We are constantly told by sex magazines, sex blogs and hacky tabloids that if we want our sex lives spiced up, we must try new and exciting positions. They have seemingly endless options for positions to choose from. These positions and the porn shows we frequently draw inspiration from are simple, but important modifications to common positions like missionary. Think about propping the partner on their back with a pillow. Most are amazing configurations with bizarre names and arcane details. They range from mildly acrobatic or bewilderingly contortionist.
While experimenting with different positions can open up new levels of comfort, pleasure and perspective in sex, most of the most popular and well-respected bodily arrangements are just too sexy for most people. It is not uncommon for positions to look good on a diagram or screen to sacrifice feeling in favor of style. The most unusual positions often involve subtle or explicit human pretzling that can easily cause injury to the unprepared.
It is easy to see that we shouldn't place too much value on lifestyle lists and sex scenes. It can be difficult for an average person to discern which sex positions are worth trying, and which ones are overrated. Mashable reached out for help by reaching out to porn stars, who have more experience in all possible positions.
More than a dozen performers from adult shows share their opinions on which positions are hyped and overrated relative to their high potential for pleasure or practicality. Many also shared their thoughts on which positions would work best for them. You might be surprised at how vanilla many of their top picks were given the variety of options and their films.
What are the most popular sex positions in porn and pop culture?
Nova Sky: The reverse cowgirl is not worth the hype. It is just as hard work as cowgirl but without the stimulation. It is also difficult to see my partner's faces and how they respond to pleasure, which I love in reverse cowgirl.
Charlie Forde: This angles the cock away too from the G spot.
Sabien Demonia, also known as Sabrina Night: Being a reverse cowgirl can be dangerous, uncomfortable, and completely incongruous.
Alison Rey: Even the strongest of glutes and quads, a girl will have trouble maintaining that position for long periods. It is not suitable for touching or kissing. It does not allow for women to have much control over the penetration. This is what makes it so great.
Avery Jane: Reverse cowgirls are underrated, besides porn. It is difficult for most people. You need to have strength and body placement that isn't always easy. Once you get it right, deeper penetration is possible, the partner can see the penetration and the top and bottom can alternate who is actively fucking.
Charlie Forde: A good ass view for the person at the bottom. That's all.
Misha Montana: Traditional cowgirl? I am an athlete but I also get tired. I find it less attractive to be physically exhausted, just panting, grinding, than someone who is physically exhausted. You can also take over other positions and become cum.
Sheena Rose: Doggy style. When you ask people what their favorite position they answer, doggy is the most common answer. It can be wonderful, I'm not denying that. It would not be my favourite position.
Dante Colle - Doggy serves its purpose and I love it. It's overdone and you miss out on many of the positive aspects that sex can bring.
Joshua Lewis: It doesn't feel right for you or your partner, depending on how your dick looks. Not everyone wants to be pounded like this all the time.
Brenna Sparks: Doggy position is one of my favourites. Doggy style can be very painful for some people if the penis length is too long.
Joslyn Jane: 69ing. Although it can get very hot for a few moments, it is not easy for many people to reach their climax. It can be difficult to focus on giving my head when I am near climaxing.
Joshua Lewis: It is completely impractical. When your partner is ignoring you, it's difficult to concentrate on getting them off. I would rather focus my attention on my partner.
Kate Kennedy: A pile driver is something that no normal person should attempt. It is a disgusting position that even porn stars dislike. It will not make sex more enjoyable, but it will make it more difficult, and it could even lead to injury.
Which jobs are considered to be criminally underrated What is there to like about them?
Joslyn Jane says that missionary is often called boring. It doesn't do a lot of porn.
Jade Kush : It's used quite a bit in mainstream media, I believe because it's easy for people to censor. It doesn't have the credibility it deserves.
Joshua Lewis: This is the most fundamental position you can hold.
Joslyn Jane - But it's a very intimate position.
Marica Hase: It's all about conversation. It is important to look at your partner.
Jade Kush: It can be uncomfortable for some people because it is intimate. If they are not intimate with their partner, it can feel off. This makes sense. But, if you're lucky enough to have the right person, it's possible to fall in love with your lover.
Joslyn Jane : It's great for men to go deep. This can be a wonderful experience for both of you.
Charlie Forde: It gives women the option to adjust the stimulation they receive by how much they tilt their pelvis. It allows you to really let go and enjoy the sensations, without having to be in a strange position. It is compatible with all physical abilities.
Kate Kennedy: There are many ways to explore classic positions such as this: I love to place my legs above my partner's shoulders when missionary is over for deep penetration.
Joshua Lewis: You have so many options. You can be slow or fast.
Nova Sky: Side to side spooning is a way to show your love. You can have all the same sensations as a dog, but you're able to interact more freely with your partner.
Sara St. Clair says: You can hold hands. You get deep penetration. This is great for reaching all the places you can't with missionary. You can even avoid morning breath if you're doing morning sex.
