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Bringing Sexy Back — Workout 7

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

Exercise Breakdown

16 exercises in Workout 7

Warm-up6 exercises
2m 10s
0:30
Warm-up: Cat-Cows

Think about engaging the core as you drive up through the back.

spinecoreupper back
low
0:56
Warm-up: Child's Pose

Fingertips as far forward as you can.

upper backshoulderships
low
1:11
Warm-up: Thread the Needle

Nice and steady, opposite side.

upper backshouldersspine
low
1:26
Warm-up: Knee Hugs and Twists

Hook that knee in, and then twist it across.

lower backhipsspine
low
1:56
Warm-up: Forward Fold and Oblique Stretch

Stretch through the ceiling, and then stretch out those obliques.

hamstringscorespine
low
2:26
Warm-up: Torso Twists

Twisting that foot that you're leaving behind, so you're not keeping the knees in that position.

spinecoreankles
low
Strength7 exercises
29m 45s
3:30
Bicep Curls

Get that full range of motion, stretch that bicep, drive it up again.

armsbicepscore
medium
4:45
Russian Twists

Belly button in towards the spine, taking it all the way over into each hip.

corelower back
medium
11:00
Tricep Kickbacks

Nice flat back position, just kicking those forearms behind.

armstricepsupper back
medium
16:00
Standing Shoulder Press

Tuck back, core engaged, glutes on, extending above the head.

shouldersarmscore
medium
17:00
V Sits

Tucking your knees in towards the chin and extending out through.

corehip flexors
medium
21:30
Side Plank Dips

Bottom knee down, hips, knees, ankles, nice straight line.

coreshoulders
medium
23:00
Bicep Curl to Press

Hammer curling it as I go into that curl, straight up above the shoulders.

armsbicepsshoulderscore
high
Cardio1 exercise
3m 45s
12:00
Plank Jacks

Get over the tops of the hands. Strong arms, push away from the floor.

full bodycoreshoulderschest
high
Cool-down2 exercises
51s
25:20
Cool-down: Cobra Stretch

Pushing the hips forward... slow that heart rate down.

corespinehips
low
25:41
Cool-down: Child's Pose with Side Reach

Move it to the side a little bit, get into them obliques.

upper backcoreshoulders
low

Muscles Targeted

Primary

coreshouldersspine

Secondary

upper backarmships

Equipment & Modifications

Equipment Needed

  • dumbbells

Don't Have Equipment?

You can substitute with:

water bottlescanned goodsresistance bands

Available Modifications

  • Use lighter weights to start
  • Go heavier for more challenge
  • Heels on the floor for more control
  • Feet lifted off for more challenge
  • Lift torso slightly if feeling tension in lower back
  • Hold a static plank if jumping is uncomfortable
  • Keep knees soft
  • Bring legs higher for a smaller range of motion
  • Bottom knee down for support

Coaching Highlights from Sophie Jones

Belly button in towards the spine, taking it all the way over into each hip.

Form

Twisting that foot that you're leaving behind, so you're not keeping the knees in that position.

Safety

If your legs start to swing, bring those heels to the floor.

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 core and shoulders 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 painbone densitycardiovascularcore strengthflexibilityhip painmetabolismpostureshoulder painstress

Frequently Asked Questions

What muscles does this muscle tone workout target?

The primary targets are core, shoulders, spine, with secondary activation through upper back, arms, hips. Sophie Jones programs 16 exercises across 25 minutes — standout moves include Bicep Curls (arms, biceps). Russian Twists (core, lower_back). Tricep Kickbacks (arms, triceps). 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 arm toning exercises session. The core strengthening exercises in this session build deep stability that supports everything from your posture to your pelvic floor.

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: Use lighter weights to start; Go heavier for more challenge. 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 6 warm-up movements and a proper cool-down. Sophie Jones doesn't skip either end, which matters more than people think. 16 exercises total.

Are there modifications available for this workout?

Sophie Jones provides modifications throughout. Examples: Use lighter weights to start; Go heavier for more challenge; Heels on the floor for more control; Feet lifted off for more challenge; Lift torso slightly if feeling tension in lower back; Hold a static plank if jumping is uncomfortable; Keep knees soft; Bring legs higher for a smaller range of motion; Bottom knee down for support. 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 core exercises?

Because core strength is foundational. It supports everything from posture and balance to injury prevention and daily movement quality. Sophie Jones programs core-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. Research by Superior University highlights the importance of core training for long-term functional independence in women.

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