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14 Days Glow-Up Challenge — Day 13

This 25-minute beginner workout focuses on weighted banded hip thrusts workout. Led by Sophie Jones, it targets glutes, quads, hips with evidence-based exercises designed for women of all fitness levels.

Exercise Breakdown

12 exercises in Day 13

Warm-up2 exercises
1m 24s
0:45
Warm-up: Hip Openers and Hamstring Stretch

Open up those hips so we've got no soreness, no tightness.

hipshamstringscalves
low
1:46
Warm-up: Seated Torso Rotations

Arms out to the side, and then just rotate side to side.

corespine
low
Strength6 exercises
19m 19s
2:15
Sumo Squats

Really squeeze your glutes together as you come to the top.

glutesquadsinner thighships
medium
3:21
Weighted Banded Hip Thrusts

Squeezing my butt cheeks together as I push towards the ceiling.

glutescorehips
high
4:35
Romanian Deadlifts

Slight flexion in the knees, pushing the bum back.

hamstringsgluteslower back
medium
5:50
Reverse Lunges

Stay a little bit forward over that front foot to get into those glutes.

quadsglutescore
medium
7:35
Monster Walks

Slight flex in my knees — I'm basically walking, stepping out with the band.

glutesouter thighsquadscore
high
9:10
AMRAP Circuit Repeat

I just wanna burn those legs out, okay? I wanna feel the burn.

glutesquadshamstringscore
high
Cardio1 exercise
59s
22:01
Burnout: Alternating Reverse Lunges

I'm just gonna keep going for a minute, yeah?

quadsglutescardiovascular
high
Cool-down3 exercises
2m 44s
23:10
Cool-down: Glute Stretch (Figure Four)

Bring the foot in front of the right leg... pull towards you.

gluteships
low
24:21
Cool-down: Spinal Twist

Twist to the opposite side. You might feel your back crack a little bit, just embrace it.

spinelower backhips
low
25:15
Cool-down: Standing Quad Stretch

Pull that knee in, and then you wanna pull this leg back.

quadship flexors
low

Muscles Targeted

Primary

glutesquadships

Secondary

corehamstringsspine

Equipment & Modifications

Equipment Needed

  • band
  • dumbbells
  • mat

Don't Have Equipment?

You can substitute with:

towellight dumbbellswater bottlescanned goodsresistance bandsthick towelcarpet

Available Modifications

  • split lunge
  • hold onto something

Coaching Highlights from Sophie Jones

Twist to the opposite side. You might feel your back crack a little bit, just embrace it.

Form

I'm not letting it bring it in — I don't want that to happen, keep it tight.

Safety

If you're struggling to find that balance, just take yourself into that split lunge.

Modification

I just wanna burn those legs out, okay? I wanna feel the burn.

Motivation

Sophie specializes in functional fitness and full-body circuits. She coaches with infectious energy and crystal-clear form cues.

Form

Health Benefits

Women who want to build real glutes and quads strength without a gym membership. Particularly relevant if you're navigating unexplained weight gain, dating after 40, or aging appearance. No fitness background required. Sophie Jones meets you where you are.

unexplained weight gain

90% relevant

muscle mass preservation (metabolic rate); insulin sensitivity improvement; cortisol management; body composition over scale weight

dating after 40

90% relevant

Stress reduction and emotional regulation through parasympathetic activation; Improved body awareness, confidence, and self-perception; Enhanced posture and physical presence for increased self-assurance; Increased energy and vitality for social engagement; Development of lean muscle mass for metabolic health and body composition

aging appearance

90% relevant

Increased collagen production and skin elasticity through resistance training; Improved circulation and nutrient delivery to skin cells; Enhanced muscle definition and tone to reduce appearance of sagging; Better posture to create a more youthful and confident appearance; Stress reduction and cortisol management (via Yoga/Pilates) to mitigate cellular aging; Improved lymphatic drainage to reduce puffiness

self worth decline

90% relevant

Enhances body awareness and interoception, fostering a more positive self-perception.; Builds physical strength and competence, translating to increased self-efficacy and confidence.; Promotes parasympathetic nervous system activation, reducing stress and improving emotional regulation.; Offers a structured routine and sense of accomplishment, counteracting feelings of helplessness.; Improves posture and physical presence, which can positively impact self-image and how one is perceived.

