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This 30-minute intermediate workout focuses on glute activation workout 30 minutes. Led by Sophie Jones, it targets glutes, hips, core with evidence-based exercises designed for women of all fitness levels.

Exercise Breakdown

15 exercises in Workout 4

Warm-up6 exercises
2m 32s
0:25
Warm-up: Walk Down to Cobra

Stretch through the backs of the legs, backs of the hamstrings.

spinehipshamstrings
low
0:46
Warm-up: Cat-Cow

Getting some movement through the spine.

spine
low
1:01
Warm-up: Child's Pose

Drag those fingertips as far forward as you can.

upper backshoulders
low
1:16
Warm-up: Split Lunge Hip Opener

Keep the core engaged on this. You don't wanna just flex the back.

hipship flexorshamstrings
low
2:05
Warm-up: Shoulder Rotations

Rotate our shoulders, opening up and out.

shoulders
low
2:35
Activation Squats

Squeezing my glutes from the bottom of this squat.

glutesquadships
medium
Strength7 exercises
34m 5s
3:30
Squat to Shoulder Press

Butt tight, core tight, drive into that press.

glutesquadsshoulderscore
high
4:45
Pulsed Glute Bridges

You don't want this band baggy, otherwise there's no point in wearing it.

glutescorehips
medium
11:00
Reverse Lunges

Head is kind of slightly tilted towards the floor. You don't wanna be too upright.

glutesquadshamstringscore
high
11:40
Glute March

I'm not dropping my hips as my leg comes up.

glutescorelower back
medium
18:00
Side Plank with Hip Dips

Pinching in the side here.

coreglutesshoulders
medium
20:10
Banded Body Weight Squats

Using the band as resistance.

glutesquadsouter thighs
medium
21:00
Lateral Band Walks

Toes should be facing forward at all times.

glutesouter thighships
high
Cool-down2 exercises
2m 40s
26:20
Cool-down: Glute & Spinal Twist

Try and breathe while you're here.

glutesspinelower back
low
28:10
Cool-down: Frog Pose & Forward Fold

Just let yourself dangle here for a sec.

hipsinner thighshamstringsspine
low

Muscles Targeted

Primary

gluteshipscore

Secondary

spinehamstringsshoulders

Equipment & Modifications

Equipment Needed

  • band
  • dumbbells

Don't Have Equipment?

You can substitute with:

towellight dumbbellswater bottlescanned goodsresistance bands

Available Modifications

  • Add resistance band for round 3
  • Use body weight if weights are too heavy
  • Add dumbbells on hips for extra weight
  • Hold one dumbbell instead of two
  • Keep band on for extra challenge
  • Extend both legs for advanced version

Coaching Highlights from Sophie Jones

Head is kind of slightly tilted towards the floor. You don't wanna be too upright.

Form

What I don't want to happen is this, and you over-arch here.

Safety

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 glutes 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 densitycore strengthflexibilityhip painknee painpelvic floorposturesciaticashoulder painstress

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Workouts & Topics

About the Trainer

Sophie Jones

Sophie Jones

Muscle Tone Trainer

From: Peach Project