{"id":3983,"date":"2015-12-23T07:05:57","date_gmt":"2015-12-23T07:05:57","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/?p=3983"},"modified":"2026-03-19T10:55:19","modified_gmt":"2026-03-19T10:55:19","slug":"five-contemporary-intimacy-exercises-for-married-couples","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/intimacy\/five-contemporary-intimacy-exercises-for-married-couples\/","title":{"rendered":"Five Contemporary Intimacy Exercises for Married Couples"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

\"cute<\/p>\n

Some of us may still fall victim to the belief system that “true love happens naturally” and the implication that “work need not apply” to loving relationships. If you are guilty of this type of thinking, you may be in trouble. <\/span><\/p>\n

The reality is, real love takes real work and effort, long after the move-in date or the exchanging of vows. But knowing how to build it is another subject entirely.<\/span><\/p>\n

Intimacy in marriage<\/strong><\/a> is a combination of physical, emotional, mental, and even spiritual closeness that you develop with your partner as you share your lives with each other.<\/p>\n

Building intimacy in a marriage is essential for strengthening the bond that a couple shares. <\/span>So what can couples do to build intimacy in their marriage?<\/p>\n

Be it couples intimacy games, intimacy exercises for married couples, or relationship-building activities for couples you should always keep striving to find ways to keep your relationship intimate.<\/span><\/p>\n

Let this article prepare you to get started with some marriage intimacy<\/a> exercises for couples to reconnect<\/strong> which are frequently recommended in couples’ therapy<\/a>. <\/span><\/p>\n

These ‘couple exercises for intimacy’ by relationship coach Jordan Gray<\/a> will work wonders for your married life!<\/p>\n

<\/span>1. Extra-long cuddle<\/span><\/h2>\n

Let’s kick things off with an easy one. Choose the time, whether at night or in the morning, and spend that precious time just snuggling for 30 minutes at least. If you normally snuggle for this length of time, increase it to an hour.<\/span><\/p>\n

Why does it work?<\/b><\/p>\n

Physical closeness is one of the hallmarks of bonding. The pheromones, kinetic energy, and chemical reactions that happen just by snuggling with your loved one create the sense of connectedness necessary in healthy relationships<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Not only does this work as a sex therapy exercises but also as an emotional intimacy exercise.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span>2. Breathing connection exercise<\/span><\/h2>\n

Like many intimate activities,<\/strong> this one may seem silly at first, but open your mind to trying it and you may just love it. <\/span>You and your partner will face one another seated, and lightly touch your foreheads together<\/a>, eyes closed.<\/p>\n

You will begin to breathe, deep, intentional breaths in tandem.  The recommended number of breaths in tandem starts at 7, but you and your partner can participate for as many breaths as you like.<\/p>\n

Why does it work?<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

The touch, and the experience of the touch, aligned with the breathing, brings about natural feelings of connectedness through the shared energy exchanged via the brow or “third eye” chakra. <\/span><\/p>\n

This may tap into some of our most primal resources in our ability to engage in spirituality and to exchange energetic forces through organic means.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span>3. Soul gaze<\/span><\/h2>\n

In this building intimacy exercise<\/strong>, you are merely sitting faced to one another and will stare into one another’s eyes, imagining that the eyes are a “window into the soul”. As many of these types of exercises may seem corny at first, this one is a classic. <\/span><\/p>\n

Though you may indeed feel awkward in the beginning,  as you get used to sitting and gazing into one another’s eyes the exercise becomes relaxing and meditative. Try putting it to music so that you have  4-5 minutes of timed focus.<\/span><\/p>\n

Why does it work?<\/b><\/p>\n

This type of exercise tends to slow things down.  It should be done several times per week for maximum benefit.  In today’s busy world, focusing for 4-5 minutes just gazing into one another’s eyes helps the couple to relax and regroup.  <\/span><\/p>\n

Yes, it is okay to blink during the exercise, but try and avoid talking.  Some couples use a 4 or 5 minute song to set the background and time.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Soul<\/p>\n

<\/span>4. Three things<\/span><\/h2>\n

You and your partner can play this one however you like.  One of you may state your things all in one go, or you may alternate.  Think of the questions you want to ask; write them down if it helps.  <\/span><\/p>\n

The questions will be phrased as such:<\/strong><\/p>\n

What 3 things will you want to eat for dessert this month?<\/span><\/p>\n

What 3 things will you be sure to take with you on an adventure to a tropical island?<\/span><\/p>\n

What 3 things do you hope to do together that we haven’t tried?<\/span><\/p>\n

These are merely examples; you get the idea. <\/span><\/p>\n

Why does it work?<\/b><\/p>\n

This is an intimacy and marriage<\/strong> communication exercise<\/a>. It enhances the bond between you by increasing communication skills and provides knowledge of one another’s thoughts, feelings, and interests.  <\/span><\/p>\n

It is also helpful as interests can change over time. The answers will also yield information that will most likely prove useful in the future.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span>5. Two ears, one mouth<\/span><\/h2>\n

In this active listening exercise<\/a>, one partner talks or “vents” on a topic of their choosing, while the other partner must sit facing them, merely listening and not speaking.  <\/span><\/p>\n

The both of you may be amazed at how unnatural it can feel to actually just listen without speaking.  After the five minutes, three minutes, or eight-minute rant is over, the listener then is free to express feedback<\/span>.<\/b><\/p>\n

Why does it work?<\/b><\/p>\n

Active listening practice<\/strong> is another communication exercise that enhances our ability to truly listen and take in another’s stream of consciousness. <\/span><\/p>\n

Focusing on them intently without distractions gives them the sense of our undivided attention; something of vital importance but of which is rare in today’s busy world. <\/span><\/p>\n

Intentional listening also reminds us to stay focused on the other person without asserting our opinions prematurely. At the end of this exercise, you will exchange places as speaker\/listener.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Bedtime<\/p>\n

<\/span>Additional bedtime couples exercises and tips for better intimacy<\/span><\/h2>\n

Here are some amazing bedtime routines to incorporate into your daily lives for better intimacy:<\/p>\n