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Physical effort: High Inverted

In midair (Suspension): inverted position with legs in a split

In midair (Suspension) is an acrobatic inverted position: the receiving partner rests head and hands on the floor while the penetrating partner, in a wide half-squat, lifts their pelvis to groin height and holds their legs spread in a split. It demands strength, flexibility and a lot of coordination.

Also known as: In midair · Inverted split · Upside-down wheelbarrow

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Illustration of In midair (Suspension): The receiving partner is upside down, with head and hands on the floor and legs spread wide in a split; the penetrating partner, in a wide half-squat, holds the
Anatomy and biomechanics

The receiving partner is upside down: the top of the head and both palms rest on the floor, elbows bent, and the pelvis is raised to the height of the penetrating partner's groin. Both legs are straight and spread wide to the sides, almost in a horizontal split, and the penetrating partner holds them by the upper thighs. The penetrating partner stands with feet planted far apart in a wide half-squat, knees bent outward and torso upright, and sets the rhythm. The receiving partner's neck and wrists bear part of the weight, the hips need flexibility for the split, and the penetrating partner's knees and lower back work hard. Vaginal or anal penetration is possible. It is a position for a few moments, not for a long session.

Why this position works

Some couples are drawn to it as a playful challenge: an unusual, acrobatic position that requires trust and coordination. Being upside down changes the angle of penetration, and some people find the novelty exciting. There is no eye contact or embrace, and it only works for short moments. How it feels varies from person to person.

Power Play Vigor and Energy Sensory Exploration Difficult High Mobility Required Penis-Anus Configuration Penis-Vagina Configuration

Variations of this position

Variation 1: resting on the forearms with a cushion under the head

Same inverted position, but the receiving partner rests on the forearms with a cushion under the head, taking load off the neck and wrists.

Instead of the palms and the top of the head, the receiving partner rests on both forearms, with a firm cushion under the head and shoulders. The base is wider and more stable, and the neck and wrists carry less weight. The pelvis ends up a little lower.

  1. Place a firm cushion or folded mat on the floor.
  2. The receiving partner rests the forearms on the floor and the head on the cushion.
  3. The penetrating partner lifts the thighs to groin height and holds them firmly.
  4. Move slowly and stop if there is dizziness or pain.

Variation 2: legs bent around the waist instead of a split

Same inverted position, but the receiving partner bends the knees and hooks the legs around the penetrating partner's waist instead of opening them in a split.

The legs are no longer straight and spread wide: the knees bend and the lower legs wrap around the penetrating partner's waist or hips. Much less hip flexibility is needed, and the legs help hold the pelvis up, so the penetrating partner's grip is easier.

  1. Start with head and hands (or forearms) on the floor.
  2. The penetrating partner lifts the pelvis by the thighs.
  3. The receiving partner bends the knees and hooks the legs around the penetrating partner's waist.
  4. The penetrating partner holds the hips and moves gently.

Variation 3: the penetrating partner kneels

Same inverted position, but the penetrating partner kneels instead of half-squatting, so the receiving partner's pelvis is lifted less.

The penetrating partner kneels on a cushion with knees apart and torso upright. The pelvis of the receiving partner only needs to rise to kneeling groin height, so the body is less steeply inverted and the penetrating partner's legs and lower back work less.

  1. The penetrating partner kneels on a cushion with knees apart.
  2. The receiving partner places head and hands (or forearms) on the floor in front.
  3. The penetrating partner lifts the thighs only to their own groin height.
  4. Keep the movement slow and come down together.

✓ Tips
  • Practise it on a firm, non-slip surface, with a mat or cushion under the receiving partner's head and hands.
  • The receiving partner should already be comfortable being upside down and in a wide split; don't force the hips.
  • The penetrating partner holds the thighs firmly and keeps the knees bent to protect the lower back.
  • Keep it short: being upside down can cause dizziness and loads the neck and wrists. Come down slowly and together.
  • Use slow, controlled movements: a misaligned thrust at this angle can bend the penis.
  • Use lubricant, and a condom if you are not in a mutually monogamous relationship with tested partners; for anal penetration, plenty of lubricant and go slowly.
  • Stop immediately if there is pain, dizziness or loss of balance.
Interaction type
Penetration with the receiving partner inverted, legs in a split
Active anatomy
Penis
Receptive anatomy
Vagina or anus
Main stimulation
Vaginal or anal penetration at an inverted angle
Setups and participants
Couple · 2 people GayHetero

Frequently asked questions

Is it difficult?

Yes. It requires the receiving partner to tolerate being upside down and to have flexible hips, and the penetrating partner to have strong legs and a good grip. Treat it as a short, playful challenge.

Is it safe?

It carries more risk than most positions: neck and wrist strain, dizziness and falls. Use a soft, stable surface, keep it brief and stop at the first sign of discomfort.

Can it be made easier?

Yes: the receiving partner can rest on the forearms with a cushion under the head, keep the legs bent around the penetrating partner's waist instead of in a split, or the penetrating partner can kneel.

Is it only for vaginal penetration?

No. Anal penetration is also possible, with plenty of lubricant, a condom and a very gradual start.

Sources and references

  • Literatura de sexología clínica y ergonomía sexual

Reviewed by the editorial team ·

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