WITH temperatures hitting 38 degrees in some parts of the UK this week it’s hard enough to get motivated to walk from the sofa to the fridge for another cold drink, let alone indulge in bedroom athletics.

The NHS has even put out amber warnings saying to take things easy physically.

Couple making love in field, focus on foregroundCarla encourages couples to swap the bedroom for al-fresco fun Credit: Getty Young couple having fun at the beachNo one can tell what you’re doing in the sea, says Carla Credit: Getty

But sex and relationship coach Carla Crivaro says that’s no excuse to slack off in the bedroom…or indeed the sea or garden…

Read on to find out her top tips to keep it spicy in the hot weather…

Water works

This is the ideal time to get wet in more ways than one.

One of my most memorable sexual experiences was on holiday and doing it in the sea.

We’d been in and out of the water all day, ducking each other and playing around, which was very sexy.

As the beach emptied out in the evening we progressed and had sex.

No one can really tell what you’re doing when you’re bobbing around like that.

But if you’re not on holiday, think about doing it in the shower to cool off, or the bath.

It has the added bonus of washing off the sweat.

Safety first: Water sex can be sore without lubrication. Also set up the shower before sex, stopping to grab a non slip mat is a passion killer, but you’ll need one.

Ice Play

Get creative with ice play – ice lollies or cubes can be run over bodies.

The sharp shift in temperature wakes up your nervous system and heightens the sensitivity of erogenous zones, such as nipples and your neck.

Ice in your mouth during oral can be incredible.

Safety first: Don’t be tempted to put ice or lollies directly in the vagina. The skin is very sensitive and it can cause ‘burns’.

Up your body confidence

It’s well nigh impossible to sleep under a duvet at the moment.

If you’re usually someone that uses it to hide your body – then see the hot weather as a signal that it’s time to dare to bare all.

But if still feel too shy, pop a damp towel in the fridge, and wrap yourself in that instead.

Is it illegal to have sex outside?

The subject of sex outdoors is a tough one, as while it’s not always considered illegal, there are a number of laws in place that directly relate to it and could land you in trouble.

For instance, the Sexual Offences Act of 2003 states that could be recognised as a type of sexual .

Therefore, if a person is seen to be displaying intimate parts of themselves while in public, they are at risk of finding themselves in hot water.

The same act defines sexual activity in a public lavatory as a crime.

While punishments may vary from scenario to scenario, most offences are punished with a caution or fines.

But in the extreme circumstances, if you receive a charge for indecent exposure you could be placed on the .

It is unlikely that the would take no action or let you off with a verbal warning.

Al-fresco

Take it outside the bedroom – inside it’s stuffy.

But though it’s hot outside, there’s still a chance of a gentle breeze.

Underneath the shade of a tree can be an ideal location.

Consider starting with a sun screen massage.

Safety first: Make sure you are somewhere very private. There’s no bigger passion killer than waking up to find you’re on the front pages of a newspaper for being caught at it.

Lazy sex

It’s not often that being lazy in bed is seen as a bonus.

But during the heatwave ‘lazier’ positions are best.

I advise couples to do it side by side – then the level of exertion from both of you is equal and no one gets out of breath too quickly.

If one is on top then they are doing most of the work and might find it too energetic.

I particularly go off the missionary position when it’s hot, as I can feel smothered.

Penetration free zone

You don’t need to have penetrative sex to keep it hot.

Both oral and manual take less exertion.

And if you’ve ever been curious about tantric sex, it’s time to take the leap, the slower pace it’s about breathing exercises, eye gazing and slow sensual movements.

Think connection and intimacy rather than full on action.

And you can take the effort out entirely by bringing out the sex toys and letting them take the strain

Role play

Dive into some summer inspired role play – ever fancied a life guard?

Who doesn’t remember Pamela Anderson running along the beach in Baywatch?

What about a naked chef manning the BBQ.

Now’s the time to indulge those fantasies.

Food for thought

Put food like fruit in the fridge and then cut it up and place it all over your body, creating little cool spots, which turn hot when it’s nibbled off.

Safety first: Fruit is probably the only food this will work for…don’t be tempted by the raw sausage!

Get kinky

If you’ve ever toyed with the idea of being tied up, then this could be the time.

A sub/dom scenario can be very sexy, tease each other with rewards – such as being the one to have the fan turned on them!

Safety first: Consent and communication is key – have a safe word that you can say if you feel your boundaries are being pushed

Time it right

It may seem an obvious one but avoid the midday heat (unless you’re in the water).

But if you’re both awake early, when it’s cooler, then embrace it, there’s no point in tossing and turning and trying to get back to sleep, when you could be putting the time to better use.

And sex might help you nod off as post orgasm you release hormones such as oxytocin which calms you down and it lowers the stress hormone cortisol which keeps you alert.