It's a new year, which means that more than half of Americans have recently made a pledge to improve themselves in a variety of ways -- most of which undoubtedly have something to do with living a healthier lifestyle. Curbing your intake of sweets, buying a treadmill and actually using it, or kicking a self-destructive habit such as smoking are all status-quo new year's resolutions. But why give up any of your pet vices when you can make a healthy pledge to enhance your sex life instead?

Sexual fitness is inherent to the human body's function -- sex is, after all, how each of us got here -- and keeping your mojo in working order is beneficial to your health for a host of reasons. Research has shown that sexual activity boosts chemicals in the brain that help protect against disease. Sex is a natural stress reliever and mood lifter, helping to fend off those feelings of depression that can weigh down a Minnesota winter. And the old adage "use it or lose it" definitely applies to getting it on, as studies have found a direct correlation between physical intimacy and sexual potency.
As if you needed any more reason to shape up your libido, research also shows that a lively sex life can ease joint and muscle pain, promote a healthy heart and even lengthen your life. In addition to all these fortuitous physical and physiological side effects, maintaining a lusty bedroom repertoire will also strengthen the relationship between you and your partner. Sexual activity releases a barrage of exquisite chemicals in your brain, the most impressive of which is called oxytocin, or "the bonding hormone." Basically, it's what keeps you in love with that special someone.

The best way to maintain a constant level of oxytocin is to have those cinematically deep and affectionate lovemaking sessions -- à la "The Notebook," and don't act like you haven't seen it -- and to have them on a regular basis. What if you do more bassinet rockin' than boot knockin' these days? Or a new relationship isn't quite living up to your romantic expectations? No sweat. We have some ideas to get your sex life back on track and help you keep up with the headboard-bangin' Joneses.

Are you currently rolling solo, or thought the Kama Sutra was just a fruity vodka drink at Chino Latino? We have you covered, too. Here's to a new year full of good times and good sex, and to finally making a resolution you can keep. Your lucky loves can thank us later.

Couples therapy

Yogi Date Night

Flexibility and muscle endurance are key to enjoying the more adventurous sex positions, but who wants to pull a hamstring trying? Enter yoga. The two-hour couples workshops at the Yoga Center of Minneapolis are so popular that sessions are offered several times a year. The Chakra Balancing Workshop (the next one is on Saturday) includes basics on assessing each other's energy centers, while the Partner Yoga Workshop (Jan. 16) is more of the stretchy-bendy variety. First-timers are welcome with open arms, and awkward laughter is tolerated and even encouraged. The special Thai Yogi Bodywork session (Feb. 13-14) is just for couples and focuses on relaxing stretches and massage. It's a popular Valentine's date destination, so sign up early. All couples workshops are $50 for two.

  • Yoga Center of Minneapolis
    212 3rd Av. N., Suite 205, Mpls.
    4200 Minnetonka Blvd., St. Louis Park. 612-436-4700
    www.yogacentermpls.com.

Couples massage

Nothing kills "the mood" like everyday stress. Alleviate it with a relaxing massage for two and reap the attractive benefits of a post-rubdown glow. A lengthy list of couples massage packages can be found at Sabai Body Temple, where even the basic side-by-side service comes with a pampering gift to take home. Prices range from $175 to $290 for nine different couples massage options, but you can't go wrong with the Playing Dirty package: a regular side-by-side massage, a hands-on mud-masking session, a candlelit shower for two and a luxurious after-bath moisturizer. Bonus: Book any couples massage on a Sunday and get two free movie passes to nearby Lagoon Cinema.

Margaret Andrews, Star Tribune
Yoga models Jessica Rosenberg and Adam Ramerth demonstrate a partner-lifted upper-back arch position.

Exercise together

OK, fatty, maybe you really do need to make an extra fitness-oriented new year's resolution. How about a little friendly competition? Using the buddy system while working out is a free and effective motivator, with a built-in safety feature to make sure you're not straining too hard. You don't even need a gym membership-- just kick open some space in the living room. Fun workouts such as Pilates and hula-hooping are great for indoors, and they focus on core and pelvic region strength. Biking, hiking and running rule the outdoors when the weather's nice, and the cardio boost is key to endurance in the sack. If you're total homebodies, check out the Wii Fit system from Nintendo. It has a roster of activities, as well as goal-setting, progress charts and an activity log to help keep each other on the fitness wagon.

Not-so-strictly solo activities

Flex your love muscle

Kegels aren't just for the ladies. Men can also seriously benefit from the exercise that shapes up the pelvic floor muscles. In women, it's those PFMs that contract during orgasm, so the stronger the muscles are, the stronger the sensation will be. For men, a powerful set of PFMs helps control the orgasm internally, so you can pop off at the right time, not 10 minutes early. Just clench your PFMs by pretending to hold back a urine stream, hold for a few seconds, then release. To start, do three sets of 10 reps, three times daily, and eventually work your way up to 200 squeezes a day. You'll notice a difference after just a month of daily flexing, which can be done anytime, anyplace.

Eat to your libido's content

Screw Viagra and Cialis; there are far more delicious and nutritious ways to fortify your sex drive. Zinc is a rock-star mineral for boosting desire; find it in pumpkin seeds, parmesan cheese and pine nuts. Bananas and avocados both have high levels of vitamin B-complex and potassium, both of which contribute to lowering stress levels. Vitamin A promotes testosterone production (a k a mojo) and can be found in melons, berries and citrus fruits. Get the blood flowing to your nether regions with some fresh ginger, whirled into a fresh fruit smoothie or muddled in a cocktail. Another unisex circulation-booster is maca, also called "nature's Viagra." Clinical studies show it heightens libido and increases sexual activity in laboratory mice and men. This little radish-looking root from Peru is hard to find in the flesh, but plenty of powdered versions are readily available at health stores and online.

Get to know thyself ...

With the help of a bunch of your friends, of course. Smitten Kitten in Uptown now offers private sex-toy parties in the loft upstairs from the shop. Not your mother's Passion Party, these personalized workshops are hosted by the store's sex educators. Partygoers get a lesson in pleasure and are encouraged to ask questions they wouldn't dare bring up in the company of mom's co-workers. Workshops can be scheduled during or after store hours, with full access to the Smitten Kitten's product offerings. The only requirements are a call-ahead reservation and a total merchandise purchase or purchases that cover $10 per lady or gent in your party.