
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

7 summer running essentials I’m scoring in the early Prime Day deals
By Jessica Downey published
These are the items that help me handle hot runs — and they’re all discounted ahead of Prime Day kicking off.

Garmin's Lily 2 Active smartwatch is slim, fashionable — and now on sale for Prime Day
By Jessica Downey published
Love a sleek watch? The Lily 2 Active is Garmin’s tiniest tracker and it’s $50 off right now!

I ran 30 miles in the Saucony Guide 18 — and it's a super smooth ride without the bulk
By Jessica Downey published
Another comfortable and reliable number from Saucony

Quick! My favorite Nike running sunglasses are 63% off in a rare early Prime Day deal
By Jessica Downey published
This is the lowest price I’ve seen for the Nike Victory Elite running sunglasses — and it’s likely to sell out fast. Here’s how to grab the deal.

Ditch sit-ups! This 10-minute dumbbell workout builds a rock-solid core and perfects your posture
By Jessica Downey last updated
The best ab workouts don't need to happen on the floor. Try this all-standing dumbbell workout instead and see for yourself.

New study reveals that the size of this finger can give you an athletic edge
By Jessica Downey last updated
If your ring finger’s longer than your index, you might be better built for distance. Here's what the science has to say.

Strava and Runna launch joint subscription — here’s what you need to know
By Jessica Downey published
This new combined subscription gives you expert coaching alongside Strava’s performance insights and route discovery, all in a single annual plan.

Build a stronger back and bigger biceps with this 20-minute dumbbell workout — no pull-ups needed
By Jessica Downey published
Grab some dumbbells and get ready to let trainer Britany Williams lead you through a ripper of a back and biceps workout. You only need 20 minutes.

Forget crunches — this personal trainer’s 7-move dumbbell workout builds core strength and improves posture
By Jessica Downey published
Ab workouts don't need to involve lots of equipment; you can gain some serious results with just a dumbbell and the right moves. Here's a trainer's recommended routine to get you started.

No jumping — this joint-friendly, low-impact workout uses a pair of light dumbbells to build full-body strength in 6 moves
By Jessica Downey published
You can be gentle on your joints while building full-body strength with a light pair of dumbbells and this Pilates-inspired workout.

Over 60? Forget running and swimming — these 5 bodyweight exercises help strengthen your entire body, using just a chair
By Jessica Downey last updated
A personal trainer shares five essential moves if you're 60+ and want to improve strength using just one chair.

Forget the gym — build full-body strength with this equipment-free 15-minute workout
By Jessica Downey last updated
I've been looking for a short, equipment-free workout to take on vacation with me, and I think this 15-minute bodyweight routine from Kayla Itsines could be the answer.

No crunches, no problem — sculpt your abs in just 10 minutes with this core workout
By Jessica Downey published
All you need is 10 minutes to try this ab-building workout from trainer Britany Williams.

Forget stretching — ‘forest bathing’ might be the best back pain relief, study reveals
By Jessica Downey published
Forest bathing is the act of spending time in the outdoors and is supposedly an effective remedy for easing back pain. We take a look at what the science says.

Saucony's running shoes are up to 47% off — I'm a marathon runner and here's the 9 deals I'd recommend
By Jessica Downey last updated
Saucony is slashing the prices on some of its most popular running shoes for all abilities. Add to your cart before they sell out!

Pamela Reif calls this her 'pretty abs and arms' workout — my muscles would like a word
By Jessica Downey published
Curious if this ‘pretty’ abs and arms workout lived up to the name, I gave the 12-minute routine a try.

I tried plogging instead of running — here’s why it felt so satisfying
By Jessica Downey published
One bin bag and one pair of running shoes leads a surprisingly satisfying Saturday. Here's my experience trying out plogging.

I thought power walking was weird — here's what happened when I tried it 30 minutes a day for one week
By Jessica Downey last updated
I never thought stepping up my walking pace would stick, but it turned out to be a simple way to add more movement to my day.

Forget everything you know about back pain — science reveals this simple habit could be your cure
By Jessica Downey published
Back pain affects millions, but scientists say this accessible, low-cost habit could help prevent it from coming back.

The best running sunglasses 2025 according to our testing
By Jessica Downey last updated
We tested the best running sunglasses to help you find a pair that stays put and keeps you focused on every run.

I wore the Smith Motive sunglasses for a half-marathon — here’s how they performed
By Jessica Downey last updated
Running 13.1 miles in brutal heat was the perfect test for the Smith Motive sunglasses. Here’s what impressed me — and what didn’t.

Forget crunches — personal trainer recommends this 8-move standing dumbbell workout for stronger abs and arms
By Jessica Downey published
This no-floor dumbbell routine challenges your core and arms in just eight standing moves, perfect for small spaces and busy schedules.

I asked a personal trainer how to build muscle after 40 — here's the 7-move routine they swear by
By Jessica Downey published
A personal trainer shares the routine that helps you stay strong, balanced and injury-free.
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