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

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.

This workout skips sit-ups and crunches: Here's a trainer's 4-move routine for building a stronger core over 50
By Jessica Downey published
Strengthen your core with these four standing bodyweight exercises. No floor work required.

Nike's massive early Black Friday sale just dropped — here's 11 deals I'd add to my cart now from $12
By Jessica Downey published
Nike's early Black Friday deals are live with up to 49% off a wide range of sneakers and apparel. I’ve rounded up the picks that are actually worth your money.

My favorite On running shoes are 30% off right now — plus 9 other deals I’d buy in the early Black Friday sales
By Jessica Downey published
Save up to 40% on On’s top-rated running shoes and activewear in this early Black Friday sale — but be quick, sizes are already selling out.

Run, don’t walk! My favorite Hoka running shoes are 20% off in this early Black Friday sale
By Jessica Downey published
The Hoka Speedgoat is a stunner of a trail running shoe for runners of all levels and has $32 off right now.

I’ve tested a lot of running shoes, but these Brooks are the most comfortable — and they’re $50 off right now
By Jessica Downey published
If you love a max cushioned running shoe, then you'll love this 25% discount on the Brooks Glycerin Max even more.

Dick’s Sporting Goods Black Friday deals are here with up to 70% off Adidas, Patagonia, The North Face and more — these are 9 the deals I’d actually shop
By Jessica Downey published
Score big savings on apparel from On, Yeti, The North Face, Patagonia and other top brands in the early Black Friday sale at Dick’s Sporting Goods.

Forget running — try this 15-minute walking workout that’s low-impact but surprisingly powerful for your metabolism
By Jessica Downey published
This 15-minute, low-impact workout helps increase your daily step count, build cardio fitness and stimulate your metabolism for better all-day energy.

Nope, not sit-ups — expert coach shares his three-move recipe for building real core strength
By Jessica Downey published
An expert coach shares his three-move recipe for building real core strength.

Huge savings just hit REI — here are the best deals on The North Face, Free People, Hoka and Merrell this season
By Jessica Downey published
REI’s Fall Sale continues, and there are some excellent deals on jackets, fleeces, running shoes and boots. Here are my top picks.

This 15-minute dumbbell workout is the one routine you need if you want a stronger core
By Jessica Downey published
Want stronger abs and better posture? Trainer Sandy Sklar’s dumbbell routine delivers, and it only requires one pair of weights.

This Altra trail-running jacket is $100 off for Black Friday — and it’s the layer I rely on most right now
By Jessica Downey published
This Altra trail running jacket is a reliable layer for windy or unpredictable trail days — and right now it’s half price.

The 3 simple exercises an 81-year-old fitness icon does daily to stay strong and mobile
By Jessica Downey published
At 81, Jazzercise founder Judi Sheppard Missett shows how to stay strong and mobile with her go-to exercises and practical advice for movement, nutrition, and rest.

If you want a more defined chest, a strength expert says to focus on these 3 moves — not endless reps of push-ups
By Jessica Downey published
Here are three exercises you need to include in your upper body strength training if you want to grow and define your lower pecs, according to a personal trainer.

I test running shoes daily — here are the New Balance Black Friday deals from Amazon worth your money
By Jessica Downey published
I've hand-picked some of the best early Black Friday deals on New Balance running shoes

Forget endless sit-ups and crunches — this trainer's 5-move resistance band routine will fire up your core and build real strength at home
By Jessica Downey published
Work your core muscles, improve your posture and boost your stability with this five-move resistance band routine from fitness trainer Cindy Yu.

This workout protects your joints while building strength: Here’s a trainer’s 15-minute resistance-band routine for getting stronger over 70
By Jessica Downey published
If you want to build strength and mobility without putting pressure on your joints, this trainer-designed full-body resistance band workout is for you.
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