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.

A 100% cotton hoodie for $20? Columbia's Landroamer hoodie is now 60% off and it won't last long
By Jessica Downey published
You can currently grab the Columbia Landroamer Hoodie for $20, down from its usual $50, while the sale lasts.

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.

Money can’t buy you happiness, but it can get you the Brooks Glycerin Max for 25% off at Amazon right now
By Jessica Downey published
We’ve tested a lot of cushioned running shoes, and the Brooks Glycerin Max is one of the best. With 25% off at Amazon, it’s a great time to buy.

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.

I’m an avid hiker — and my favorite waterproof jacket of 2025 is on sale with 25% off right now
By Jessica Downey published
If you’re after serious waterproofing that still fits and flatters, the Rab Firewall Mountain Waterproof Jacket is worth your attention, especially when it's 25% off at REI right now.

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.

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.
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