The temperature is poised to drop, but New York City sexperts have plenty of suggestions for how to keep the heat rising in bed this fall — and the ideas are more pleasurable than ever.
Two years after its publication, sexuality educators have seen “Fifty Shades of Grey” fever cool down, and they’re offering instruction that’s less “Ouch” and more “Oh wow!” Here are five classes getting the most buzz:
Beyond the Blowjob
“Oral sex seems to be the main area where customers want advice,” explains Claire Cavanah, co-founder of Babeland. “Because the action centers on the giver, people put a lot of pressure on themselves to do it ‘right,’ especially if they’re not getting a lot of feedback between the sheets. But our approach is not only about pleasing the partner, it’s about making it fun for both of you.” Led by two instructors, practice is key in these workshops; participants are given condom-covered bananas to try techniques as they’re introduced.
Sept. 7 at 7:30 p.m. at Babeland Soho, 43 Mercer St.; 212-966-2120, babeland.com. $35.
Outside the Box
Adult toy purveyor the Pleasure Chest hosts complimentary weekly Wednesday workshops, and this one, focused fully on maximizing female pleasure, is a crowd favorite, says store manager Brandon Bartling. Presented primarily as a lecture by the store’s in-house sexperts, with finer points illustrated by video or toy demonstrations, this class covers G-spot facts, myths and techniques, oral sex tricks to add to your arsenal and tips for how to enhance foreplay.
Sept. 24 at 8 p.m. at the Pleasure Chest, 1150 Second Ave; 212-355-6909, thepleasurechest.com. Free.
Everything Butt
“This year, we’ve noticed a significant number of customers asking questions about anal play,” says SHAG co-owner Samantha Bard. “It seems to be less of a taboo.” Created in response to customer demand, this new class touches on notable moments in butt history (hello, twerking!) and also includes a hands-on play component in which participants practice different finger-and-tongue techniques on peeled oranges, which, according to Bard, “are very similar to how a butt can feel.”
Oct. 16 at 6:30 p.m. at SHAG Brooklyn, 108 Roebling St.; 347-721-3302, weloveshag.com. $20 individual, $30 pairs.
Practicing Yoga With Kinks
This season Chelsea fetish shop Purple Passion is offering an anything but basic yoga workshop. Not only will you work out muscle strains with certified instructor Mistress Trish, but you’ll also get deeper in touch with your sexuality. Blindfolds are used in class to enhance your senses, and the dialogue focuses on how to more deeply tune in to yourself and your environment for enhanced sexual pleasure.
Nov. 2 at 2 p.m. at Purple Passion, 211 W. 20th St.; 212-807-0486, purplepassion.com. $15.
Urban Tantra
“As people look for meaning in their lives outside traditional religious organizations, they see a natural link between spirituality and sexuality and turn to practices like Tantra, which have always acknowledged the connection between the two,” says sexologist and workshop facilitator Barbara Carrellas. She’s seen an uptick in truth-seeking New Yorkers signing up for her class, which focuses on breathing and awareness, as well as discussions of turn-ons and self-love. Participants are fully clothed, and singles are welcome. They will be paired, with consent, with another attendee to experiment with breathing, touch techniques and eye-gazing, but there is no sexual touch within the class.
Sept. 7 at 10 a.m. at New York Open Center, 22 E. 30th St.; 212-219-2527, opencenter.org. $155.