
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 the gym — you just need 15 minutes and 1 kettlebell to build a stronger core with this standing ab workout
By Jessica Downey published
This is the kind of ab workout you can do anywhere, with just one kettlebell and 15 minutes of your time.

Forget the gym — you only need 6 moves to build full-body muscle and boost your metabolism
By Jessica Downey published
This 20-minute bodyweight workout is easy to fit in around other commitments and will easily get your heart rate up.

We ran 70 miles in the New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v14 — here’s the verdict
By Nick Harris-Fry published
The New Balance Fresh Foam X1080v14 is a comfortable running shoe that will suit a wide range of runners well.

Forget sit-ups — you only need these 5 moves to build a stronger core and boost your posture
By Jessica Downey published
Make these 5 moves a part of your workout regime and you'll build a stronger core over time without the need for weights.

Forget the gym — I’ve been using this 5-move dumbbell workout to grow muscle in my legs and glutes
By Jessica Downey published
Build lower body strength and muscle with this dumbbell only workout led by fitness trainer Sandy Sklar.

I've been increasing my lower-body mobility and speeding up exercise recovery — here’s how I do it in just 5 minutes
By Jessica Downey published
Check out a lower body mobility routine that's a simple tool for unlocking tight hips and lower back — and it only takes five minutes.

No, not sit-ups — these 5 exercises blast your entire core and you don’t need any equipment
By Jessica Downey last updated
This 30-minute bodyweight workout works your entire core with five different moves. Just grab a mat and let's go.

The Nike Pegasus is the top running shoe among Strava users in 2024 — as a running shoe reviewer here’s why I think it’s the people’s favorite
By Jessica Downey published
The Nike Pegasus is a favorite running shoe of this year according to Strava's annual year in sport report. Here's why I think it's a fan favorite.

Ditch the gym — you only need a pair of dumbbells and these 5 moves to build full-body strength
By Jessica Downey published
Building full-body strength is possible outside the gym. Pick up some dumbbells and try this 5-move routine instead.

Forget sit-ups — you only need these 5 moves to build a stronger core and develop definition in your abs
By Jessica Downey published
Get stuck into this five move bodyweight routine if you want to develop a stronger core and tone your abdominal muscles.

Best HIIT workouts for beginners you can do at home with or without weights
By TJ Fink last updated
Get your heart pumping with these beginner HIIT workouts suitable for all levels.

No, not pull-ups — this 7-move dumbbell routine builds your entire upper body
By Jessica Downey published
Pick up your dumbbells and learn these seven moves if you want to develop upper body muscle.

How to adjust your Strava privacy settings
By Jessica Downey published
Strava is one of the best apps out there for connecting runners — here's our advice on how to stay safe on the app.

Forget pull-ups — you only need 5 moves and a pair of dumbbells to build upper body strength and improve your posture
By Jessica Downey published
Here's a 5-move workout that'll build your upper body without a pull-up bar in sight.

No, not planks! Use this 5-minute standing ab workout to build core strength and improve your posture instead
By Jessica Downey published
No planks, no weights, just you, your bodyweight and five minutes to build a stronger core.

What is the 6-12-25 method and is it good for building muscle?
By Jessica Downey last updated
What is the 6-12-25 method and how can you use it to boost your muscle growth? We spoke to a strength trainer at Nike for the answers.

You only need 2 dumbbells and 30 minutes to develop full-body muscle and build a stronger core
By Jessica Downey published
This half-hour routine targets major muscle groups all over the body, and will help to build and tone muscle.

Garmin Lily 2 Active review: a substantial update to Garmin’s most stylish smartwatch
By Jessica Downey published
The Garmin Lily 2 Active marks a substantial update to its predecessor now featuring built-in GPS, more sport tracking features, and new buttons.

Scrap the gym — this dumbbell only workout builds lower body strength with just 6 moves
By Jessica Downey published
Sculpt your glutes and strengthen your lower body with some dumbbells and Kayla Itsines' six move routine.

Forget planks — this 5-move workout sculpts your core in only 12 minutes
By Jessica Downey last updated
This plank workout will help build, tone and strengthen your core and abs without any equipment — here's how.

How to increase the battery life on your smartwatch
By Jessica Downey published
Your smartwatch is of no use to you when it’s on charge so here are 7 things you can do to preserve your smartwatch’s battery life better.

No, not pull-ups — you just need 2 dumbbells and 10 minutes to strengthen your shoulders
By Jessica Downey published
Spare 10 minutes, grab a set of dumbbells and start strengthening your shoulders with these seven moves.

You only need 2 dumbbells and 6 moves to build full-body muscle and boost your metabolism
By Jessica Downey published
This short routine is designed to work muscles all over your body, engage your core, and raise your heart rate to boost your metabolism with just a pair of weights.
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