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Peach Project — Workout 2

This 35-minute intermediate workout focuses on intermediate hip and core workout. Led by Sophie Jones, it targets core, hips, glutes with evidence-based exercises designed for women of all fitness levels.

Exercise Breakdown

13 exercises in Workout 2

Warm-up5 exercises
3m 12s
1:00
Warm-up: Cat-Cow

Push up through the spine, nice few little movements up while we're here.

spinecorehips
low
1:36
Warm-up: Child's Pose

We don't want to hold here for too long, just find a nice little bit of movement.

lower backhipsspine
low
1:51
Warm-up: Hip Openers

Don't hold the stretch, just kind of stretch through a little bit, opening it out.

hipship flexors
low
2:26
Warm-up: Seated Hip Twists

Pushing the hips forward, forward, forward, forward, and you stretch around.

hipsspinecore
low
3:25
Bodyweight Sumo Squats

Making sure the knees and toes are facing outwards.

glutesquadsinner thighships
medium
Strength6 exercises
19m 50s
4:30
Banded Clamshells

Squeeze through the glutes here, but I'm going to keep my core engaged also.

glutesouter thighscore
medium
6:45
Bulgarian Split Squats

Front foot is nice and flat, I'm not pressing through the toe.

glutesquadshamstringscore
high
11:00
Banded Glute Kickbacks

Imagine you're trying to push something really heavy with your foot.

gluteshamstringscore
medium
14:15
Weighted Sumo Squats

Slightly leaned over, you don't want to be too upright, sit the bum back.

glutesinner thighsquadscore
high
17:40
Russian Twists

Tuck that pelvis in, so my belly button is in toward my spine.

corespine
medium
21:00
Banded Pulse Lunges

Use this to get your breath back because we're going to go again.

glutesquadsouter thighs
high
Cardio1 exercise
4m
20:10
Burpees

Slowly step in, jump it up for the modified version.

full body
high
Cool-down1 exercise
7m 6s
26:00
Cool-down: Hamstring & Hip Stretch

Try and push your body down towards the leg rather than folding your head.

hamstringshipscalvesspine
low

Muscles Targeted

Primary

corehipsglutes

Secondary

spinequadshamstrings

Equipment & Modifications

Equipment Needed

  • band
  • dumbbells

Don't Have Equipment?

You can substitute with:

towellight dumbbellswater bottlescanned goodsresistance bands

Available Modifications

  • Increase reps from 12 to 15 in later rounds
  • Drop one weight and hold in opposite arm for balance
  • Use two weights for increased difficulty
  • Use one weight held in the center
  • Hold at the bottom for a pulse/isometric
  • Keep heels lightly touching the floor for better control
  • Step back and step in instead of jumping

Coaching Highlights from Sophie Jones

Don't hold the stretch, just kind of stretch through a little bit, opening it out.

Form

Make sure you've got enough room that you're not too tight.

Safety

Slowly step in, jump it up for the modified version.

Modification

Stay with me, breathe, breathe, breathe.

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 core and hips strength without a gym membership. Particularly relevant if you're navigating unexplained weight gain, dating after 40, or aging appearance. Best for women with 3-6 months of consistent training. Sophie Jones moves at a pace that assumes basic movement literacy.

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 painmetabolismposturesciaticastressweight gain

Frequently Asked Questions

What muscles does this muscle tone workout target?

The primary targets are core, hips, glutes, with secondary activation through spine, quads, hamstrings. Sophie Jones programs 13 exercises across 35 minutes — standout moves include Banded Clamshells (glutes, outer_thighs). Bulgarian Split Squats (glutes, quads). Banded Glute Kickbacks (glutes, hamstrings). According to SeniorShape Fitness, compound movements like these build functional strength that translates directly to daily life. If you're specifically looking for core strengthening exercises, this session covers that ground. If you're looking for booty toning workout, this session delivers. Using a resistance band for glutes exercises adds progressive overload without the joint stress of heavy weights.

What equipment do I need for this workout?

You'll need band, dumbbells. Don't have everything? Swap in towel, light dumbbells, water bottles, canned goods. Sophie Jones shows exactly when to grab each piece so you're not scrambling mid-circuit.

Is this workout suitable for beginners?

This one's intermediate level. Sophie Jones assumes basic movement competence — you should be comfortable with foundational patterns like squats and hinges. That said, Sophie Jones does show modifications: Increase reps from 12 to 15 in later rounds; Drop one weight and hold in opposite arm for balance. If you're newer, try the beginner sessions in this series first and come back.

How long is this workout?

About 35 minutes, start to finish. That includes 5 warm-up movements and a proper cool-down. Sophie Jones doesn't skip either end, which matters more than people think. 13 exercises total. It doubles as solid arm toning exercises programming.

Are there modifications available for this workout?

Sophie Jones provides modifications throughout. Examples: Increase reps from 12 to 15 in later rounds; Drop one weight and hold in opposite arm for balance; Use two weights for increased difficulty; Use one weight held in the center; Hold at the bottom for a pulse/isometric; Keep heels lightly touching the floor for better control; Step back and step in instead of jumping. 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 Peach Project 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 (2018) found that this type of training produces measurable improvements in these areas. The intermediate-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 Peach Project 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 Sanem Güven; Aylin Seylam Küşümler (2024) highlights the importance of core training for long-term functional independence in women.

What should I eat after this workout for best results?

A meal or snack with both protein and carbohydrates within 90 minutes of finishing. Something like Greek yogurt with berries, or eggs with whole-grain toast. The protein supports muscle repair, the carbs replenish glycogen. Don't overthink it. Don't skip it either. Your muscles need raw materials to rebuild stronger, and this intermediate-level session asks real effort from your body.

Related Workouts & Topics

About the Trainer

Sophie Jones

Sophie Jones

Muscle Tone Trainer

From: Peach Project