Wheelbarrow Sex Position 101: Step-by-Step Guide & Variations

You’ve probably seen the wheelbarrow position pop up in many of our sex position guides—and for good reason! Not only does it take inspiration from an unexpected object, but it’s also a playful position that allows for deep penetration and works for both anal and vaginal play.

So to give this position the love and hype it deserves, this guide is all about the wheelbarrow! We’ll walk you through a step-by-step process and explore its best variations so you can find the perfect version that suits your fitness level and personal preferences.

What is the Wheelbarrow Sex Position?

As the name suggests, the wheelbarrow position involves the receiver (the person being penetrated) being held up by the giver (the one doing the penetrating), much like a wheelbarrow. This position allows for rear entry, offering deep thrusting from behind.

At first glance, it might seem straightforward, but don’t be fooled—it requires a lot of effort from both partners. The giver needs enough strength to hold the receiver up, while the receiver must maintain stability throughout. Because of this, it’s considered an intermediate-level position. Newbies must opt for beginner-friendly positions first before trying this one.

Of course, if you and your partner are feeling adventurous, you can always bend the rules—but be warned, skipping the basics might put you at risk for sex-related injuries. Safety first!

Pros & Cons

Is this adventurous position right for you and your partner? Here’s a quick rundown of the pros and cons to help you decide:

Pros:

• It’s incredibly unique. It emulates an object, which isn’t something you see in most sex positions.
• Works for both vaginal and anal penetration.
• Can be adjusted to fit your body and fitness level.
• Doubles as a great workout for both partners! For those who love a challenging session in the bedroom, you’ll love this one.

Cons:

• Requires a certain level of fitness and experience. You need enough upper body strength, flexibility, and stamina to do this.
• Not as comfortable as other positions. This one is more of a novelty position rather than something passionate.
• Less skin-to-skin contact— this position will be a bummer to those who love a lot of skinship during sex.

How to Do It

Want to give this iconic position a go? There are two ways to do it—just pick the one that feels best for you and your partner:

Standing Method

1. The giver stands with their legs slightly apart, while the receiver stands in front and bends over, touching their toes. The giver then gently enters from behind.
2. Both partners bend their knees to lower themselves. The receiver then extends one leg back, resting it on the giver’s thigh, while the giver holds onto it for support.
3. Once the first leg is secure, the giver lifts the receiver’s second leg, holding both. Meanwhile, the receiver presses their palms to the floor for added stability.

Seated Method

1. The giver starts by lying down on the edge of the bed with their feet flat on the floor. The receiver then straddles them in a reverse cowgirl position, pressing their body down onto the giver’s penis.
2. Next, the receiver extends their legs backward while placing their hands on the giver’s knees for support. As the receiver shifts their weight, the giver rises onto the bed, preparing for the final step.
3. The giver grips the receiver’s hips while the receiver carefully lowers their upper body until their palms are fully pressed against the floor.
4. Finally, the giver gently stands up, lifting the receiver’s lower body in the process. Once stable, they can start thrusting, maintaining balance and control.

Wheelbarrow Sex Variations

As mentioned earlier, the wheelbarrow sex position can be adjusted in several ways to match your fitness level and comfort. Whether you’re looking for a beginner-friendly twist or a full-body workout, there’s a variation for you:

1Seated Wheelbarrow

If you’re a beginner wanting to try this position or a couple with health concerns that make the original wheelbarrow challenging, this variation could be a great alternative. It’s a more accessible option since the giver doesn’t have to lift the receiver, and the receiver doesn’t need to support its full weight.

How to do it: The giver sits on the edge of a bed or couch while the receiver straddles them in a reverse cowgirl position. Once the receiver’s vagina has slid onto the giver’s penis or strap-on, they extend their legs backward and slowly shift their body toward the edge until their palms touch the floor. From there, the couple can continue thrusting at a comfortable pace.

2Supported Wheelbarrow

This variation works well on tables and counters, providing the receiver extra support and comfort while following the same mechanics as the classic wheelbarrow position.

How to do it: The receiver stands in front of a sturdy table or counter and bends forward until their upper body rests on the surface, keeping their feet planted on the floor. They then slightly spread their legs, creating enough space for the giver to penetrate from behind. Once penetration begins, the giver gently lifts the receiver’s legs and holds their thighs for support.

3T-Pose Wheelbarrow

This variation is for daring and flexible receivers! It follows the classic wheelbarrow position but with an extra challenge—the receiver spreads their legs as wide as possible. While this doesn’t necessarily enhance pleasure, it’s great for those who love pushing their limits.

How to do it: Start by following the classic wheelbarrow position. Once in place, the receiver stretches their legs as wide as possible while the giver holds onto their thighs for support. From there, they can continue at a steady pace, making sure to maintain balance.

4Kneeling Wheelbarrow

This variation is great for beginners since it requires less endurance from both partners—meaning less strain and more comfort!

How to do it: The giver kneels on the floor while the receiver straddles them, similar to a lap dance or reverse cowgirl position. Once the receiver has lowered themselves onto the giver’s penis or strap-on, they lean forward until their chest rests on the floor. The giver then supports the receiver’s hips and takes control of the thrusting, making it an easier yet exciting variation of the wheelbarrow.

5Flying Wheelbarrow

Looking for a challenge? We’ve got you! Here’s an advanced-level variation that puts the giver’s strength to the test. In this version, the giver must fully lift and support the receiver’s body, so some strength training definitely helps!

For added safety, we recommend doing this at the edge of the bed, with the receiver positioned in front of the mattress—this way, if balance is lost, they can land on a soft surface instead of the floor.

How to do it: Start with the classic wheelbarrow position, specifically the seated method. As the giver stands up from the bed, they must fully lift the receiver’s body, holding onto their waist and hips for complete support. This variation requires significant strength and may only be sustainable for a few seconds or minutes, depending on the giver’s endurance.

6Oral Wheelbarrow

This one is a fun option for those who love giving and receiving oral pleasure—and the best part? It works for both cunnilingus and analingus!

How to do it: Follow the kneeling wheelbarrow variation, but instead of penetration, the giver’s face is positioned against the receiver’s genitals. The giver holds onto the receiver’s hips for added support.

7Inverted Wheelbarrow

This variation spices up to the classic wheelbarrow by flipping the receiver’s position. Instead of facing the floor, the receiver faces their partner, creating a more intimate and visually engaging experience.

How to do it: Follow the same setup as the classic wheelbarrow, with the receiver facing the giver. It can be tricky at first, especially when finding the right angle for thrusting, so take it slow and communicate with your partner.

Takeaway

The wheelbarrow sex position is a playful and adventurous way to spice things up with your boo. While it’s typically recommended for those with intermediate bedroom experience or good upper body strength, plenty of variations make it more accessible for different skill levels. If you’re looking for a challenge, there are also advanced versions that push you and your partner to the limits—perfect for those who love a bit of extra thrill.

For those who’ve gone through this guide and realized that this position isn’t for you—no worries! Not every move works for everyone, and that’s completely okay. The most important thing in any sexcapade is ensuring that both you and your partner feel comfortable and safe. Besides, there are so many options to choose from; you can start here.

That said, safety should always come first! One wrong move could lead to an unexpected trip to the emergency room, so take it slow and communicate with your partner. You can also amp up the experience by incorporating sex toys, nipple play, or other sensual touches to make this already exciting position even hotter. Enjoy!