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
I cycled through the Al Wathba desert in Abu Dhabi — here’s 5 ways it changed my mind about cycling
By Jessica Downey published
What happened when our writer dropped her running shoes and took to the pedals to cycle through the Al Wathba desert in Abu Dhabi.
Forget weights — improve your running with these 3 bodyweight strength exercises
By Jessica Downey published
Building and maintaining strength is essential for all runners. Here are three bodyweight exercises you don't want to miss.
Russian twist: how to do it, and the benefits for your core
By Jane McGuire last updated
How to do a Russian twist, the benefits of Russian twists, and the best modifications to try.
Plank exercise: This is how long you should hold a plank for
By Jane McGuire last updated
How long do you need to hold a plank exercise to see results? It's not as long as you think.
Training for a marathon in 2024? Here’s 5 essential tips I swear by
By Jessica Downey published
Not only do you want to stay consistent with marathon training but you want to enjoy it. Here are five top tips our writer swears by for marathon training.
9 essentials you need to pack before hiking in bad weather
By Jessica Downey published
Stay safe and sound while hiking in bad weather with these nine items.
I ran in the Saucony Ride 17 for month, and I was surprised how much I liked them
By Jessica Downey published
I put the Saucony Ride 17 running shoe to the test, even used it as my daily driver, and I don't regret it.
Forget crunches — you only need a kettlebell and 4 exercises to strengthen your core
By Jessica Downey published
Scrap sit-ups and crunches and take on these four kettlebell exercises designed to tone and strengthen your core muscles.
5 things keeping me motivated during marathon training
By Jessica Downey published
Our writer unveils the five things she relies on to maintain momentum in marathon training and enjoy every step of the journey.
Forget weights — 4 bodyweight moves for toning your core and upper body muscles
By Jessica Downey published
Using just your bodyweight and four exercises you can work your core and upper body muscles fuss-free.
I tried the Daisy Keech hourglass workout with 10 million views — here's what happened
By Jane McGuire last updated
I tried the Daisy Keech hourglass workout, one of the most viewed YouTube ab workouts - here's what happened.
5 Hoka deals too good to miss — starting from just $14
By Jessica Downey published
Buy a pair of Hoka's signature running shoes for less or pick up some discounted performance driven exercise wear in the Hoka sale.
It only takes 7 exercises to build strength and definition in your biceps
By Jessica Downey published
Build and strengthen your upper body with this dumbbell workout, paying special attention to your biceps.
I lay on a bed of nails for 15 minutes every day for a week — here’s what happened to my body
By Jessica Downey published
Lying on a bed of nails is supposed to mimic the effects of an acupressure massage, among other benefits. Here’s what happened when our writer got her hands on one.
I added the leg extension machine to my leg day routine — here’s why it was a great addition
By Jessica Downey published
Our writer started regularly incorporating the leg extension machine into her lower body days at the gym. Here's what she gained from the experience.
Sculpt your abs and strengthen your core with 6 moves in 6 minutes — here’s how
By Jessica Downey published
A six move, six minute workout to help build muscle in your abs and core.
Forget Blue Monday — 5 bodyweight strength building moves to boost your mood
By Jessica Downey published
Before you fall victim to the supposed dreariness of Blue Monday, why not boost your mood with this five move workout?
9 things I wish I had known before my first parkrun
By Jessica Downey published
Not sure what to expect from your first parkrun? Our writer shares the things she wishes she had known before her first parkrun.
Forget weights — this 8-move workout builds upper body muscle and all you need is a resistance band
By Jessica Downey published
This no fuss resistance band workout will help you develop strength in your arms at the gym or at home.
I did a 3 minute lizard pose every day for a week — here's why I love it
By Jessica Downey published
Our writer tried the lizard pose every day for a week and loved the results. Here's her full rundown and how to try it out yourself.
3 reasons why Garmin Sleep Coach has improved my sleeping habits
By Jessica Downey published
Can the Garmin Sleep Coach improve your sleep? Here's three ways it did this for one of our fitness writers.
What is the 75 hard challenge? Here's everything you need to know about the trending lifestyle rule
By Jessica Downey published
We reveal what is involved in the 75 Hard Challenge and look at the pros and cons of this popular goal setting method.