
Jessica Downey
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

Forget crunches — this personal trainer’s 7-move dumbbell workout builds core strength and improves posture
By Jessica Downey published
Ab workouts don't need to involve lots of equipment; you can gain some serious results with just a dumbbell and the right moves. Here's a trainer's recommended routine to get you started.

No jumping — this joint-friendly, low-impact workout uses a pair of light dumbbells to build full-body strength in 6 moves
By Jessica Downey published
You can be gentle on your joints while building full-body strength with a light pair of dumbbells and this Pilates-inspired workout.

Over 60? Forget running and swimming — these 5 bodyweight exercises help strengthen your entire body, using just a chair
By Jessica Downey last updated
A personal trainer shares five essential moves if you're 60+ and want to improve strength using just one chair.

Forget the gym — build full-body strength with this equipment-free 15-minute workout
By Jessica Downey last updated
I've been looking for a short, equipment-free workout to take on vacation with me, and I think this 15-minute bodyweight routine from Kayla Itsines could be the answer.

No crunches, no problem — sculpt your abs in just 10 minutes with this core workout
By Jessica Downey published
All you need is 10 minutes to try this ab-building workout from trainer Britany Williams.

Forget stretching — ‘forest bathing’ might be the best back pain relief, study reveals
By Jessica Downey published
Forest bathing is the act of spending time in the outdoors and is supposedly an effective remedy for easing back pain. We take a look at what the science says.

Pamela Reif calls this her 'pretty abs and arms' workout — my muscles would like a word
By Jessica Downey published
Curious if this ‘pretty’ abs and arms workout lived up to the name, I gave the 12-minute routine a try.

I tried plogging instead of running — here’s why it felt so satisfying
By Jessica Downey published
One bin bag and one pair of running shoes leads a surprisingly satisfying Saturday. Here's my experience trying out plogging.

I thought power walking was weird — here's what happened when I tried it 30 minutes a day for one week
By Jessica Downey last updated
I never thought stepping up my walking pace would stick, but it turned out to be a simple way to add more movement to my day.

Forget everything you know about back pain — science reveals this simple habit could be your cure
By Jessica Downey published
Back pain affects millions, but scientists say this accessible, low-cost habit could help prevent it from coming back.

I wore the Smith Motive sunglasses for a half-marathon — here’s how they performed
By Jessica Downey last updated
Running 13.1 miles in brutal heat was the perfect test for the Smith Motive sunglasses. Here’s what impressed me — and what didn’t.

Forget crunches — personal trainer recommends this 8-move standing dumbbell workout for stronger abs and arms
By Jessica Downey published
This no-floor dumbbell routine challenges your core and arms in just eight standing moves, perfect for small spaces and busy schedules.

I asked a personal trainer how to build muscle after 40 — here's the 7-move routine they swear by
By Jessica Downey published
A personal trainer shares the routine that helps you stay strong, balanced and injury-free.

Over 60? Forget walking and swimming — this simple exercise builds strength and balance
By Jessica Downey published
It’s free, it’s right in front of you, and it might just be the key to aging well — here’s why taking the stairs matters more than you think.

1 year later, are the On Cloudmonster Hyper shoes still worth it? I laced them up to find out
By Jessica Downey published
Launched as a max-cushion, high-performance shoe, I’ve been putting the Cloudmonster Hyper through its paces. Six months on, this is my honest verdict.

Forget running — I added thousands of steps to my day using this simple trick
By Jessica Downey published
I incorporated habit stacking into my routine to increase my daily step count, and it's been a game-changer. Here's how I did it.

Watch out Whoop — Garmin reportedly working on a screenless health band that'll track your sleep
By Jessica Downey published
Reports suggest Garmin’s upcoming band will track sleep and recovery with a minimalist design and no screen.

How to choose the right pair of hiking boots — the experts weigh in
By Jessica Downey published
From understanding fit and cuff height to picking the right materials and soles, here's what you need to know before buying hiking boots.

I tried this physical therapist’s hip routine for a week — and it helped more than stretching ever has
By Jessica Downey published
This five-move hip mobility routine from a physical therapist promises to ease tension and improve flexibility. I tried it — here’s what I found.

Are On’s Performance Tights worth $120? I put them to the test
By Jessica Downey published
From strength sessions to speed training, I put these premium On tights through their paces. Are they worth it? Let’s get into it.

Garmin adds rucking, trail maps and more to these smartwatches — what you need to know
By Jessica Downey published
Garmin's latest update adds sleep breath tracking, rucking with pack weight input, a stage timer, and premium golf and trail features.

12-year study reveals the type of exercise that makes you live longer — it's not cardio
By Jessica Downey published
A 12-year study published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research suggests one simple workout habit could help you live a longer, healthier life.

I did a 30-minute core workout with zero equipment — here's how my abs responded
By Jessica Downey published
This 5 move, 30 move ab and core workout is perfect for building strength and definition without the need for any equipment. Let's go!
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