I would be interested to hear what the original poster decided to do regarding the exercises…

My first concern was the moral view of this and weather it was a necessity to see the bishop for total clearance even in the event that it is intentional (as in trying to exercise again knowing this happens etc.) Between Natasha’s comments and an actual bishop who commented on the FMH site, where I also posted the question, the answer is no – it is not needed as part of repentance. That was a big relief because I seriously did not want to have this conversation with the bishop or the stake president.

As for the exercises, the process went as follows. The first few days after it happened, I felt extremely sexually charged all the time what from this event, reading about it, obsessing over it, thinking the wrong things, and very likely the hormonal state I was in – so much so that probably 2 of those leg lifts would have done it at that point. I decided not to exercise at all last week and just continued reading the comments in order to come to some conclusion.

When the sexual tension finally went away (which took several days), I started doing the exercises again this week and could get through the whole 5 Tibetan routine without an incident, though continuing on with some additional leg exercises does bring it up again but in a much milder form. It is evident that thoughts, hormones and other factors contribute and so I feel like I have control over it now. I don’t have to avoid the exercises all together, rather be more in tune with my body and cycle and adjust them at those certain times. I was also able to regain my confidence before God, return to the temple and feel like we can resolve this between the two of us. I no longer feel guilty about what happened and I thanked Him for my healthy body.

It was interesting that you quoted the following, “When that happens, usually it’s women who already have very strong pelvic muscles.” Very true. I’ve been on really long transoceanic flights without ever getting up to use the bathroom.

I can’t speak for others and the psyche with which they view sex. For me it’s more a matter of perfectionism in some areas of life, such as obedience to commandments because I want to make sure I qualify for all the blessings. I feel that I will just as easily (or more easily) embrace the commandment to have sex when I am married as I obey the commandment to not have it now. For me it’s merely an issue of obeying the law rather than having a negative or positive association with a certain action.

This has been a useful learning experience in many ways. I would never have come across these blogs if it hadn’t happened and now I know I can openly discuss things that may be uncomfortable to discuss in person. Thank you!