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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

Related Workouts & Topics

About the Trainer

Sophie Jones

Sophie Jones

Muscle Tone Trainer

From: Bringing Sexy Back