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

After years of running in standard running shorts, I've finally found the perfect pair from Lululemon
By Jessica Downey published
There are surprisingly many ways a pair of running shorts can fall short — but I’ve finally found a pair from Lululemon that gets everything right.

I've been using these 2 banded side plank exercises to improve hip stability and build core strength — here are my results
By Jessica Downey published
I’ve been using two banded side plank variations to strengthen my core and hips, and the benefits have carried over into my running. Here’s what else changed.

Sit all day? Try these 7 back exercises from a physical therapist right now
By Jessica Downey published
These exercises are what a physical therapist would use to relieve tension and tightness in your back and how to do them correctly.

We ran 55 miles in the Saucony Endorphin Azura — here's our verdict
By Jessica Downey, Nick Harris-Fry published
The Saucony Endorphin Azura is the newest Endorphin model, built around Saucony’s familiar PWRRUN PB foam and a non-plated, high-stack platform. Here's how it performed in our testing.

A physical therapist explains why your shins always hurt when you run — and what to do about it
By Jessica Downey published
A physical therapist explains what causes shin splints and shares the exercises that can help you prevent them.

Tight hips? A yoga teacher says these 3 moves can improve mobility
By Jessica Downey published
A yoga instructor breaks down her three essential exercises for improving hip mobility, easing tightness and strengthening the hips.

Ditch sit-ups and crunches — this 5-move standing abs workout will help you build a stronger and more sculpted core
By Jessica Downey published
Strengthen your core with this expert-led, five-move standing abs workout from a Pilates teacher.

Sit down all day? This stretching exercise is a must according to a yoga instructor
By Jessica Downey published
This straightforward yoga move is designed to gently mobilize the whole spine if you spend long hours seated.

Over 65? Do this personal trainer's 5-move routine to build strength in your core and upper body — no gym required
By Jessica Downey published
This trainer-approved workout builds a stronger upper body and core.

Get rid of back pain — try this yoga teacher’s 2-move routine to relieve tension and restore mobility
By Jessica Downey published
Relieve years of back tension and boost your mood with this yoga teacher's two restorative exercises.

Runners gravitated to these 3 running shoes in 2025 — we tested them thoroughly, the consensus tracks
By Jessica Downey published
Strava’s end of year report shows Asics, Nike, and Hoka leading the pack for most-logged running shoes in 2025.

Recent study reveals why muscle and healthy visceral fat levels matter for keeping the brain biologically young
By Jessica Downey published
Science finds that people with more muscle and less deep abdominal fat tend to have younger-looking brains, so we spoke to a certified personal trainer on how to get started.

Forget 75-Hard — a PT shares just 3 essential exercises to begin building muscle and strength before the New Year
By Jessica Downey published
Three simple strength exercises with expert backing to help you start building muscle now, build confidence, and enter January without burnout from year-end fitness crazes.

This huge 40-year study reveals the decade when exercise matters most for your brain
By Jessica Downey published
Forty years of data show that exercise in midlife and later life offers the biggest protection against dementia, though staying active at any age is important.

I asked a chiropractor how to fix my posture, and they recommended this one exercise
By Jessica Downey published
Dr. DebRoy recommends the heel-elevated goblet squat to reduce strain, improve posture, and build strength safely.

No, not sit-ups — a trainer says these 5 moves build deep and functional core strength for anyone over 50
By Jessica Downey published
You can build serious core strength without ever hitting the floor. Trainer Eric North’s five-move routine is designed to help anyone over 50 do exactly that.

Bad knees? A trainer swears by these 7 moves for building full-body strength after 70
By Jessica Downey last updated
Seven low-impact exercises that build strength from head to toe while keeping your joints happy.

5 simple tips a Pilates instructor wants every beginner to know
By Jessica Downey published
From breathing and core engagement to what to wear and which style to choose, these five expert-backed tips will help you step into Pilates with confidence.

Scientists find one exercise that's 6 times more powerful than walking when it comes to protecting your heart
By Jessica Downey published
While walking remains a heart-healthy habit, a new study shows that vigorous activity could support your cardiovascular health in a fraction of the time. Here’s what the data actually reveals.

Try this easy 5-move standing core workout if you want strength without getting on the floor
By Jessica Downey published
You don’t need sit-ups or crunches to feel your core work. This all-standing routine helps strengthen your middle, improve balance, and stay joint-friendly at any age.

This workout skips sit-ups and crunches: Here's a trainer's 4-move routine for building a stronger core over 50
By Jessica Downey published
Strengthen your core with these four standing bodyweight exercises. No floor work required.

Forget running — try this 15-minute walking workout that’s low-impact but surprisingly powerful for your metabolism
By Jessica Downey published
This 15-minute, low-impact workout helps increase your daily step count, build cardio fitness and stimulate your metabolism for better all-day energy.

Nope, not sit-ups — expert coach shares his three-move recipe for building real core strength
By Jessica Downey published
An expert coach shares his three-move recipe for building real core strength.
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