Jessica has been a fitness writer at Tom’s Guide since 2023, bringing three years of experience writing about health, fitness, and the great outdoors. Her passion for exercise began during her childhood, where she spent weekends hiking and competing in local athletics club events. After earning a master’s degree in journalism from Cardiff University, Jessica found the perfect way to combine her love of storytelling and fitness into a career.
Jessica is passionate about testing fitness gear and tech, using her reviews to help readers make informed buying decisions. She ran her first marathon in April 2024, finishing it in 3 hours and 48 minutes. Through her training, she’s developed a deep understanding of what it takes to grow as a runner, from effective workouts and recovery techniques to selecting the right gear for every challenge.
When she’s not at her desk, Jessica enjoys spending time in the kitchen crafting new recipes, braving cold water swims and hiking.
Latest articles by Jessica Downey

I sit at a desk all day, and this is the 1 kettlebell exercise I swear by to boost my upper body mobility and build shoulder strength
By Jessica Downey published
A PT recommended this move to me years ago and it’s been my go-to for easing stiffness and improving shoulder mobility

Just 30 minutes of resistance training can support cancer recovery — here's what the science says
By Jessica Downey published
Research from Edith Cowan University found that a single 30-minute workout may boost anti-cancer proteins and help reduce cancer cell growth in survivors.

I wear these Sweaty Betty running shorts so much I need a pair for every day of the week — luckily they’re 53% off right now
By Jessica Downey published
This deal is too good to gatekeep

Here's how to beat burnout — study finds the ideal amount of daily exercise to boost your mood
By Jessica Downey published
Research suggests mixing light and vigorous exercise could be your burnout shield. Here's the exact amount the scientists suggest doing.

Here are 7 ways I get the most out of my Garmin watch when training for a race
By Jessica Downey published
My go-to Garmin tools for staying on track and hitting race-day goals.

I do this 5-minute desk exercise every day to stop back pain, tone my abs and improve posture
By Jessica Downey published
I’ve been using this quick chair exercise at work to tone my abs and improve spinal mobility. Here’s how to do it yourself.

Forget running — I added power walking intervals to my walks and now I’m hooked
By Jessica Downey published
Here's how you can sprinkle some power walking into your routine and feel the benefits.

New study finds virtual reality may help people cope with pain — here's what the scientists found
By Jessica Downey published
New research suggests that immersive VR nature scenes may reduce pain sensitivity by activating the brain’s natural pain-relieving pathways.

No, not pull-ups — these 3 simple moves will improve your posture and ease upper back stiffness
By Jessica Downey published
Try these three simple exercises to strengthen your upper back and improve posture while easing stiffness in your upper spine.

No gym needed — my favorite trainer reveals 9 no-equipment moves to build strength anywhere
By Jessica Downey published
Build full-body strength quietly and efficiently with 9 no-equipment moves anyone can do.

I’ve just tried Strava Premium — and this is the feature I’d pay for twice
By Jessica Downey published
Strava Premium’s Suggested Routes creates personalized routes based on exactly where you are and the distance or terrain you want.

I cancelled my gym membership two months ago — here’s how I’m staying just as fit at home
By Jessica Downey published
Two months after quitting the gym, and I feel great. Here’s what I gained from the switch.

I tried slow running every day for 2 weeks — and now I'm hooked
By Jessica Downey last updated
Slow running might sound counterintuitive, but over two weeks, it helped improve my endurance, recovery, and relationship with running.

There's no such thing as the best running shoes — but here are our top picks, tested by 3 runners
By Nick Harris-Fry, Jane McGuire, Jessica Downey last updated
We've tested hundreds of running shoes and selected our favorites to help make your runs more comfortable and enjoyable.

Zendaya’s first On sneaker is here, and it’s built on some of the brand’s key running shoe tech
By Jessica Downey published
Be Every You marks Zendaya’s newest collection with On, including her debut sneaker design.

Lose fat fast — I tried this 12-minute workout, and here are my results
By Jessica Downey last updated
Can a 12-minute workout really boost fitness, torch fat, and improve metabolic health? I gave REHIT a go to find out if it lives up to the hype.

Forget fad diets — new study says cutting processed food may be the real key to feeling your best
By Jessica Downey published
Here’s an easy switch that helped people see better results and feel more energized in just eight weeks.

Sit-ups, shuttle runs, and pull-ups? Trump revives the presidential fitness test
By Jessica Downey published
Trump is bringing back the presidential fitness test, reintroducing sit-ups, shuttle runs, and pull-ups to schools. Here’s what we know so far about the reboot.

Watch out Apple Watch — Garmin is seeing a huge surge of interest right now
By Jessica Downey published
New launches like the Venu X1 and Index Sleep Monitor are helping Garmin reach a wider audience.

The best running belts 2025
By Jessica Downey last updated
These are the best running belts we've tested that keep important items safe without obstructing your running experience.

Stuck with stiff joints? This 5-move kettlebell trainer workout is your range-of-motion reset
By Jessica Downey published
This routine combines mobility moves and strength-building exercises to improve your range of motion, boost joint health, and make everyday movement feel easier and stronger.

Want to protect your brain as you age? Science says to start with this routine
By Jessica Downey published
Move more, eat better, stay social and don’t go it alone. Science says your brain will thank you.

This mobility test takes just seconds — and it could predict how well you’ll age
By Jessica Downey published
A new study suggests that people who can sit and stand from the floor without using their hands are more likely to live longer than those who can't. Here's how the test works.
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