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Functional Full Body — Workout 7

This 20-minute beginner workout focuses on 20 minute beginner functional full body workout. Led by Linda Chambers, it targets shoulders, core, hamstrings with evidence-based exercises designed for women of all fitness levels.

Exercise Breakdown

19 exercises in Workout 7

Warm-up7 exercises
2m 19s
1:00
Warm-up: Wide Leg Good Mornings

Send the butt back, and then we bring ourselves back up to standing.

lower backhamstringsglutes
low
1:26
Warm-up: Wide Leg Hinge with Rotation

If you need to bend your knees a little bit, that's absolutely fine.

spinehamstringslower back
low
1:46
Warm-up: Arm Circles

Draw a few circles backwards, then we're gonna draw a few circles forwards.

shouldersarms
low
2:01
Warm-up: Reverse Lunge with Overhead Reach

If you don't want to take both hands overhead, you can do one at a time.

quadship flexorsshoulders
medium
2:26
Warm-up: Cat-Cow

Lift the head, lift the tail, and then flex the spine.

spinecoreneck
low
2:46
Warm-up: Downward Dog to Plank Ankle Taps

Shift forwards into a plank, and then opposite hand reaches to the other ankle.

coreshouldershamstrings
medium
3:11
Warm-up: Mountain Climbers

Pumping those knees in towards the wrists with a little exhale every time.

corefull body
high
Strength4 exercises
12m 11s
4:46
Reverse Lunge with Torso Twist

As we take the knee back, we're gonna rotate over that knee.

quadsglutescorespine
medium
5:26
Tricep Push-ups

Keep the elbows in, and then we drive ourselves back up again.

tricepschestshoulderscore
medium
6:06
Plank Shoulder Taps

Trying to keep the hips as stable as possible.

coreshouldersarms
medium
7:06
AMRAP Rounds (Repeated Circuit)

It's as many rounds as you can. If you need to move slower than me, move slower.

full body
high
Cardio3 exercises
1m 38s
3:35
Squat Thrusts

Jump back, jump in, hands reach.

full bodyquadsglutescore
high
4:16
Skaters

Jump from one end of the mat to the other or from side to side.

glutesouter thighscalves
high
6:36
Ladder Runs

Imagine you're moving in and out of a ladder. Out, in, out, in.

calvesquadsfull body
high
Cool-down5 exercises
2m 30s
17:40
Cool-down: Hamstring Stretch

Heel is down, toes lift. We're gonna take a little lean forward.

hamstringscalves
low
18:21
Cool-down: Quadricep Stretch

Pointing that knee straight down to the ground and pushing the hip forward slightly.

quadship flexors
low
18:51
Cool-down: Tricep Stretch with Side Lean

Push down on the elbow and take a big lean over to the side.

tricepsshouldersspine
low
19:21
Cool-down: Chest Opener

Interlace the fingers, pull the knuckles down, and then pull the arms away.

chestshouldersneck
low
19:46
Cool-down: Forward Fold

Exhale, come all the way down, and touch your toes.

spinehamstringslower back
low

Muscles Targeted

Primary

shoulderscorehamstrings

Secondary

spinequadsglutes

Equipment & Modifications

Available Modifications

  • Bend your knees a little bit if needed
  • One hand at a time instead of both hands overhead
  • Squat a little higher if needed
  • Drop elbows down towards the knees (modified push-up)
  • Take it down to the knees
  • Same hand to same shoulder for extra challenge

Coaching Highlights from Linda Chambers

Pointing that knee straight down to the ground and pushing the hip forward slightly.

Form

If that's a little too much for you, you can drop your elbows down onto the ground.

Modification

It's as many rounds as you can. If you need to move slower than me, move slower.

Motivation

Linda brings clinical precision to every session. Her background in corrective exercise shows in how she cues alignment and breathing.

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. Linda Chambers 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 strengthfatigueflexibilityhip painknee painmetabolismpostureshoulder painstressweight gain

Frequently Asked Questions

What muscles does this muscle tone workout target?

The primary targets are shoulders, core, hamstrings, with secondary activation through spine, quads, glutes. Linda Chambers programs 19 exercises across 20 minutes — standout moves include Reverse Lunge with Torso Twist (quads, glutes). Tricep Push-ups (triceps, chest). Plank Shoulder Taps (core, 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. It works well as a arm toning exercises session. If you're looking for core workouts at home, this session delivers. The core strengthening exercises in this session build deep stability that supports everything from your posture to your pelvic floor.

Do I need any equipment for this workout?

No equipment needed. Just your body weight and enough floor space. Linda Chambers shows exactly when to grab each piece so you're not scrambling mid-circuit.

Is this workout suitable for beginners?

Yes. Linda Chambers designed this session for people who are starting out or coming back after a break. Modifications shown throughout: Bend your knees a little bit if needed; One hand at a time instead of both hands overhead. The 20-minute format is deliberate — long enough to challenge your muscles, short enough that you'll actually finish.

How long is this workout?

About 20 minutes, start to finish. That includes 7 warm-up movements and a proper cool-down. Linda Chambers doesn't skip either end, which matters more than people think. 19 exercises total.

Are there modifications available for this workout?

Linda Chambers provides modifications throughout. Examples: Bend your knees a little bit if needed; One hand at a time instead of both hands overhead; Squat a little higher if needed; Drop elbows down towards the knees (modified push-up); Take it down to the knees; Same hand to same shoulder for extra challenge. The point isn't to suffer through a move you can't do with good form. Linda Chambers'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 Functional Full Body workout offer beyond fitness?

This session has direct relevance for women dealing with unexplained weight gain, dating after 40. The combination of exercises Linda Chambers chose targets not just aesthetics but functional health markers — bone density, insulin sensitivity, cortisol regulation. A study by Various authors (2023) 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. Linda Chambers designed Functional Full Body 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. Linda Chambers 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. It doubles as solid shoulders and arms workout programming.

Can I do this workout if I have joint pain or stiffness?

Start with the modifications Linda Chambers 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

Linda Chambers

Linda Chambers

Muscle Tone Trainer

From: Functional Full Body