difficulty losing weight

90% relevant

Increased basal metabolic rate through muscle mass development; Improved insulin sensitivity and glucose regulation; Enhanced hormonal balance (e.g., cortisol management, estrogen metabolism); Reduced visceral fat accumulation; Improved body composition and fat-to-muscle ratio; Stress reduction and improved sleep quality (indirectly supports weight management)

Relevant For

back painbalancebone densitycardiovascularcore strengthfatigueflexibilityhip painjoint painknee painmetabolismposturesciaticastressweight gain

Frequently Asked Questions

What muscles does this muscle tone workout target?

The primary targets are glutes, quads, hips, with secondary activation through core, hamstrings, spine. Sophie Jones programs 12 exercises across 25 minutes — standout moves include Sumo Squats (glutes, quads). Weighted Banded Hip Thrusts (glutes, core). Romanian Deadlifts (hamstrings, glutes). According to SeniorShape Fitness, compound movements like these build functional strength that translates directly to daily life. This is a beginner-friendly session, but the muscle engagement is real. It works well as a booty toning workout session. Using a resistance band for glutes exercises adds progressive overload without the joint stress of heavy weights.

What equipment do I need for this workout?

You'll need band, dumbbells, mat. Don't have everything? Swap in towel, light dumbbells, water bottles, canned goods. Sophie Jones shows exactly when to grab each piece so you're not scrambling mid-circuit. Many women use this as their primary resistance bands for glutes workout routine.

Is this workout suitable for beginners?

Yes. Sophie Jones designed this session for people who are starting out or coming back after a break. Modifications shown throughout: split lunge; hold onto something. The 25-minute format is deliberate — long enough to challenge your muscles, short enough that you'll actually finish.

How long is this workout?

About 25 minutes, start to finish. That includes 2 warm-up movements and a proper cool-down. Sophie Jones doesn't skip either end, which matters more than people think. 12 exercises total.

Are there modifications available for this workout?

Sophie Jones provides modifications throughout. Examples: split lunge; hold onto something. The point isn't to suffer through a move you can't do with good form. Sophie Jones's philosophy is clear: own the movement at your level first. Your body will tell you when it's ready for the next progression.

What health benefits does this 14 Days Glow-Up Challenge workout offer beyond fitness?

This session has direct relevance for women dealing with unexplained weight gain, dating after 40. The combination of exercises Sophie Jones chose targets not just aesthetics but functional health markers — bone density, insulin sensitivity, cortisol regulation. A study by We Talk Menopause found that this type of training produces measurable improvements in these areas. The beginner-level programming means these benefits are accessible without risking injury.

How often should I do this workout?

Two to three times per week with at least one rest day between sessions. Your muscles need 48-72 hours to repair and grow stronger after resistance work. Sophie Jones designed 14 Days Glow-Up Challenge as a progressive series, so doing the workouts in order gives your body time to adapt. If you're sore for more than two days, that's your body saying slow down, not push harder.

Why does this workout emphasize glutes exercises?

Because glutes strength is foundational. It supports everything from posture and balance to injury prevention and daily movement quality. Sophie Jones programs glutes-focused work into this session because it's the area most women lose strength in first during their 30s and 40s. The exercises here aren't random — they build on each other.

Can I do this workout if I have joint pain or stiffness?

Start with the modifications Sophie Jones shows and see how your body responds. Many of the exercises in this session can be scaled — lower range of motion, lighter load, slower tempo. Joint stiffness in your 30s and 40s often improves with consistent movement, not avoidance. That said, sharp pain during any exercise means stop. Pain is information, not a challenge to push through.

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About the Trainer

Sophie Jones

Sophie Jones

Muscle Tone Trainer

From: 14 Days Glow-Up Challenge