Jessica Downey
Jessica is an experienced fitness writer with a passion for running. Her love for keeping fit and fueling her body with healthy and enjoyable food quite naturally led her to write about all things fitness and health-related. If she isn’t out testing the latest fitness products such as the latest running shoe or yoga mat for reviewing then she can be found writing news and features on the best ways to build strength, active aging, female health, and anything in between. Before then she had a small stint writing in local news, has also written for Runners World UK (print and digital), and gained experience with global content marketing agency, Cedar Communications.
Born and raised in Scotland, Jessica is a massive fan of exercising and keeping active outdoors. When at home she can be found running by the sea, swimming in it, or up a mountain. This continued as she studied and trained to become a PPA-accredited magazine journalist in Wales. And since working and living in London, she splits her time between weight training in the gym, trying new fitness classes, and finding scenic running routes. Jessica enjoys documenting this on her fitness-inspired Instagram page @jessrunshere where she loves engaging with like-minded fitness junkies.
She is a big fan of healthy cooking and loves learning more about this area with expert nutritionists she has met over the years. Jessica is a big advocate for building healthy relationships with food rather than building restrictive attitudes towards it. When she isn’t eating or running she also enjoys practicing yoga in her free time as it helps her to unwind and benefits her performance in other sports.
Latest articles by Jessica Downey
Best women’s running shoes 2024: tried, tested, reviewed
By Jane McGuire last updated
The best women's running shoes we've tested, including designs from Nike, New Balance, Brooks, Saucony and more.
The best running sunglasses 2024
By Jennifer Rizzuto last updated
Protect your eyes from the sun, bright skies and debris with a pair of the best running sunglasses. These are our top picks from testing dozens of pairs on the market.
The best running belts 2024
By Hollie Sick last updated
These are the best running belts we've tested that keep important items safe without obstructing your running experience.
Forget the gym — you only need these 5 moves to become faster, fitter and stronger
By Jessica Downey last updated
Improve your power and strength without any equipment — just use these five plyometric exercises.
Ditch the weights — this resistance band workout will build lower body strength and improve your mobility in just 20 minutes
By Jessica Downey published
This 20 minute trainer led workout walks you through a strength building routine for your lower body.
Strava just released a new feature and it’s available to all users — 5 things you can now change with Quick Edit
By Jessica Downey published
Quick Edits will allow all Strava users to instantly adjust activity details such as adding in images, adjusting who can view it, hiding the map and more.
Best running watches of 2024
By Jessica Downey last updated
Our runners spent time with dozens of the best running watches to find the best models for you and your training.
Best bike lights in 2024: Tested and reviewed
By Dan Cavallari last updated
The best bike lights we've tested, including the best front and rear bike lights to keep you safe, as well as the best bike light sets.
Best running shoes 2024, according to our testing
By Jessica Downey last updated
These are the best running shoes on the market right now for men and women based on our testing and reviews.
The best running headphones in 2024
By Nick Harris-fry last updated
I've tested the best running headphones to help you find a set that'll suit your training, last through even the longest sessions, and help you stay motivated on your run.
I wore the Columbia Konos for a 3-day hiking trip in the Swiss Alps — and it changed my mind on mid-cut hiking boots
By Jessica Downey published
Columbia's Konos TRS OutDry Mid Shoe may look more casual than your average hiking boot but once on foot, they will squash any doubts.
Ditch the gym — strengthen and tone muscle all over in just 15 minutes with this Pilates routine
By Jessica Downey published
Grab a mat and get ready to build core muscle and improve strength all over with 15 minutes of Pilates.
We've tested the best swimming headphones 2024
By Alice Barraclough last updated
Listen to the beat of your favorite tunes with every stroke wearing a pair of the best swimming headphones.
What is a tempo run, what are the benefits and how do you do it — according to a run coach
By Jessica Downey published
A run coach explains what a tempo run is and how you can incorporate it into your training to become a better runner.
Best running apps for 2024
By Jane McGuire last updated
As runners, we all have different goals but there is a running app out there for everyone that will improve your experience pounding the pavements or trails. Here's our favorites.
No, not sit-ups — this 5 move no-equipment workout sculpts and builds muscle in the core
By Jessica Downey published
Trainer Kayla Itsines share the 5 ab building exercises she always returns to.
The best Nike running shoes in 2024
By Nick Harris-fry last updated
Looking into buying a record breaking Nike running shoe or just want a reliable trainer to level up your running journey? We've tested them out for you — here's our top picks.
Best cycling indoor trainers 2024
By Dan Cavallari last updated
Never miss a session with one of the best cycling indoor trainers in your home. Here's the best models we've tested so far.
No, not push-ups — strength coach shares the benefits of overhead triceps extension and to how master the correct form
By Jessica Downey published
One of the best moves for building muscle in your arms is the overhead triceps extension exercise and all you need to do it is a dumbbell
The best Lululemon leggings 2024: tested and reviewed by us
By Jane McGuire last updated
Looking for the best pair of Lululemon leggings in 2024? We tested multiple Lulu leggings and here's our honest recommendations.
The best running hats 2024 for men and women
By Jennifer Rizzuto last updated
Arm your head with one of the best running hats from our tried and tested list.
Best bone conduction headphones in 2024
By James Frew last updated
We've tested the best bone conduction headphones to help you find a set that'll keep you connected to your favorite audio and help you stay aware of your surroundings.
Forget the gym — build strength all over with this 7-move workout and a set of resistance bands
By Jessica Downey published
Resistance bands make for a perfect minimal equipment workout — use this 7-move banded routine for your next full-body session.
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