Sheena Rose: This can be very erotic. It's possible to cuddle, kiss, and be passionate. I love it when my partner is done, and my penis remains in me while he falls asleep.
Misha Montana: Spooning doesn't require a lot of physical effort. It's possible for almost anyone to do it. It's simple for both of you to reach a climax. In this situation, I have even witnessed mutual climax.
Joshua Lewis: This is a common position. If you're both into hair-pulling and choking, you can speed things up by having access to your partner’s hair and throat.
Lindsey Leigh - If I place my leg in this position and my male partner presses into me, I squirt everytime
Why do we exaggerate some practical positions and undervalue great ones?
Sheena Rose: Sex education is a sham and most people get their ideas via porntube sites when they are young, dumb and impressionable. Porn is not educative.
Marica Hase says that we do more acrobatics in scenes because they look wild. We don't do many things like missionary, because they are boring.
"I don’t look as I do in a porno when having sex with my friends."
Charlie Forde: When you see someone feigning in an unpractical position, you think, "oh my God maybe that feels great." However, I have found that it is difficult to turn these visually appealing positions into an erotic experience.
Kate Kennedy: Although we are professionals, our product is visually stimulating. However, it does not provide any stimulation or pleasure. We are doing a job we have been physically and mentally trained for. I don't watch the Olympics, but then try to emulate Simone Biles in real life. I could literally die! The same applies to any porno positions. When I have sex with friends, I don't look the same as I do in porno. It wouldn't be pleasant.
Jade Kush - The availability of on demand XXX content has made it possible to accept uncomfortable and sometimes even impossible positions. It's almost like asking, "Who can do the most crazy thing?"
Alison Rey: I believe the people who make Hollywood sex scenes try and portray what they consider good sex. This is often the wild, animalistic, or fantastical sex they see [normalized] as hardcore porn.
Dante Colle: It's often said that sex is all about power and ego and not about intimacy or adventure. People focus on appearing impressive.
Alison Rey: Many people are insecure about sexual prowess and fear exploring their potential sexual desires for fear of being rejected by their partners. They try to conform to the image of media to look hot in their partner's eyes.
Misha Montana: Some people believe they have to be sexy with their partners in order to satisfy themselves. They don't.
What can people do to find the best positions for themselves and their partners?
Kate Kennedy: There's no magic position that will work for everyone.
Avery Jane: Everybody is unique and feels sensations differently. Some may find sex more difficult and some others might find it easier to achieve more satisfying positions.
Nova Sky: Each set of partners will fit differently, and you won't be able to know which positions work best for each person until you have tried them all. Try them all!
Kate Kennedy: It's all about trial and error.
Joshua Lewis: It can also be fun to mix it up. Personally, I am tired of the same sex every time I have sex: doggy style, cowgirl, and normal sex missionary.
Sabien Demonia: Make sure you do your research before starting anything to avoid any unpleasant surprises. Don't expect miracles to happen the first time. Some positions require practice.
Brenna Sparks: Don't let your experiments get into sex. This will be awkward and your partners won’t know what you’re doing. Tell them.
Misha Montana: Communication is crucial to any aspect of a sexual relationship. Communicate your interest in new positions and your willingness to explore them with your partner.
Alina Ali: Tell your partner what makes you feel good and what doesn't. Don't be shy.
If things don't go according to plan, try not to be critical. It's perfectly normal and acceptable to have a good time while having sex.
Charlie Forde: You can find the right position in Kama Sutra books if you know what you are looking for, whether that's deep penetration or clit stimulation. You can have fun and experiment.
Alison Rey: Don't judge yourself when things don't go according to plan. It is perfectly normal and acceptable to have fun with sex when things don't work out.
You don't have to pretend to be great at sex. It's when you and your partner communicate and can find ways to move your bodies together that create waves and pleasure.
Brenna Sparks: You can be a good sex if you treat it as a science and not as a primal instinct. Your units of measurement are angle, depth, speed. Your penis size and your ability to handle it will affect the strategies you choose. When you experiment with new positions, you can adjust all of these variables. Limit your experimentation to one position per session. To understand how these units work within each position, you will need to take the time to adjust it in different ways.
Penny Barber: Simply shift your body when you are in a position. Find what feels the best.
Avery Jane: As you experiment with things, make a mental note of what feels good.
Alison Rey: Sometimes, just a slight change of angle can make sex go from meh to my god!
Lindsey Leigh - It takes just a millisecond for your body or your partners to adjust during sex.
Avery Jane: Pillows can be used to create new angles.
Sara St. Clair: Don't forget to include other items into your positions! You can use your vibrator to make you cum in any position.
Check out these sex toys that couples can use to have fun and switch up the sex between the sheets
Penny Barber: Remember to use your hands! Get close. Get close. If your partner is into it, hold them down. Grab your partner's pretty face and ask him to say your name. You can alter the energy and physicality of a relationship.
Misha Montana: Have fun having sex. Don't take it too seriously.
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