IF YOU’RE A fan of porn, there’s a good chance you’ve come across the Full Nelson sex position. The acrobatic sex move—which puts the receiver’s body on full display for the viewer—is a “porn classic,” says Gigi Engle, A.C.E., certified sex educator. We can see why: it’s hot to watch. But do you need pornstar-level sex skills to actually do it?
Requiring quite a bit of flexibility and balance, the Full Nelson position is rewarding to pull off; the angle of the bodies allows for G-spot and prostate stimulation, causing some serious pleasure, Engle says. If you and your partner are willing to give it a go, it can be a fun way to mix things up in the bedroom.
Here’s everything you need to know to pull off the Full Nelson.
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How to Do the Full Nelson Sex Position
To get into the Full Nelson, have the insertive partner (the one doing the penetrating) lay down on their back. The receptive partner (the one being penetrated) will lay on top of the insertive partner, facing the same direction.
From here, the insertive partner can wrap their arms around the receptive partner’s legs and around the back of their neck (if you’re having trouble picturing it, see the illustration below). This will cause the receptive partner’s legs to spread, with their knees tucked into their chest.
The insertive partner can then find their way into the receptive partner’s vagina or anus, and plant their heels to use the hips to thrust. The insertive partner should find their balance before beginning thrusting, as it’s easy to tip to the side.
Once you’re situated, this position can be highly satisfying. The shallow penetration allows for some serious G-spot stimulation for the receptive partner. If the receptive partner has a prostate, they might also enjoy the full-body pleasure that comes with anal penetration. It’s also pretty comfortable for the insertive partner; there’s no need to rely on your shoulders or knees to hold you up.
The Full Nelson position should look like this:
The Full Nelson sex position.
Variations of the Full Nelson Sex Position
If the balancing act is throwing you off, the receptive partner can plant their feet on either side of the insertive partner. This way, the insertive partner doesn’t need to hold the receptive partner’s legs, Engle says. Plus, it may just be more comfortable for both parties.
“The [receptive] can also try putting their legs down, essentially lying flat against their partner’s back. This can be a bit like a flat spooning position,” Engle says. This position is known as the Pearly Gates, and it’s also great for G-spot stimulation (see the illustration below).
The Pearly Gates sex position.
Weight shifting may be another challenge. Know that all of the receptive partner’s weight will be on the insertive partner, so it can be difficult to stay balanced. The insertive partner should find their center before beginning thrusting. One false move, and you both will fall onto your side.
Challenges of the Full Nelson Sex Position
Besides the balancing issues we mentioned above, you can probably tell from the above description that this move requires deep flexibility for the person being penetrated. Their knees will be situated high up into their chest, so the benefit might not outweigh the cost of this position if that is uncomfortable for them. Plus, anyone with any back or neck pain may be further irritated by this position.
The insertive partner may need to be “well-endowed to be able to keep the penis in the vagina/anus at the angle,” Engle says. “Penis/strap on length is a huge drawback for this position.”
How to Incorporate Sex Toys
The Full Nelson can be great for pulling in some toys. The receptive partner’s legs are spread wide, allowing easy access for clitoral stimulation, Engle says. It’s a bit of a reach away, though—so be sure to use something with a long reach, like a wand vibrator. The receptive partner will have to be the one to control the toy, as the insertive partner’s hands are busy holding their partner’s legs back.
The insertive partner can try out a cock ring for extra stimulation, too. They “can be great for maintaining erections in such a physically challenging position,” Engle says.
Cori Ritchey, NASM-CPT is an Associate Health & Fitness Editor at Men’s Health and a certified personal trainer and group fitness instructor. You can find more of her work in HealthCentral, Livestrong, Self, and others.
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