No matter how much you love the classic missionary position (it’s a staple for a reason!), sometimes it’s fun to shake things up. Whether you’ve been eyeing a new toy, fantasizing about a hidden kink, or feeling curious about a challenging sex position that promises a wild ride, there are plenty of ways to add fresh energy to your sex life when the go-to moves start feeling a little routine.
According to Celeste Hirschman, MA — a San Francisco–based sex expert and therapist and co-founder of the Somatica Method — it’s completely natural to crave new experiences in the bedroom, especially in a long-term monogamous relationship. “Monogamy can get boring, and creativity is so important to keep your sex life strong,” she tells Elite Daily. “You need to be consciously making an effort to try new things together.”
And it’s not just about the physical payoff. When it comes to trickier positions, sometimes the best part is the process. Hirschman says that figuring out how to pull off a more advanced move as a team can deepen your emotional bond. “The best thing about trying new, fun sex positions is the novelty, the playfulness, the co-creation,” she explains. “That sense of collaboration can be very intimacy- and trust-building.”
Sex educator Goody Howard offers another take: expert-level positions can be thrilling, but not always for the reasons you’d expect. “It’s like ordering live octopus at a restaurant,” she says. “You do it for the novelty, the thrill, the bragging rights — but do you actually want to eat that thing?”
According to Howard, people often gravitate toward more complex positions simply out of boredom. “They want to try something new, like sampling a funky dish just for the story,” she says. But just because a position looks advanced doesn’t mean it’s more pleasurable. The real challenge is finding positions that bring both excitement and orgasmic potential.
“‘Expert’ should mean the most pleasurable,” Howard explains. “But often, it just means ‘hard to do.’ Some of the most basic positions are deeply satisfying because they allow for rhythm, connection, and comfort. They’re not handstands or split lunges. People are having sex for sport, not pleasure — and that’s a fool’s errand in my mind.”
She also points out that difficulty is relative — and accessibility matters. What’s challenging for one body might be easy for another, and some “advanced” positions simply aren’t realistic or safe for everyone. “If you can’t breathe, hold yourself up, or focus on your pleasure,” Howard says, “it’s time to rethink what you’re doing. Don’t sacrifice your safety just to impress your partner.”
That doesn’t mean you have to stick with the basics, either. “Expert” can also mean getting creative with rhythm, props, or toys. For example, Howard suggests placing a foam pillow wedge under your partner’s hips during penetration to adjust angles and enhance sensation — no circus stunts required.
Curious what else counts as expert-level but still pleasure-focused? Read on for a few new sex positions that bring excitement, challenge, and connection — all in the name of fun.
The Butterfly
For a modified missionary position, try lying on your back with your knees up to your chest while your partner enters you. Oooo, trés flexible!
Face-Up And Face-Up
If you’ve ever wanted to feel like a human puzzle piece, this position is for you. Start off with your partner lying flat on their back. You’ll lie down on top of them, also on your back, and maneuver their penis or dildo upwards into your vagina. For an extra steamy time, have them kiss your back and neck while you grind on them from above.
Wheelbarrow/Seated Wheelbarrow
A bit of arm strength is mandatory for the wheelbarrow, but wow is it worth the extra reps at the gym. You can try this one standing or sitting (both are a challenge!) facing away from your partner. If standing, you’ll be inverted, with your hands on the floor while your partner holds your legs in the air. If sitting, have your partner place their butt on the edge of a bed, couch, or chair. Sit on their lap facing away, then gradually work your hands to the floor and your legs straight out behind your partner’s hips. They’ll have an amazing view of your tush, and you can grind to your heart’s content.
69 Standing Up
Porn star status, achieved! If your partner is muscular enough — and if you have the stomach for it — have them pick you up and flip you upside down, so that your mouth is by their genitals and their mouth is by yours. Suck, lick, kiss, finger, stroke, and whatever else suits your fancy.
Oral Sex On The Shoulders Against The Wall
Ready to feel like you’re flying? Have your partner lift you up onto their shoulders facing them, so your genitals are in their face. Then, have them press you up against a wall behind you while they eat you out. What’s the view like from way up there?
Upstanding Straddler
For the easiest execution, straddle your partner while seated on a bed, couch, or chair. When they stand up, they’ll support you with their arms while you ride them.
Wrapped Lotus
This one is basically the Upstanding Straddler without any standing up. Have your partner sit criss-cross applesauce (you know the drill) and then climb aboard their lap, facing them. Fair warning: This one is more challenging than it looks! Stretch out your hips together beforehand because it requires some solid hip flexor flexibility.
Scissoring/The Spider
Scissoring is a magical position that allows you and your partner to get your genitals really close together. (And yes, it is totally real.) There are a million ways to scissor, but it’s a little more accessible when your legs are bent. Try facing each other, knees bent and arms back for support. Scooch together until your genitals are touching or until they’ve entered you with their penis or dildo. You can place your feet on either side of their hips, or you can interlock your legs so that you’re both lying on your sides. Grind away!
The L
You may be in the shape of an L, but get ready for a big W — and an even bigger O. Lay on the edge of a bed with your legs out straight to the side, so your body is in the shape of an L. Have your partner stand and enter you from the edge of the bed, gripping your hips for extra support (and extra spice).