If you’ve landed here, you’re looking to spice up your sex life. And while we’ve all heard of the exotic moves performed by porn stars or extreme sex acts aligned with fetishes, realistically, you’re probably looking for some achievable acts that can be performed by regular able-bodied people of low-athletic ability (not to assume you’re not a gymnast or anything, for that list, look over here) (jokes, there’s no second list).

You might have already had the talk with your partner about trying out some new moves. Or maybe you’re new to this whole thing. Either way, you’ll want to familiarise yourself with some techniques on how to ask your sex partner what you want in bed first. With both parties on the same page, you can incorporate any or all of these new moves into your routine (because let’s be real, that’s what it is).

We fully understand this list doesn’t cater to all sexual relationships – we’ve outlined as best as we can how it would suit gay and lesbian couples.

Missionary

Missionary is the 101 of sex positions and is the most popular move for heterosexual and same-sex couples. While evidence of the position itself dates back to our great ape ancestors, the naming rights are attributed to religious groups who claimed it as the proper way to have sex with, of course, the man on top. In reality, missionary position works well for either sex to be on top or bottom – because the angles are similar at the hips despite the position. The person on the bottom is generally lying flat with their knees bent slightly or a lot to tilt their hips up. The person on the top straddles the other while bringing their torso to align with their partner.

Missionary is often referred to as being one of the more intimate positions as you can easily create eye contact and engage in a little smoochy smoochy throughout. Vaginal and anal sex are achievebale in this position (although the latter is arguably easier in other positions if you’re new to it).

Straddle (women on top)

If you’re starting out in missionary, an easy move for the person on top is to sit up into a straddle position on their knees. It doesn’t sound like much but the change in the hip tilt makes this a totally different position to missionary with new sensations for both parties. From this position the person on top can grind back and forward and side to side slowly or quickly. Or they can also move up and down on their knees or tilt forward or back and use their arms for support.

Straddle (men on top)

If the male is on top, straddle looks a little different. The person on top can kneel to sit up and pull the sex partners hips up to their hips with their legs either side of them. From here the person on top can do most of the work with their arms and hips.

Spoon

An easy transition from a cheeky cuddle into straight up sex is the spoon position. As you’d expect, it usually involves the male behind (the big spoon) the other sex partner (the small spoon). With both of you on your side facing the same way, you’ll have easy access to vaginal or anal sex from this position.

This is also a great position for foreplay with a lot of humping opportunities, neck kissing and reach around fun.

Doggy style

While the name’s not doing it many favours, doggy style or doggy position is a super achievable and highly pleasurable sex position. It gets a bad name because it doesn’t seem as personal as face-to-face sex where eye contact is easier, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Doggy style involves a male sat upright on his knees, with the other sex partner is on all fours in front of him. Vaginal and anal sex are achieveable from this position.

Collapsed doggy style

An even lazier sex move but super pleasureable for both parties is collapsed doggy style. It involves both sex partners lying face down – with the male on top of the other. The male’s legs can either be on the inside or outside of the person on the bottom. Vaginal and anal sex are achieveable for this position which is the Sunday morning of sex moves.

Standing doggy style

Let’s get physical. This is the first position on this list that actually requires both sex partners standing and in general, a little bit more effort. It involves both sex partners facing the same direction, with the male behind. The person at the front can lean over a little or a lot to allow vaginal or anal penetration. Try different angles to see what works best. This position is a great move to try while you’re in the shower or in front of a mirror in your bedroom.

Sixty-nine

Lol, 69. Except we mean it in the sexual way this time. This is a non-penetrative position that essentially involves both sex partners giving the other a head job at the same time. How, you ask? Well, as we established that we’re not all acrobats here, we’ll suggest you take to the bed for this one (or your picnic blanket in the backyard – whatever floats your boat). The easiest way for heterosexual couples is for the male to be on the bottom but other than that – bob’s your uncle. Tip: Getting into 69 can be awkward to say the least. To avoid knees hitting noses, let the person on top start by placing their knees above the others shoulders and going from there.

Chair position

Put your home office to good use or steal one of the dining chairs – you’re going to want a chair with no arms for this exercise. Chair sex is awesome for getting up close and personal with your partner. This position requires the male to be sitting in the chair, and the other sex partner to sit on their lap (face to face) in a straddle position. The lower the chair the better so both can use their legs for leverage.

Standing position

Standing position requires effort from both parties. It is essentially missionary position standing up with the woman raising one knee to help with ease of penetration. Standing position can be difficult to get right especially if the sex partners are different heights. It may help to grab a foot stool or something to stand on so your hips are levelled. It’s a fun position to try during shower sex.