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Low Impact HIIT — Workout 6

This 25-minute beginner workout focuses on 25 minute beginner low impact hiit for glutes and shoulders. Led by Danielle Harrison, it targets quads, shoulders, glutes with evidence-based exercises designed for women of all fitness levels.

Exercise Breakdown

18 exercises in Workout 6

Warm-up4 exercises
2m 2s
1:00
Warm-up: Deep Breaths and Squats

Lower down into that squat, open up the hips slightly

full bodyhipsquads
low
1:31
Warm-up: Head Rolls and High Knees

We're not doing any jumping, no crazy, forceful movements

neckquadship flexors
low
2:11
Warm-up: Torso Twists and Side Stretches

Reach across, twist, wake up that back for me

spineupper backshoulders
low
2:41
Warm-up: Hamstring Scoops

If you can only go to here, that's fine

hamstringscalves
low
Strength8 exercises
14m 25s
4:30
Single Leg Bench Squat

Really engage that core for me

quadsglutescore
medium
5:30
Tricep Dips

The further you take your feet out, the more you're gonna take the weight through the upper body

tricepsshoulderschest
medium
6:30
Bulgarian Split Squats

Try not to put your toe like this. We want the foot nice and flat

quadsgluteshamstrings
high
7:30
Wide Squat Pulses

Don't cheat! Keep your arms up

glutesquadsinner thighs
high
8:30
Blast-off Push-ups

No relaxing and dropping that pelvis down. Keep the tummy locked in

chesttricepsshoulderscore
medium
9:30
Bear Position Knee Taps

Very small movement, we don't need to be popping it up

corearmsshoulders
medium
10:30
Curtsy Lunges

Try not to collapse the upper body

glutesouter thighsquads
medium
13:20
Round 2: Repeat All Exercises

If you can move faster than me, amazing. Please go for it

full body
high
Cardio2 exercises
1m 30s
3:30
Forward Lunges with Single Leg Tuck Jacks

Take those tucks nice and quick for me

quadsglutescore
medium
11:30
Knee Drives

Arms overhead, drive that knee in towards your hands

corehip flexorsshoulders
high
Flexibility3 exercises
2m 16s
23:41
Cool-down: Knee Hugs and Spinal Twists

Relax those shoulders into the floor

lower backhipsspine
low
24:21
Cool-down: Butterfly and Hamstring Stretch

Wherever you can get to, hold that position for me

inner thighshamstringships
low
25:21
Cool-down: Downward Dog and Calf Stretch

Push your heels down towards the floor

calvesshouldershamstrings
low
Cool-down1 exercise
40s
23:00
Cool-down: Full Body Stretch

Imagine someone's pulling you like you're an elastic band

full bodyspine
low

Muscles Targeted

Primary

quadsshouldersglutes

Secondary

corehamstringsfull body

Equipment & Modifications

Equipment Needed

  • chair

Don't Have Equipment?

You can substitute with:

sturdy tablecounterwall

Available Modifications

  • Take it into a jump instead if you don't need low impact
  • Normal bench squat with both feet on the floor
  • Bring feet closer to the bench to make it easier
  • Elevate feet on another chair to make it harder
  • Add weights if you have them
  • Take a little jump for high impact
  • Standard split squat on the floor if balance is an issue
  • Rest and get straight back down if 45 seconds is too long
  • Keep it on your knees for low impact
  • Perform from a full plank for more challenge
  • Go onto your fists if you have wrist pain
  • Follow previous modifications for each specific move

Coaching Highlights from Danielle Harrison

Try not to put your toe like this. We want the foot nice and flat

Form

No relaxing and dropping that pelvis down. Keep the tummy locked in

Safety

The further you take your feet out, the more you're gonna take the weight through the upper body

Modification

If you can move faster than me, amazing. Please go for it

Motivation

Danielle's approach centers body awareness over aesthetics. She coaches the internal experience of movement, not just the mechanics.

Form

Health Benefits

Women who want to build real quads 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. Danielle Harrison 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 strengthflexibilityhip painknee painmetabolismneck painposturesciaticashoulder painstressweight gainwrists

Frequently Asked Questions

What muscles does this muscle tone workout target?

The primary targets are quads, shoulders, glutes, with secondary activation through core, hamstrings, full body. Danielle Harrison programs 18 exercises across 25 minutes — standout moves include Single Leg Bench Squat (quads, glutes). Tricep Dips (triceps, shoulders). Bulgarian Split Squats (quads, glutes). 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 booty toning workout session. 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 chair. Don't have everything? Swap in sturdy table, counter, wall. Danielle Harrison shows exactly when to grab each piece so you're not scrambling mid-circuit. Many women use this as their primary resistance band for glutes exercises routine.

Is this workout suitable for beginners?

Yes. Danielle Harrison designed this session for people who are starting out or coming back after a break. Modifications shown throughout: Take it into a jump instead if you don't need low impact; Normal bench squat with both feet on the floor. 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 4 warm-up movements and a proper cool-down. Danielle Harrison doesn't skip either end, which matters more than people think. 18 exercises total.

Are there modifications available for this workout?

Danielle Harrison provides modifications throughout. Examples: Take it into a jump instead if you don't need low impact; Normal bench squat with both feet on the floor; Bring feet closer to the bench to make it easier; Elevate feet on another chair to make it harder; Add weights if you have them; Take a little jump for high impact; Standard split squat on the floor if balance is an issue; Rest and get straight back down if 45 seconds is too long; Keep it on your knees for low impact; Perform from a full plank for more challenge; Go onto your fists if you have wrist pain; Follow previous modifications for each specific move. The point isn't to suffer through a move you can't do with good form. Danielle Harrison'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 Low Impact HIIT workout offer beyond fitness?

This session has direct relevance for women dealing with unexplained weight gain, dating after 40. The combination of exercises Danielle Harrison 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. Danielle Harrison designed Low Impact HIIT 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 quads exercises?

Because quads strength is foundational. It supports everything from posture and balance to injury prevention and daily movement quality. Danielle Harrison programs quads-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 Danielle Harrison 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

Danielle Harrison

Danielle Harrison

Muscle Tone Trainer

From: Low Impact HIIT