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

These 3 running shoes were just revealed as the most popular of 2025 — here's the ones we'd buy
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.

Hurry! Nike's most popular running sneaker is 50% off for Cyber Week
By Jessica Downey published
Last call to grab the Nike Pegasus 41 while it's still on sale!

I'm tracking the best Cyber Monday Apple Watch deals LIVE! Biggest discounts on Apple Watch 11, SE and Ultra 3 right now
By Kate Kozuch, Nick Harris-Fry, Dan Bracaglia last updated
I'm vetting the Best Cyber Monday Apple Watch deals as they drop, helping you save big on the Apple Watch 11, Apple Watch Ultra 3, Apple Watch SE 3 and more.

I found the 9 best Hoka sneaker and apparel deals I’d actually buy this Cyber Monday
By Jessica Downey published
Here are 9 of my favorite deals in the Cyber Monday Hoka sale on both shoes and apparel.

Best Buy is one of my go-to retailers for deals and I've hand-picked their top Cyber Monday sales LIVE
By Louis Ramirez last updated
Best Buy's Cyber Monday deals are here. I've covered every Best Buy sale over the past 18 years and here's what I'd buy right now.

Cyber Monday golf deals LIVE: huge sales on clubs, apparel, balls and more
By Dave LeClair last updated
If you're as addicted to golf as I am, you're going to want to follow along as we bring you the best Cyber Monday golf deals around.

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.

Free People’s fitness sale is elite this season, with up to 70% off shoes and apparel from Hoka, Merrell, ASICS, and more
By Jessica Downey published
I’ve been stalking Free People’s fitness sale, and it’s a belter. You can save up to 70% on running shoes, sports bras, hiking gear and more.

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.

My all-time favorite Saucony running shoes just got a huge discount — plus 8 more deals I’d shop now
By Jessica Downey last updated
Saucony running sneakers are on sale at Amazon for Black Friday, and the deals are seriously heating up.

I broke two personal records with these Nike carbon-plate running shoes — and they're now $108 cheaper for Black Friday
By Jessica Downey published
Top-tier carbon-plate running shoes at $108 off? This deal at Dick’s can’t be missed.

These 7 Brooks running shoe deals are the ones I’d spend my own money on this Black Friday
By Jessica Downey last updated
Not every Black Friday deal is a win, so I pulled out the Brooks discounts that actually make sense for runners looking for comfort, durability and proper support.

Hoka Black Friday sales — 19 deals on running shoes, walking shoes and apparel I’d shop now
By Nick Harris-Fry last updated
Hoka’s Black Friday sale is live now with many of my favorite shoes for road and trail running, walking and more discounted significantly.

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.

Some of my favorite comfortable running shoes are down 47% right now with these early Black Friday deals on New Balance, Hoka and more
By Jessica Downey last updated
Treat your feet to maximum cushioning without breaking the bank. Early Black Friday deals put top running shoes from Asics, Hoka, New Balance, and more at up to 40% off.

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.

New to running? I built a full starter pack and it’s all on sale at REI starting at $9
By Jessica Downey published
From Hoka shoes to Garmin watches and Nathan accessories, I’ve rounded up the ultimate starter kit for new runners. Deals start at just $9, so it’s the perfect time to stock up and get moving.

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.

Don’t wait! My favorite running jacket is just $79 in the Lululemon We Made Too Much section
By Jessica Downey published
Stylish running jackets aren’t easy to come by, which is why I love the Lululemon UV-Protective Cinch-Waist Running Jacket — especially now at 38% off.

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.
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