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 bad posture — use this 8-move mobility routine at your desk to undo the effects of prolonged sitting
By Jessica Downey published
This mobility routine relieves tensions in your upper body, gives you a screen break and can be done at your desk.
Forget sit-ups — this 15-minute workout can sculpt your core with just 6 moves
By Jessica Downey last updated
Set aside 15 minutes and try this ab routine to build core strength and tone your midsection.
You only need these 5 dumbbell moves and 20 minutes to build muscle all over and boost your metabolism
By Jessica Downey last updated
Use this workout when you're short on time but still want to squeeze a full-body strength session into your routine.
You only need 2 dumbbells and these 5 moves to build upper body strength and core muscle
By Jessica Downey last updated
Here's a 5-move workout that aims to sculpt shoulders using dumbbells instead of pull-ups.
No, not sit-ups — use this 5-move workout instead to strengthen your core and improve your posture
By Jessica Downey published
This workout is sit-up free and instead uses five alternative core-building exercises to increase strength and definition in your midsection and improve your posture.
We ran 50 miles in the Saucony Hurricane 24 and it’s a supremely comfortable running shoe
By Nick Harris-fry, Jessica Downey published
The Saucony Hurricane 24 is one of the most comfortable running shoes available, especially if you’re looking for a stability shoe, and it’s a joy to use for easy and long runs.
You only need a kettlebell and this 30-minute workout to build full-body muscle and boost your metabolism
By Jessica Downey published
Work hard for 30 minutes and then soak up the many benefits of this kettlebell routine.
Personal trainer reveals the 5 abs exercises most people are doing wrong — and how to fix your form
By Jessica Downey published
Trainer shares the do's and don'ts of five popular abs exercises to help you build strength and definition in your core more efficiently.
The best gym leggings 2024: for every type of workout
By Jane McGuire last updated
We've tested dozens of gym leggings, these are our favorites from Lululemon, Sweaty Betty, Nike and more.
Ditch the gym — build a stronger lower body with just a pair of dumbbells and 30 minutes
By Jessica Downey published
No need to hit the gym when you have a set of dumbbells and this 30-minute leg strengthening routine.
Forget tight hips — try this 5-move routine to boost your mobility now
By Jessica Downey published
Five exercises to increase the mobility in your hips and to help build a more robust lower body for everyday life.
Forget squats — these 3 moves target your glutes and strengthen your lower body
By Jessica Downey published
You don't need to squat till failure to grow your glutes, give these three exercises a go instead.
We asked a running coach why do sprinters need more muscle than distance runners — and tips on how to be a stronger runner
By Jessica Downey published
Coach Kirk-Odunubi explains the difference in muscle makeup between sprinters and distance runners and shares how to train to become a stronger runner.
No need for weights — this 7-move workout improves your posture and strengthens your arms with just 1 resistance band
By Jessica Downey published
No weights, no gym, just a single resistance band to build upper body strength.
No gym required — you only need 1 set of dumbbells and these 5 moves to build full body strength
By Jessica Downey published
Target your core, lower and upper body muscles in 30 minutes with just a pair of dumbbells.
I cycled around London on this folding electric bike — and now I'm a convert
By Jessica Downey last updated
The Volt Lite packs a powerful punch for a lightweight foldable electric bike. Here's how I found riding it around London.
This equipment free 5-move routine strengthens your back and improves mobility — here's why I love it
By Jessica Downey published
Five minutes to build a stronger back and increase your mobility. Here's how.
Ditch crunches — you need 10 minutes and just these 7 moves to build a stronger core
By Jessica Downey published
Seven exercises to strengthen and define the muscles in your core — no crunches involved!
Forget planks — this 7-move dumbbell routine sculpts your core and upper body
By Jessica Downey last updated
Kill two birds with one stone with this upper body and core muscle-building dumbbell routine.
The best ab workouts you can do for free, from anywhere
By Jane McGuire last updated
The best ab workouts — from free ab workouts to 10-minute ab workouts, here's the best ab workouts to try.
9 of the best free Tabata workouts on YouTube
By Sarah Jacobsson Purewal last updated
The best Tabata workouts to train your entire body, many of which can be done in less than 10 minutes.
What is a smart ring and what can it do for you?
By Kate Kozuch last updated
Here’s a rundown on smart rings, what they do, how they differ from smart watches and if a smart ring is right for you.
Forget the gym — this 30 minute workout builds strength all over with just a pair of dumbbells
By Jessica Downey published
This is a jumping free dumbbell HIIT workout designed to be gentle on the joints while you target muscles all over your body.
Sign up now to get the best Black Friday deals!
Discover the hottest deals, best product picks and the latest tech news from our experts at Tom’s Guide.