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Bringing Sexy Back — Workout 6

This 30-minute beginner workout focuses on 30 minute beginner dumbbell workout for arms and core. Led by Sophie Jones, it targets shoulders, arms, core with evidence-based exercises designed for women of all fitness levels.

Exercise Breakdown

14 exercises in Workout 6

Warm-up4 exercises
2m 23s
1:00
Warm-up: Cat-Cow

Up through the ceiling and relaxing through the back.

spineupper backlower back
low
1:46
Warm-up: Child's Pose

Really reaching those fingertips far forward as you can.

lower backshouldersspine
low
2:06
Warm-up: Bird Dogs

Opposite arm, opposite leg.

coreshoulderships
low
2:55
Warm-up: Shoulder Rotations

Get that movement through the shoulders.

shoulders
low
Strength8 exercises
35m 9s
3:31
Wide Grip Dead Stop Row

Pinching those shoulder blades back, holding that weight up.

upper backarmsshoulders
medium
5:15
Chest Press

Push that tummy button down whilst you're in this position.

chestarmsshoulderscore
medium
11:00
Reverse Fly

Imagine you're trying to touch each end of the room.

upper backshoulderscore
medium
12:05
Push-ups

Tuck those hips in, lean over the top of your hands.

chestarmscoreshoulders
high
17:00
Shoulder Taps

Get the weight onto your hands. It should feel heavy.

coreshouldersarmswrists
medium
17:55
Alternating Shoulder Press

We don't want our hips to sink forward.

shouldersarmscore
medium
22:00
Row to Kickback

Keeping the elbows high on the kickback.

tricepsupper backarms
high
23:05
Bicep Curl to Arnold Press

Full extension on them shoulder presses.

bicepsshouldersarms
high
Cool-down2 exercises
1m 24s
26:30
Cool-down: Thread the Needle

Try and twist out that back.

upper backshouldersspine
low
27:30
Cool-down: Tricep Stretch

Behind the back of the head, pushing that arm down.

tricepsshoulders
low

Muscles Targeted

Primary

shouldersarmscore

Secondary

upper backspinelower back

Equipment & Modifications

Equipment Needed

  • dumbbells

Don't Have Equipment?

You can substitute with:

water bottlescanned goodsresistance bands

Available Modifications

  • Bring yourself up slightly if you feel back pinch
  • On the knees
  • Partial range of motion
  • Drop to the knees
  • Drop to lighter weights
  • Add a little bounce/leg drive

Coaching Highlights from Sophie Jones

Pinching those shoulder blades back, holding that weight up.

Form

I actually squeeze my glutes... saving that lower back from any pain.

Safety

Little bounce into that push just help you get that weight up.

Modification

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 arms 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 strengthflexibilitypostureshoulder painstress

Frequently Asked Questions

What muscles does this muscle tone workout target?

The primary targets are shoulders, arms, core, with secondary activation through upper back, spine, lower back. Sophie Jones programs 14 exercises across 30 minutes — standout moves include Wide Grip Dead Stop Row (upper_back, arms). Chest Press (chest, arms). Reverse Fly (upper_back, shoulders). 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. Don't have everything? Swap in water bottles, canned goods, resistance bands. 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: Bring yourself up slightly if you feel back pinch; On the knees. The 30-minute format is deliberate — long enough to challenge your muscles, short enough that you'll actually finish.

How long is this workout?

About 30 minutes, start to finish. That includes 4 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: Bring yourself up slightly if you feel back pinch; On the knees; Partial range of motion; Drop to the knees; Drop to lighter weights; Add a little bounce/leg drive. 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