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

Run Faster for Less — The Adidas Adizero Boston 12 Is 26% Off at Amazon
By Jessica Downey published
You can save $42 on the adidas Adizero Boston 12 running shoe at Amazon right now. This lightweight, energy-packed trainer is built for eating up miles, and it’s just $118 in the sale.

A muscle building expert shares 3 simple tips to keep building muscle after 40
By Jessica Downey published
According to a muscle-building expert, these are the 3 tips you need to build and maintain strength after 40.

Forget sit-ups — a personal trainer shares 5 bodyweight moves you need to build a stronger core
By Jessica Downey published
A trainer's 5-move recipe for a stronger core

I asked a trainer how to stay strong after 40 — they answered with a 7-move dumbbell workout
By Jessica Downey published
Trainer Kirra Mitlo shares a simple 7-move dumbbell routine to help you build strength and stay strong at any stage of life.

Sleep Better Tonight: Scientists Reveal the 30-Minute Workout That's a Game-Changer!
By Jessica Downey last updated
Researchers say just two short sessions of yoga a week could be the key to better sleep.

Unlock Mobility: Try This Quick 15-Minute Yoga Flow to Ease Stiffness and Tension
By Jessica Downey last updated
Designed by a yoga coach, this quick routine unlocks tight muscles and leaves you moving more freely — all in just 15 minutes.

This simple walking change could help reduce your knee pain — here’s what the science says
By Jessica Downey published
Do you struggle with knee pain? Scientists say a small stride adjustment may bring relief.

How 9 minutes of daily HIIT may improve kids’ brain function and learning, according to research
By Jessica Downey published
Researchers say nine minutes of exercise may be enough to boost children’s mood and cognitive skills.

I sit at a desk all day, and this is the 1 kettlebell exercise I swear by to boost my upper body mobility and build shoulder strength
By Jessica Downey published
A PT recommended this move to me years ago and it’s been my go-to for easing stiffness and improving shoulder mobility

Just 30 minutes of resistance training can support cancer recovery — here's what the science says
By Jessica Downey published
Research from Edith Cowan University found that a single 30-minute workout may boost anti-cancer proteins and help reduce cancer cell growth in survivors.

I wear these Sweaty Betty running shorts so much I need a pair for every day of the week — luckily they’re 53% off right now
By Jessica Downey published
This deal is too good to gatekeep

Here's how to beat burnout — study finds the ideal amount of daily exercise to boost your mood
By Jessica Downey published
Research suggests mixing light and vigorous exercise could be your burnout shield. Here's the exact amount the scientists suggest doing.

Here are 7 ways I get the most out of my Garmin watch when training for a race
By Jessica Downey published
My go-to Garmin tools for staying on track and hitting race-day goals.

I do this 5-minute desk exercise every day to stop back pain, tone my abs and improve posture
By Jessica Downey published
I’ve been using this quick chair exercise at work to tone my abs and improve spinal mobility. Here’s how to do it yourself.

Forget running — I added power walking intervals to my walks and now I’m hooked
By Jessica Downey published
Here's how you can sprinkle some power walking into your routine and feel the benefits.

New study finds virtual reality may help people cope with pain — here's what the scientists found
By Jessica Downey published
New research suggests that immersive VR nature scenes may reduce pain sensitivity by activating the brain’s natural pain-relieving pathways.

No, not pull-ups — these 3 simple moves will improve your posture and ease upper back stiffness
By Jessica Downey published
Try these three simple exercises to strengthen your upper back and improve posture while easing stiffness in your upper spine.

No gym needed — my favorite trainer reveals 9 no-equipment moves to build strength anywhere
By Jessica Downey published
Build full-body strength quietly and efficiently with 9 no-equipment moves anyone can do.

I’ve just tried Strava Premium — and this is the feature I’d pay for twice
By Jessica Downey published
Strava Premium’s Suggested Routes creates personalized routes based on exactly where you are and the distance or terrain you want.

I cancelled my gym membership two months ago — here’s how I’m staying just as fit at home
By Jessica Downey published
Two months after quitting the gym, and I feel great. Here’s what I gained from the switch.

Runners, I swear by this Nathan Sports hydration vest — and right now it’s on sale
By Jessica Downey published
This Nathan Sports running vest is super minimal and comfortable, and right now it's on sale at Amazon for 14% less.

I tried slow running every day for 2 weeks — and now I'm hooked
By Jessica Downey last updated
Slow running might sound counterintuitive, but over two weeks, it helped improve my endurance, recovery, and relationship with running.

There's no such thing as the best running shoes — but here are our top picks, tested by 3 runners
By Nick Harris-Fry, Jane McGuire, Jessica Downey last updated
We've tested hundreds of running shoes and selected our favorites to help make your runs more comfortable and enjoyable.
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