14 Days Glow-Up Challenge — Day 8

The primary targets are glutes, core, hips, with secondary activation through quads, calves, inner thighs. Sophie Jones programs 8 exercises across 20 minutes — standout moves include Banded Kickbacks (glutes, core). Sumo Squats with Dumbbells (glutes, quads). Step Ups (quads, 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. If you're specifically looking for core strengthening exercises, this session covers that ground. If you're looking for booty toning workout, this session delivers. Using a resistance band for glutes exercises adds progressive overload without the joint stress of heavy weights.

You'll need band, chair, dumbbells. Don't have everything? Swap in towel, light dumbbells, sturdy table, counter. Sophie Jones shows exactly when to grab each piece so you're not scrambling mid-circuit.

Yes. Sophie Jones designed this session for people who are starting out or coming back after a break. Modifications shown throughout: Stick the band under your knee to stop it from rising up; Dumbbells are optional. The 20-minute format is deliberate — long enough to challenge your muscles, short enough that you'll actually finish.

About 20 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. 8 exercises total. It doubles as solid arm toning exercises programming.

Sophie Jones provides modifications throughout. Examples: Stick the band under your knee to stop it from rising up; Dumbbells are optional; Body weight only; Add dumbbells for extra resistance; Add weights on hips for extra resistance. 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.

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 Various authors (2018) found that this type of training produces measurable improvements in these areas. The beginner-level programming means these benefits are accessible without risking injury.

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.

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.

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.