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Body by Band — Workout 5

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

Exercise Breakdown

14 exercises in Workout 5

Warm-up5 exercises
2m 36s
0:15
Split Lunge Hip Stretch

pushing the glutes forward in this position

hipship flexorsglutes
low
1:06
Frog Pose

try and push those heels into the floor as much as you can

hipsspineankles
low
1:41
Heel Pedals

Try and stretch out the backs of those legs

hamstringscalvesankles
low
2:06
Bodyweight Squats

getting the knees and the hips ready for the movement

quadsgluteships
low
2:26
Reverse Lunges (Warm-up)

trying to make two right angles with those knees

quadsglutescore
low
Strength6 exercises
7m 46s
3:30
Banded Split Squats

you've not got one foot directly behind the other one. You need to keep that nice sort of rectangle shape

glutesquadscore
medium
5:01
Banded RDLs

squeezing my rear delts and keeping my chest up

hamstringsglutesupper back
medium
7:01
Step-out Squats

make sure your squat stays nice and neutral

quadsglutesouter thighs
medium
8:01
Fire Hydrants

I'm not leaning and opening — I'm staying upright

glutesouter thighscore
medium
9:21
Alternating Reverse Lunges

Be super intentional with this

quadsgluteshamstrings
medium
17:30
Pulsing Glute Bridges

Push the feet flat into the ground and squeeze up

gluteshamstringscore
medium
Cardio2 exercises
1m 29s
13:40
Jump Lunges

please be very careful of the knees

quadsglutescalves
high
18:31
Pop Squats

it's not bringing the knees in... keep the resistance nice and strong

full bodyglutesquads
high
Cool-down1 exercise
3m
20:50
Cool-down: Spinal Twists & Hamstring Stretch

really pull that knee over, twist that upper body

spinehamstringships
low

Muscles Targeted

Primary

glutesquadshamstrings

Secondary

hipscorespine

Equipment & Modifications

Equipment Needed

  • band

Don't Have Equipment?

You can substitute with:

towellight dumbbells

Available Modifications

  • bodyweight only
  • heavier resistance band
  • single band
  • double band for extra resistance
  • jump lunges for higher intensity
  • standard reverse lunges

Coaching Highlights from Sophie Jones

you've not got one foot directly behind the other one. You need to keep that nice sort of rectangle shape

Form

it's not bringing the knees in... keep the resistance nice and strong

Safety

trying to add in a little bit more power now

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 densitycardiovascularcore strengthflexibilityhip painknee painmetabolismpelvic floorposturestress

Frequently Asked Questions

What muscles does this muscle tone workout target?

The primary targets are glutes, quads, hamstrings, with secondary activation through hips, core, spine. Sophie Jones programs 14 exercises across 25 minutes — standout moves include Banded Split Squats (glutes, quads). Banded RDLs (hamstrings, glutes). Step-out Squats (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. It works well as a booty toning workout session. 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. Don't have everything? Swap in towel, light dumbbells. Sophie Jones shows exactly when to grab each piece so you're not scrambling mid-circuit. Many women use this as their primary resistance bands for glutes workout routine.

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: bodyweight only; heavier resistance band. 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. 14 exercises total.

Are there modifications available for this workout?

Sophie Jones provides modifications throughout. Examples: bodyweight only; heavier resistance band; single band; double band for extra resistance; jump lunges for higher intensity; standard reverse lunges. 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 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.

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.

Related Workouts & Topics

About the Trainer

Sophie Jones

Sophie Jones

Muscle Tone Trainer

From: Body by Band