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Bringing Sexy Back — Workout 10

This 25-minute beginner workout focuses on 25 minute beginner dumbbell workout for arms and shoulders. Led by Sophie Jones, it targets shoulders, core, arms with evidence-based exercises designed for women of all fitness levels.

Exercise Breakdown

12 exercises in Workout 10

Warm-up3 exercises
1m 13s
0:35
Warm-up: Cat-Cows

Up through the shoulders, push through the spine.

spineupper backshoulders
low
0:56
Warm-up: Child's Pose

Reaching as far forward as you can.

lower backhipsshoulders
low
1:16
Warm-up: Tricep Stretch & Shoulder Shrugs

Just up and down, small little movements.

tricepsshouldersarms
low
Strength7 exercises
6m 17s
3:00
Wide Grip Bent Over Row

Pinching a pencil between the shoulder blades.

upper backshouldersarmscore
medium
4:06
Push-ups

Squeezing that core, making sure we are pushing our chest away from the floor.

chestshoulderstricepscore
high
8:00
Kneeling Bicep Curls

Tuck it into the side... kneeling to isolate that movement.

bicepsarmscore
medium
12:30
Tricep Kickbacks

Keeping them elbows up, keep them shoulder blades pinched back.

tricepsarmsupper back
medium
13:31
Bear Crawls

Knees are very close to the floor... small little movement.

corequadsshouldersfull body
high
17:00
Renegade Rows

Squeezing in towards the hips. Strong core.

upper backcorearmsshoulders
high
17:46
Bicep Curl to Overhead Press

Speed this movement. That's it, rep it out.

bicepsshouldersarmscore
high
Cardio1 exercise
44s
9:01
Mountain Climbers

Running them knees in towards the chest, keeping that core tight.

coreshouldersfull body
high
Cool-down1 exercise
1m 40s
20:50
Cool-down: Cobra & Thread the Needle

Reach as far forward this way, and as far forward this way.

spineshouldershipsupper back
low

Muscles Targeted

Primary

shoulderscorearms

Secondary

upper backtricepsspine

Equipment & Modifications

Equipment Needed

  • dumbbells
  • mat

Don't Have Equipment?

You can substitute with:

water bottlescanned goodsresistance bandsthick towelcarpet

Available Modifications

  • On the toes for full push-ups
  • On the knees for beginners
  • Stand more upright if experiencing lower back pain
  • Drop to knees as a regression

Coaching Highlights from Sophie Jones

Squeezing that core, making sure we are pushing our chest away from the floor.

Form

Make sure those abs are tight. Make sure those glutes are tight.

Safety

Work on those knees until you've got that strength to get onto them toes.

Modification

Curl and press... repping it out as fast as we can.

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 shoulders and core 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 densitycardiovascularcoordinationcore strengthflexibilitymetabolismpostureshoulder painstress

Frequently Asked Questions

What muscles does this muscle tone workout target?

The primary targets are shoulders, core, arms, with secondary activation through upper back, triceps, spine. Sophie Jones programs 12 exercises across 25 minutes — standout moves include Wide Grip Bent Over Row (upper_back, shoulders). Push-ups (chest, shoulders). Kneeling Bicep Curls (biceps, arms). 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 shoulders and arms workout, this session covers that ground. These arm toning exercises target your upper body through controlled resistance movements that build lean definition without bulk.

What equipment do I need for this workout?

You'll need dumbbells, mat. Don't have everything? Swap in water bottles, canned goods, resistance bands, thick towel. Sophie Jones shows exactly when to grab each piece so you're not scrambling mid-circuit. Many women use this as their primary shoulder workouts with dumbbells 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: On the toes for full push-ups; On the knees for beginners. 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 3 warm-up movements and a proper cool-down. Sophie Jones doesn't skip either end, which matters more than people think. 12 exercises total.

Are there modifications available for this workout?

Sophie Jones provides modifications throughout. Examples: On the toes for full push-ups; On the knees for beginners; Stand more upright if experiencing lower back pain; Drop to knees as a regression. 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 Bringing Sexy Back 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 (2022) 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 Bringing Sexy Back 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 shoulders exercises?

Because shoulders strength is foundational. It supports everything from posture and balance to injury prevention and daily movement quality. Sophie Jones programs shoulders-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: Bringing Sexy Back