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7-Day Bodyweight Challenge — Day 2

This 25-minute intermediate workout focuses on chest workouts no equipment. Led by Beth Hannam, it targets core, shoulders, chest with evidence-based exercises designed for women of all fitness levels.

Exercise Breakdown

25 exercises in Day 2

Warm-up4 exercises
2m 32s
0:35
Warm-up: Walkouts with Chest to Floor

Feet directly under the hips, folding over, walking through those hands.

full bodychestshouldersarms
low
1:26
Warm-up: Plank Shoulder Taps

Hands stacked directly under our shoulders, tuck that pelvis under.

shoulderscorearms
low
2:01
Warm-up: Hollow Body Hold

Shoulders are off, and we're just warming up that midline.

corelower back
medium
2:31
Warm-up: Leg Lowers

Legs go up towards the sky, slowly lower both legs down.

corehip flexors
medium
Strength17 exercises
14m 10s
3:50
Kneeling Push-ups

Chest must touch the floor. We then drive back up.

chestshoulderstricepscore
medium
5:10
Russian Twists

Aiming to tap the floor each time.

core
high
6:30
Hand Release Push-ups

Push to a plank and then release at the bottom.

chestshoulderstricepscore
high
7:50
V-Sit Heel Taps

Hold in that V position, tap your heel to the floor.

corehip flexors
high
9:10
Full Push-ups

Knees off, chest touches the floor.

chestshoulderstricepscore
high
10:30
Tuck Ups

Tap the heels, extend, knees to chest.

core
high
12:10
Plank Shoulder Taps (Round 2)

Trying to stabilize those hips, keep them as still as we can.

shoulderscore
medium
13:30
Sit-ups

Reach overhead, and then tap the back of our heels.

core
medium
14:50
Plank Body Weight Rows

Pull your wrist in towards your hip, squeezing our back.

upper backcoreshoulders
medium
16:10
Straight Leg Sit-ups

Control on the way down, tap the floor overhead.

corehip flexors
high
17:30
Up-Down Planks

Down onto our left arm, up onto our left arm, switching sides.

shouldersarmstricepscore
high
18:50
Overhead Reach Sit-ups

Keep our arms extended overhead the whole time.

coreshoulders
high
20:50
Paused Push-ups

Do not let your chest touch the floor, just hover.

chesttricepsshoulders
high
22:10
Side Plank (Right)

Keep that nice straight line through the body.

coreshoulders
medium
23:10
Eccentric Push-ups

You can relax at the bottom, hips go back.

chesttricepsshoulders
medium
24:10
Side Plank (Left)

Keep those hips nice and high, core nice and tight.

coreshoulders
medium
26:10
Final Plank Hold

Arms are like jelly, which is gonna make this feel even more challenging.

coreshouldersarms
high
Cardio1 exercise
0s
25:10
No Jump Burpees

Chest to floor, up to standing.

full bodychestshoulders
high
Cool-down3 exercises
0s
27:00
Cool-down: Thread the Needle

Feed one arm through, drop our shoulder all the way down.

upper backshouldersspine
low
27:51
Cool-down: Cat-Cow and Downward Dog

Send those hips up to the ceiling, push your chest in towards your thighs.

spineupper backhamstrings
low
28:41
Cool-down: Chest Opener

Interlock those hands behind your back, roll the shoulders.

chestshoulders
low

Muscles Targeted

Primary

coreshoulderschest

Secondary

tricepsarmship flexors

Equipment & Modifications

Available Modifications

  • Rest those legs on the floor for more stability
  • Drop to knees if too challenging
  • Perform on knees
  • Perform on toes for more challenge
  • Cross legs for more stability

Coaching Highlights from Beth Hannam

Send those hips up to the ceiling, push your chest in towards your thighs.

Form

Switch that core on or you'll look like a fish out of water.

Safety

Take the feet a little bit wider than hip-width for stability.

Modification

Arms are like jelly, which is gonna make this feel even more challenging.

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 core and shoulders 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% 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 strengthflexibilitymetabolismpostureshoulder painstress

Frequently Asked Questions

What muscles does this muscle tone workout target?

The primary targets are core, shoulders, chest, with secondary activation through triceps, arms, hip flexors. Beth Hannam programs 25 exercises across 25 minutes — standout moves include Kneeling Push-ups (chest, shoulders). Russian Twists (core). Hand Release Push-ups (chest, shoulders). According to SeniorShape Fitness, compound movements like these build functional strength that translates directly to daily life. If you're specifically looking for chest and tricep workout, this session covers that ground. If you're looking for arm toning exercises, this session delivers. The core strengthening exercises in this session build deep stability that supports everything from your posture to your pelvic floor.

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.

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: Rest those legs on the floor for more stability; Drop to knees if too challenging. 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. It doubles as solid best chest exercises programming.

Are there modifications available for this workout?

Beth Hannam provides modifications throughout. Examples: Rest those legs on the floor for more stability; Drop to knees if too challenging; Perform on knees; Perform on toes for more challenge; Cross legs for more stability. 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 (2019) 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 core exercises?

Because core strength is foundational. It supports everything from posture and balance to injury prevention and daily movement quality. Beth Hannam programs core-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. Research by Superior University highlights the importance of core training for long-term functional independence in women.

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.

Related Workouts & Topics

About the Trainer

Beth Hannam

Beth Hannam

Muscle Tone Trainer

From: 7-Day Bodyweight Challenge