The butter churner sex position, also known as the squat thrust, is a move that's become incredibly popular over the last few years. From reality shows to yoga-inspired sex position listicles, it comes up again, but few actually know what it is and whether it's worth trying.
The butter churner is unlike any of the other sex positions out there, designed for only the most athletic. In the move, one partner is (literally) flipped onto their head. It's all about G-spot penetration and visual pleasures, with the opportunity to add sexy accessories into the mix.
Named after the old-school way of churning butter, this position is a difficult one to get right, but rave reviews suggest it's one of the best sex positions for anyone looking to explore more standing sex positions with a partner. Here, woman&home speaks to a leading sexologist who reveals exactly what the butter churner is all about, the benefits, and how to do it right (and safely).
What is the butter churner sex position?
In the butter churner sex position, someone lies on their back and raises their legs, so that their ankles reach over their head. "The other partner then squats over and penetrates from above, resembling a butter-churning movement," says Madalaine Munro, a sexologist specialising in somatic sexology and psychosexual therapy.
The partner on the bottom has to support themselves with their core and arms, resting on the ground. As the upside-down angle could potentially cause a rush of blood to the head, this is a move for a good time, not a long time.
From the butter churner, it would be easy to move to a simple variation of missionary sex.
While the butter churner sex position can work for anyone, it's designed for G-spot stimulation. It's best for heterosexual couples, but it could be one of the best lesbian sex positions with the right toy.
But regardless of who you're trying this move with, you both need to have the flexibility and endurance to do it safely. It's certainly only one for those who have the flexibility, upper-body strength, and body awareness to experiment with something daring.
"This move has similarities with the shoulder stand from yoga, so awareness around injury prevention is helpful, such as not putting pressure directly onto your neck, and using your elbows to support your weight," says Munro.
What are the benefits of the butter churner?
1. It can offer intense G-spot orgasms
If you prefer to orgasm through G-spot penetration, then this is one of the sex positions to try out. "This position can be deeply penetrative," says the sexologist, thanks to the higher angle the penetrating partner is coming in from and the downward motion towards the cervix. It's similar to the helicopter sex position in this way.
You can also double up for dual stimulation with one of the best sex toys if you want, as the top partner will have full access to the clitoris and other erogenous zones.
2. You can play around with your partner
Sometimes we can be so focused on the orgasm and going through the motions to get there that we forget sex is supposed to be fun. For some, the butter churner will be the last position they'll want to try with this aim in mind, but Munro says it's ideal for those who want to get adventurous.
"This can be a more playful move to try as the bottom partner is in a position where blood may rush to their head, and the other is in a position to tease," she says. For more playful positions, try the speed bump sex position, or for something of equal intensity, the full nelson sex position can really hit the spot.
2. It's a deeply intimate position
However, it's important to be aware of the vulnerable position the bottom partner is in during the butter churner. It may not be one for trying with someone you're having sex with for the first time. It's for those who have the communication already.
"It's very intimate and requires careful communication around comfort, ease, and pleasure," says Munro.
For the same reason, though, she adds, it could be the perfect way to strengthen your connection with a partner in the bedroom. "It can deepen emotional intimacy as there needs to be trust present to try this adventurous position, and the eye contact you maintain throughout can add another whole new level of intimacy."
How to improve the butter churner sex position
The butter churner is hardly going to win awards for being one of the best lazy sex positions, but there are ways you can make it more comfortable. A pillow underneath the neck of the bottom partner, for instance, will support their head and may make it more comfortable.
If you've always wanted to include food or drink in the bedroom, then this is the perfect position for indulging in some gastronomic fantasies. It can combine penetrative sex with one of the best oral sex positions. The easier version (i.e. the less messy way) is to have the top partner dribble a syrupy liquid, like honey, into the bottom partner's mouth, either from the bottle or from their mouth, taking full advantage of the elevated position. If you want to make a splash, try a liquid like wine or cold water.
To ease things along a bit, always make sure you're using the best lube. If a partner is wearing a condom, this should be a water-based lube (like this one) rather than oil-based, and if you're using a silicone sex toy, it should always be water-based lube.
A simple bullet vibrator can be all you need to level up the butter churner sex position, as the partner on top has access to the clitoris and other erogenous zones. This one is a favourite, part of our guide on the best bullet vibrators, as it's comfortable to hold and has pleasurable settings to choose from.
A rabbit vibrator is a penetrative toy and a clitoral stimulator in one. It can be used in this sex position and in many others, and on your own. Also from Smile Makers, The Artist is the w&h top choice thanks to its premium materials and excellent touchpoint, levelling up the intensity without having to press a button.
Best variations of the butter churner sex position
- The butterfly sex position: This is the easiest variation of the butter churner sex position. Instead of the receiving partner being on their shoulders, they lie on their back on a table with their legs at a 90-degree angle, resting on their partner's shoulders. The penetrating partner can then enter easily from here, enjoying much of the same visual benefit that the butter churner offers. For intense G-spot stimulation, the bottom partner can limit the gap between their legs.
- The stirrups: This one might feel more like a stretch for your hamstrings or lower back, more at place in a yoga workout than in the bedroom, but hear us out. Here, the receiving partner lies on their back with their legs up and wide open, stretching back towards their head. The bottom partner can hold onto their feet or thighs for support. The penetrating partner then enters from a kneeling position, supported by helping to push their partner's legs back.
- The bridge sex position: The bottom partner lies down in the bridge yoga position, with their shoulders on the ground and back and legs off the floor. The other partner gets onto their knees and slides between their legs, helping to hold up the receiving partner by supporting under the buttocks if necessary.
