Intimacy Exercises for Couples: Practical Ways to Deepen Your Relationship

What makes us fall in love? It’s certainly not just physical appearance. Love is a journey of two people, gradually discovering each other. True intimacy goes beyond the physical and is nurtured through honest conversations and shared experiences. However, many challenges and fears can hinder this connection.

Intimacy exercises, listed in this article, are scientifically proven to deepen trust between partners. Discover practical intimacy exercises for couples that strengthen connection and improve communication.

Why Intimacy is Important in Relationships

The importance of intimacy lies in its ability to foster feelings of acceptance, understanding, and care. Emotional intimacy is built through active listening and positive responsiveness, which deepen communication and strengthen the emotional bond between partners. 

Moreover, intimacy is beneficial for physical and mental health of both individuals in the relationship. Multiple studies link these practices to stronger relationships, increased trust and more fulfilling sex life. Emotional intimacy exercises are so powerful that they help in curing head and neck cancer.

Types of Intimacy Exercises for Couples

There are several types of intimacy exercises couples can try:

• Emotional intimacy and trust building exercises. 

They include sharing your deepest emotions, dreams, desires and thoughts. Active listening and positive responsiveness are the keys to success here.

• Physical intimacy exercises. 

Hugging and kissing are powerful intimacy practices that help partners get closer physically and emotionally. While these exercises can be quite arousing, other activities, such as massage, can bring comfort and relaxation.

• Experiential or energetic intimacy exercises. 

Going on a trip or discovering new hobbies together are excellent examples of experiential intimacy exercises. These activities can reinvigorate your connection and create lasting memories with your partner.

• Mental intimacy exercises. 

If you are the intellectual type, these activities will work out best. Make a book club for two or play video games together with your partner. Solving puzzles is much more fun than solving conflicts.  

• Spiritual intimacy exercises. 

Sharing your beliefs and values will help you connect on the spiritual level. It can be praying and visiting sacred places together. Or practicing mindful breathing, meditation and yoga for couples.

All of these intimacy exercises are interlinked. Some of them can help reignite passion, while others can deepen your feelings and trust. However, they all need a mindful, intentional approach. Ensuring why intimacy is beneficial for your relationship may help. Start with discussing your mutual interests and needs, so you can combine these practices for better results.

Practical Emotional Intimacy Exercises

Being Present

While it may seem easy at first, being present requires patience and balance. Start with something easy, such as putting down your phone while your partner is around. You can also try minding your breath and thoughts, keeping eye contact and fully engaging in every conversation.

Sharing Thoughts

Every relationship is a journey of two. It’s important to share your dreams and goals with each other, give and accept support. Try overcoming your fear and embarrassment by sharing something intimate. If you find it difficult at first, try using this question board to get inspiration.

Photo Show & Tell

It’s a fun exercise to try with someone you trust. Get cozy and take turns showing your photo galleries to each other. Pause to look at every picture you find interesting. Discuss what feelings each memory has arised or ask and answer questions about each captured moment.

For more ideas on practicing emotional intimacy read Miranna’s article Questions for Couples to Reconnect and Strengthen Bond.

Physical Intimacy Exercises to Reignite Passion

Relaxing Hugs

Few things are more calming than being held by someone you love. Use this technique to get rid of stress and anxiety, regain energy or just relax after a busy day. Get in a comfortable position, whenever you’re standing, sitting or laying. Ask your partner for a five-minute hug and make sure you both are all in for it at the moment. Mind your breath, sensations and emotions during the session. You can also use blankets to get even cozier and gently stroke or scratch each other’s arms, heads and backs.

Six-Second Kiss

Couples that have been together for a long time may eventually start neglecting long kisses. Don’t let routine mess your emotional connection up. For example, make a rule for a six-second kiss every time one of you leaves to work. 

Massage

Giving and receiving massage may be bonding and relaxing at the same time. Create a calming atmosphere by dimming the lights, taking a hot shower beforehand and using aroma oils. Ask the receiver about their pressure preferences and make sure to stop if they feel uncomfort. Begin with long, gliding strokes, then gently locate any tight muscles and apply light pressure.

Other Intimacy Exercises for Couples to Try

Cooking Together

Do you enjoy cooking? It’s even more fun if you do it together. Turn dinner preparation into something special with the help of romantic music, aroma candles and two glasses of wine. Make sure to choose a recipe you feel confident about not to get disappointed. Take your time to chat, flirt, or even slow dance during breaks.

Yoga for Couples

Yoga helps in reducing the heart rate, lowering blood pressure and easing respiration. There’s also evidence that yoga can help increase the body’s ability to respond to stress more flexibly. Start from simple mindful breathing and proceed to couple stretching following the instructions if needed. 

Book Club for Two

Reading is a powerful bonding exercise for couples. Take turns to read outloud to each other or do it individually and then discuss. Choose a book which would be interesting for both of you.

“It’s become our favorite time of the day as a couple. And we know, no matter what happens in the day – which invariably gets away from you – [we’ve] had that quality time together.” – Hugh Jackman about reading together with his wife.

How Coaching Can Help Strengthen Intimacy

Emotional intimacy exercises can deepen your relationship and build trust. However, trying new activities isn't always easy. Couples often face barriers such as busy schedules and fear of vulnerability. Overcoming these obstacles is possible by acknowledging their presence. Ensure that building intimacy is rewarding for your relationship.

Miranna’s sex and relationship coaches recommend starting with something simple and keeping consistency. For example, not every guy would be ready for weekly couple yoga, so it’s better to try mindful breathing or extended hugging first. Choose activities both of you enjoy. If you don’t like cooking, go out for dinner to a new place instead. Mix and match emotional intimacy exercises to make your private life more fulfilling and fun.

Intimacy coaching for couples provides personalized strategies to address intimacy challenges. Download the Miranna app today to discover a trustful resource for expert guidance.

FAQ

What are intimacy exercises for couples?
Intimacy exercises for couples are activities designed to strengthen emotional, physical, and mental connection between partners. These exercises include trust-building activities, physical intimacy practices like hugging and kissing, and shared experiences such as cooking or traveling together.

How can physical intimacy exercises improve a relationship?
Physical intimacy exercises, such as relaxing hugs, six-second kisses, and massages, help partners feel closer both emotionally and physically. These exercises promote relaxation, reduce stress, and reignite passion in long-term relationships.

What are some trust-building exercises for couples?
Trust-building exercises for couples include emotional sharing, active listening, and engaging in meaningful conversations. Activities like the "Photo Show & Tell" exercise encourage partners to open up and create deeper emotional bonds.

How do emotional intimacy exercises benefit a relationship?
Emotional intimacy exercises, such as sharing thoughts, being present, and practicing mindful breathing together, help partners understand each other better. These practices strengthen the emotional bond and improve communication.

Can intimacy coaching help couples build a stronger connection?
Yes, intimacy coaching provides personalized strategies for building intimacy in relationships. Coaches help couples overcome obstacles like busy schedules and fear of vulnerability by suggesting effective intimacy-building exercises tailored to their needs.