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Body by Band — Workout 1

This 25-minute beginner workout focuses on resistance band glute workout. Led by Sophie Jones, it targets glutes, quads, core with evidence-based exercises designed for women of all fitness levels.

Exercise Breakdown

15 exercises in Workout 1

Warm-up5 exercises
3m 6s
1:00
Warm-up: Cat-Cow

Anything where you feel a little bit tight, just move it around.

spinecoreupper backlower back
low
1:41
Warm-up: Child's Pose

Try and stretch through those glutes a little bit. Sit that bum back.

gluteslower backspine
low
2:01
Warm-up: Dynamic Hip Flexor Stretch

Don't hold the position, just kind of get the movement forward and back.

hipship flexorsgluteshamstrings
low
2:41
Warm-up: Bodyweight Hip Thrusts

Squeezing the butt cheeks in and up.

glutescorehamstrings
low
3:31
Warm-up: Bodyweight Squats

Just get the movement in the hips and the knees.

quadsgluteships
low
Strength8 exercises
8m 5s
4:40
Banded Squats

Keeping your back nice and flat, chest is up.

quadsglutesouter thighs
medium
5:41
Crab Walks

Keeping the band nice and tight the whole time — I don't want the band to get baggy.

glutesouter thighships
medium
6:51
Banded Glute Bridges

Push the knees into the band, feet nice and flat, drive up.

glutescoreouter thighs
medium
8:01
Banded Kickbacks

Core needs to stay nice and tight, back straight.

gluteshamstringscore
medium
9:21
Pulse Squats

Stay at the bottom half of that rep.

quadsglutes
high
18:20
Sumo Squats

I don't want you to fully come to the top... keep that momentum.

inner thighsglutesquads
medium
19:21
Reverse Lunges

Keep the chest up.

quadsgluteshamstringsbalance
medium
21:40
Squat Hold

Hold it, team. Feel that burn.

quadsglutescore
high
Cool-down2 exercises
1m 39s
24:10
Cool-down: Frog Pose

Open the hips, try and stretch the spine.

hipsinner thighsspine
low
25:01
Cool-down: Forward Fold

Tuck in the head in towards the knees, push the hips back.

hamstringslower backspine
low

Muscles Targeted

Primary

glutesquadscore

Secondary

hamstringsspinehips

Equipment & Modifications

Equipment Needed

  • band
  • mat

Don't Have Equipment?

You can substitute with:

towellight dumbbellsthick towelcarpet

Available Modifications

  • Heavier resistance band for more challenge
  • Heavier band for more resistance
  • Add hip abduction at the top for extra difficulty
  • Adjust foot width if knees cave in
  • Walk the feet if needed

Coaching Highlights from Sophie Jones

Keeping the band nice and tight the whole time — I don't want the band to get baggy.

Form

I'm not arching my back like this. You need to keep that core nice and tight.

Safety

Hold it, team. Feel that 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 densitycore strengthfatigueflexibilityhip painjoint painknee painmetabolismpelvic floorposturesciaticastress

Frequently Asked Questions

What muscles does this muscle tone workout target?

The primary targets are glutes, quads, core, with secondary activation through hamstrings, spine, hips. Sophie Jones programs 15 exercises across 25 minutes — standout moves include Banded Squats (quads, glutes). Crab Walks (glutes, outer_thighs). Banded Glute Bridges (glutes, core). 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.

What equipment do I need for this workout?

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

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: Heavier resistance band for more challenge; Heavier band for more resistance. 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 5 warm-up movements and a proper cool-down. Sophie Jones doesn't skip either end, which matters more than people think. 15 exercises total. It doubles as solid arm toning exercises programming.

Are there modifications available for this workout?

Sophie Jones provides modifications throughout. Examples: Heavier resistance band for more challenge; Heavier band for more resistance; Add hip abduction at the top for extra difficulty; Adjust foot width if knees cave in; Walk the feet if needed. 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 Body by Band 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 Simone A A Marques; Simone R B da Silveira; Anice C Pássaro; Jorge M Haddad; Edmund C Baracat; Elizabeth A G Ferreira (2020) 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 Body by Band 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: Body by Band