7-Day Bodyweight Challenge — Day 1
Exercise Breakdown
25 exercises in Day 1
Warm-up4 exercises2m 27s
“Keep it straight, and try and hit those hands as you do a nice big kick.”
“Should feel a really beautiful stretch down the back of those legs.”
“Hands stacked under your shoulders, core nice and tight.”
“Pop those elbows inside those knees, drive those knees out wide.”
Strength17 exercises11m 20s
“Hold at the top for one, two.”
“Hold for one, two, back up.”
“We are not letting those hips touch the floor.”
“We are not coming all the way back up to standing this time.”
“This is about control, so don't rush it.”
“Squatting down, we hold for one, two, and up.”
“Squat all the way down, come up halfway, down again, and all the way up.”
“Keeping those shoulders off the whole time.”
“Focusing on exploding back out of that squat.”
“All the way down, up halfway, down again, up to standing.”
Cardio1 exercise40s
“Final 40 seconds of work.”
Cool-down3 exercises59s
“Focus on slowing that breathing down.”
“Drop your heel to the floor, alternating our legs.”
Muscles Targeted
Primary
Secondary
Equipment & Modifications
Available Modifications
- Hold at the top for two seconds
- Pause at the bottom
- Pulsing at the top
- 10-second static hold
- Stay low throughout
- One and a half reps
- Bring legs higher to make it easier
- Drop legs lower to make it harder
- Pulse at the bottom
- Step back if jumping is too much
- Hold onto a wall for balance
Coaching Highlights from Beth Hannam
“Keep it straight, and try and hit those hands as you do a nice big kick.”
Form
“Keep that lower back pressed into the floor the whole time.”
Safety
“If it gets too much, shake it out, but get straight back to it.”
Modification
“Hold onto it at the most challenging part of the movement.”
Motivation
“Beth specializes in prenatal and postnatal fitness. Every cue accounts for the changing body with deep respect.”
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. Best for women with 3-6 months of consistent training. Beth Hannam moves at a pace that assumes basic movement literacy.
unexplained weight gain
90% relevantmuscle mass preservation (metabolic rate); insulin sensitivity improvement; cortisol management; body composition over scale weight
dating after 40
90% relevantStress 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% relevantIncreased 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% relevantEnhances 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% relevantIncreased 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
Frequently Asked Questions
What muscles does this muscle tone workout target?
The primary targets are glutes, quads, hamstrings, with secondary activation through core, inner thighs, hips. Beth Hannam programs 25 exercises across 25 minutes — standout moves include Glute Bridge (glutes, hamstrings). Lateral Lunge (quads, glutes). Glute Bridge with 2-Second Pause (glutes, hamstrings). According to SeniorShape Fitness, compound movements like these build functional strength that translates directly to daily life. It works well as a booty toning workout session. These arm toning exercises target your upper body through controlled resistance movements that build lean definition without bulk.
Do I need any equipment for this workout?
No equipment needed. Just your body weight and enough floor space. Beth Hannam shows exactly when to grab each piece so you're not scrambling mid-circuit. Many women use this as their primary resistance band for glutes exercises routine.
Is this workout suitable for beginners?
This one's intermediate level. Beth Hannam assumes basic movement competence — you should be comfortable with foundational patterns like squats and hinges. That said, Beth Hannam does show modifications: Hold at the top for two seconds; Pause at the bottom. If you're newer, try the beginner sessions in this series first and come back.
How long is this workout?
About 25 minutes, start to finish. That includes 4 warm-up movements and a proper cool-down. Beth Hannam doesn't skip either end, which matters more than people think. 25 exercises total.
Are there modifications available for this workout?
Beth Hannam provides modifications throughout. Examples: Hold at the top for two seconds; Pause at the bottom; Pulsing at the top; 10-second static hold; Stay low throughout; One and a half reps; Bring legs higher to make it easier; Drop legs lower to make it harder; Pulse at the bottom; Step back if jumping is too much; Hold onto a wall for balance. The point isn't to suffer through a move you can't do with good form. Beth Hannam'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 7-Day Bodyweight Challenge workout offer beyond fitness?
This session has direct relevance for women dealing with unexplained weight gain, dating after 40. The combination of exercises Beth Hannam 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 intermediate-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. Beth Hannam designed 7-Day Bodyweight 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. Beth Hannam 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.
What should I eat after this workout for best results?
A meal or snack with both protein and carbohydrates within 90 minutes of finishing. Something like Greek yogurt with berries, or eggs with whole-grain toast. The protein supports muscle repair, the carbs replenish glycogen. Don't overthink it. Don't skip it either. Your muscles need raw materials to rebuild stronger, and this intermediate-level session asks real effort from your body.
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About the Trainer
Beth Hannam
Muscle Tone Trainer
From: 7-Day Bodyweight Challenge





