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Abs & Glutes — Workout 6

This 25-minute intermediate workout focuses on middle back exercises. Led by Linda Chambers, it targets core, shoulders, lower back with evidence-based exercises designed for women of all fitness levels.

Exercise Breakdown

18 exercises in Workout 6

Warm-up5 exercises
2m 31s
0:25
Warm-up: Side Stretches and Shoulder Rolls

Roll the shoulders backwards a couple of times.

shouldersspinearms
low
0:46
Walkouts with Cobra Stretch

Hinge forwards, bring our hands down to the ground in a forward fold.

corespinelower backhamstrings
low
1:46
Prone Upper Body Back Extensions

Trying to keep the toes down on the ground and pulling the belly button in.

lower backupper backcore
low
2:16
Prone Leg Raises

The head stays down. We're just lifting the thighs and then lowering.

gluteslower back
low
2:36
Full Superman Extensions

We lift everything at once and slowly release.

full bodylower backglutesshoulders
medium
Strength10 exercises
11m 35s
4:20
Dead Bug

Think about pulling the chin in and making the neck nice and long.

corehip flexors
medium
5:55
Rainbow Drops (Hip Drops)

Trying to keep both of the forearms down on the ground.

coreshoulders
medium
7:25
Forearm Plank Knee to Elbow

Keeping your body solid and tight.

coreshoulderships
high
8:55
Straight Leg Reverse Crunch

Using the abs, not the legs.

core
high
10:25
Bird Dog

Aiming for maximum squeeze. Get that elbow all the way in.

corelower backglutesshoulders
medium
11:55
Hip Lift to Twist

Keep all of the pressure in the abs.

core
high
13:25
Superman Back Extensions

Think about pulling your belly button away from the mat.

lower backglutesupper back
medium
17:30
High Plank Knee to Elbow

Let the body crunch. You don't have to stay in a long, straight line.

coreshouldersarms
high
20:00
Quadruped Knee to Elbow (Surprise Move)

By staying in this position, we're challenging the core a little bit more.

coreshoulders
high
21:50
Superman Swimming

Lift the chest a little bit more if you can.

lower backglutesshoulders
high
Flexibility2 exercises
58s
3:01
Cat-Cow Stretch

Big breath in, we lift the head, lift the tail, drop the belly button.

spineneckcore
low
3:31
Thread the Needle Twist

Take one hand underneath, and take a tiny twist.

upper backshouldersspine
low
Cool-down1 exercise
2m 30s
22:30
Cool-down: Child's Pose and Spinal Mobility

Push your hips back onto your heels.

spinehipslower backshoulders
low

Muscles Targeted

Primary

coreshoulderslower back

Secondary

spineglutesupper back

Equipment & Modifications

Equipment Needed

  • mat

Don't Have Equipment?

You can substitute with:

thick towelcarpet

Available Modifications

  • Full range: touch floor with heel and fingertips
  • Modified: perform on knees
  • Advanced: double pulse on each side
  • Modified: perform from the knees
  • Hold for 3 seconds instead of 2
  • Advanced: Swimming kicks
  • Perform on forearms instead of hands
  • Drop knees to the ground

Coaching Highlights from Linda Chambers

Trying to keep the toes down on the ground and pulling the belly button in.

Form

Keeping that lower back glued down to the floor.

Safety

By staying in this position, we're challenging the core a little bit more.

Motivation

Linda brings clinical precision to every session. Her background in corrective exercise shows in how she cues alignment and breathing.

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. Linda Chambers 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 painbalancecore strengthflexibilityhip painpostureshoulder painstress

Frequently Asked Questions

What muscles does this muscle tone workout target?

The primary targets are core, shoulders, lower back, with secondary activation through spine, glutes, upper back. Linda Chambers programs 18 exercises across 25 minutes — standout moves include Dead Bug (core, hip_flexors). Rainbow Drops (Hip Drops) (core, shoulders). Forearm Plank Knee to Elbow (core, shoulders). According to SeniorShape Fitness, compound movements like these build functional strength that translates directly to daily life. If you're specifically looking for core strengthening exercises, this session covers that ground. If you're looking for arm toning exercises, this session delivers. The lower back dumbbell exercises in this session strengthen the erector spinae and surrounding stabilizers with controlled, progressive loading.

What equipment do I need for this workout?

You'll need mat. Don't have everything? Swap in thick towel, carpet. Linda Chambers 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. Linda Chambers assumes basic movement competence — you should be comfortable with foundational patterns like squats and hinges. That said, Linda Chambers does show modifications: Full range: touch floor with heel and fingertips; Modified: perform on knees. 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 5 warm-up movements and a proper cool-down. Linda Chambers doesn't skip either end, which matters more than people think. 18 exercises total.

Are there modifications available for this workout?

Linda Chambers provides modifications throughout. Examples: Full range: touch floor with heel and fingertips; Modified: perform on knees; Advanced: double pulse on each side; Modified: perform from the knees; Hold for 3 seconds instead of 2; Advanced: Swimming kicks; Perform on forearms instead of hands; Drop knees to the ground. The point isn't to suffer through a move you can't do with good form. Linda Chambers'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 Abs & Glutes workout offer beyond fitness?

This session has direct relevance for women dealing with unexplained weight gain, dating after 40. The combination of exercises Linda Chambers chose targets not just aesthetics but functional health markers — bone density, insulin sensitivity, cortisol regulation. A study by Various authors (2023) 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. Linda Chambers designed Abs & Glutes 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. It doubles as solid core workouts at home programming.

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. Linda Chambers 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.

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About the Trainer

Linda Chambers

Linda Chambers

Muscle Tone Trainer

From: Abs & Glutes