just want a slight tweak to the geometry. A little change in the angle of penetration or a different way to distribute body weight can completely shift how things feel. It’s about sensation, not just "newness."
Why the "Basics" Stop Hitting the Mark
Our bodies are weirdly adaptable. The same friction in the same spot for ten years eventually feels like background noise. It’s called habituation. Your brain literally starts tuning out the signal because it knows exactly what’s coming next.
To fix this, you don't need a swing or a degree in kinesiology. You need to change the depth and the "grind." Dr. Emily Nagoski, author of Come As You Are, often talks about how context and nuance matter way more than the physical act itself. If the context is "we're doing this because it's Tuesday," no position is going to save you. But if you’re actually present, a simple shift like the Modified Missionary—where the receiving partner puts their legs up on the other person’s shoulders—changes the entire pelvic tilt. It’s deeper. It hits the anterior vaginal wall differently.
It's basically a whole new sport.
The Lazy Lover’s Guide to Better Sensation
Let’s be real: sometimes you’re tired. You want something new, but you don't want a workout. This is where The Spooning Entry shines. Most people do it "parallel," but if the person in front shifts their hips back and tilts their pelvis down, it creates a much tighter fit. It’s intimate. It’s low effort. You can even fall asleep right after without moving an inch.
Then there’s the Side-Lying Scissors. You’re both on your sides, facing each other, with legs intertwined. It’s not about deep thrusting. It’s about grinding. It allows for a ton of eye contact, which some people find awkward and others find incredibly intense. If you’re in the "intense" camp, this is a top-tier choice.
The Underestimated Power of Pillows
If you aren't using pillows, you’re doing it wrong. A firm pillow under the hips during standard missionary or while someone is on top (the Propped Cowgirl) changes the incline of the pelvis. This isn't just for comfort. It literally aligns the anatomy so that the clitoris gets more direct stimulation during penetration.
A 2017 study published in the Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy pointed out that the vast majority of women—around 75%—don't reach orgasm through penetration alone. So, any position that makes it easier to incorporate a hand or a toy is a win. The Doggy Style variant where the person on all fours drops down to their elbows (the Flat Dog) creates a steeper angle that many find more pleasurable, plus it leaves a hand free for extra "work."
High-Intensity Sexual Positions to Try for the Adventurous
Maybe you aren't tired. Maybe you had an extra espresso and you want to feel like you're in a movie.
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- The Standing Arch: This requires a wall. One person leans against the wall, the other lifts one of their legs. It’s tricky. It’s a balance act. But the verticality of it adds a certain "hectic" energy that you just don't get lying down.
- The Lotus: You sit cross-legged, and your partner sits in your lap, wrapping their legs around your waist. This is the ultimate "slow" position. You can’t move fast here. It’s all about the rhythm of your breath and very small, circular hip movements. It’s "kinda" spiritual if you’re into that, but mostly it’s just very, very close.
- The Overboard: One person lies on the edge of the bed with their feet on the floor. The other stands. This is great because the standing partner has total control over the pace, and the person on the bed is basically in a state of total relaxation.
What Most People Get Wrong About Variety
The biggest mistake is thinking you have to finish in the new position. You don't. Honestly, most "advanced" positions are great for five minutes of novelty before someone’s leg cramps up.
It is perfectly okay—and often better—to start with something wild and then transition back to your "old reliable" move for the finish. Think of these sexual positions to try as the appetizers, not the whole meal. If you try to stay in "The Butterfly" (where one person sits on a high surface like a dresser and the other stands) for twenty minutes, someone is going to end up at the chiropractor.
Communication Is More Important Than Flexibility
You can be as flexible as a rubber band, but if you don't say "a little to the left," it doesn't matter. Sex researchers like Dr. Justin Lehmiller have found through extensive surveys that the most satisfied couples aren't the ones doing the most "kinky" stuff; they’re the ones who talk about what they like.
If you're trying a new position, talk through it. "Does this hurt?" "Do you like this angle?" "Can we move the pillow?" It sounds unsexy, but it’s actually the fastest way to get to the good part.
Logistics and the Reality of Human Bodies
We need to talk about the mess. And the noises.
When you change positions, air gets trapped. It’s physics. It’s going to make a sound. If you let that ruin the mood, you're missing the point. The best way to handle the awkwardness of a "failed" new position is to just laugh and move on. Not every experiment is a success. Sometimes you try "The Bridge" and realize you don't have the core strength for it. That’s fine.
- Tip 1: Keep a towel nearby. New angles mean new "spills."
- Tip 2: If you're doing anything standing or on the edge of furniture, check the stability first. No one wants to end up in the ER because a nightstand collapsed.
- Tip 3: Lubrication is your best friend. Changing angles often means more friction in places that aren't used to it. Don't be a hero; use the lube.
Finding What Works for Your Specific Anatomy
Every body is built differently. Some people have a retroverted uterus (tilted back), which means certain deep-penetration moves like The Coital Alignment Technique (CAT) might actually be uncomfortable. CAT is basically missionary but the top person moves higher up, so their chest is above the other person’s shoulders, and they use a "rocking" rather than "thrusting" motion. It’s specifically designed to maximize clitoral contact.
If a position hurts, stop. It’s not "working through the pain." Pain is a signal that the angle is wrong for your specific bone structure or internal alignment.
Actionable Steps for Tonight
Don't overthink this. You don't need a manual.
- Start with one tweak. Don't try to flip your entire routine upside down. If you usually do missionary, just put a pillow under the hips. That’s it.
- Focus on the "grind," not the "poke." Shallow, grinding movements often provide more nerve stimulation than deep thrusting.
- Use your environment. Chairs, stairs, the kitchen counter—height differences are the easiest way to find new sensations without needing a gym membership.
- Check in frequently. A simple "You good?" goes a long way when you're twisted like a pretzel.
The goal of exploring new sexual positions to try is simply to stay curious. When you stop being curious about your partner's body, that's when the "stale" feeling sets in. Keep it simple, keep it comfortable, and don't be afraid to fail. Usually, the "fails" are the stories you'll laugh about later anyway.