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

I added this 5-minute hip mobility routine to the end of my workout— here’s what happened
By Jessica Downey last updated
I tried this five move mobility routine to loosen my hip joints and was surprised at how much better my body felt afterward. Here's what went down.

You don't need weights to build full-body muscle — just this 30-minute bodyweight workout
By Jessica Downey last updated
This workout relies solely on your body weight to strengthen muscle all over, engage the core and improve balance.

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.

Forget planks — this dumbbell workout tones and strengthens core muscle in just 15 minutes
By Jessica Downey published
This dumbbell core workout will have your abs burning but it's only 15 minutes of exercise and a great way to build strength and definition in your midsection.

8 tips for running in the heat you need to know
By Jessica Downey published
The body has to work harder when you run in the heat — here's how to make hot weather running more enjoyable and safe.

Garmin Forerunner 945 is 34% off at Amazon right now — save $170 on one our favorite running watches
By Jessica Downey published
If you're on the hunt for a top-quality, accurate and reliable running watch then you'll want to check out this Garmin Forerunner 945 deal at Amazon with a massive $170 off!

Ditch the squat rack — this 4-move workout builds strength and sculpts lower body muscle with just a pair of dumbbells
By Jessica Downey published
This dumbbell only workout is an effective and efficient way to sculpt and build muscle in your lower body. Get ready to feel the burn in your quads, glutes and hammies.

I ditched weight training for a Reformer Pilates class — here's what happened
By Jessica Downey published
Our fitness writer wanted a break from the weights section of her gym. Here's what happened when she attended a reformer Pilates class instead.

Orbea Diem E-bike review: A robust urban e-bike packed with useful features
By Jessica Downey published
We tested the Orbea Diem 30 in Dusseldorf and London to see how it performs as an urban commuting e-bike. Here's our verdict.

Forget pull-ups — 6 dumbbell exercises to build a strong and muscular upper body like Bridgerton’s Colin Bridgerton
By Jessica Downey published
5 exercises to sculpt and shape upper body muscles like Colin Bridgerton using a set of dumbbells.

Forget running — this 15-minute walking workout is low-impact and will boost your metabolism
By Jessica Downey published
This is a 15-minute, low-impact, high-intensity routine designed to up your daily step count, improve your cardio fitness and boost your metabolism.

You only need 10 minutes to build a stronger core and improve your posture with this 5-move abs workout
By Jessica Downey last updated
Ab exercise will help to tone and tighten your midsection but it's also effective at building important core strength and improving posture. Here's a 10-minute workout to begin with.

I tried the 6-12-25 workout method for building strength with a single kettlebell — here's what happened
By Jessica Downey published
The 6-12-25 method is a bodybuilding routine involving 6 heavy reps, 12 moderate reps, and 25 light reps for the same muscle group. Here's what happened when I tried it at home.

We ran over 40 miles in the Hoka Skyward X — here's the verdict
By Jessica Downey, Nick Harris-fry published
The Hoka Skyward X is the latest super trainer on the scene, fitted with a carbon plate, PEBA midsole foam, and an illegally high stack height. Here’s my verdict.

This 8-move stretching routine increases mobility and relieves upper body tension
By Jessica Downey published
This is a no-equipment mobility routine designed to release tension in your back and shoulders, while helping you to tune into how your body is feeling.

This 7-move workout builds a stronger core using just one kettlebell
By Jessica Downey published
Seven kettlebell exercises to improve your core strength and develop definition in your midsection.

Forget the gym — this 6-move dumbbell workout builds upper body muscle and enhances posture
By Jessica Downey last updated
Build upper body muscle, increase your strength and improve your posture with just a set of dumbbells. Here's how.

Forget pull-ups — build a stronger back and biceps with this 6-move dumbbell workout
By Jessica Downey published
Say hello to your next back and biceps pump with this six-move dumbbell routine.

You only need 5 moves to develop core strength and torch your abs — here’s how
By Jessica Downey published
This bodyweight workout targets your core and ab muscles to build strength and definition using just five exercises. Here's how to do it.

We ran 80 miles in the Brooks Ghost 16, and it’s the best version of the shoe in years
By Nick Harris-fry, Jessica Downey published
The Brooks Ghost 16 is the best version of the shoe in years thanks to the new midsole foam, which makes the shoe lighter and improves the ride.

You only need 5 moves and a pair of dumbbells to develop muscle in your back and biceps
By Jessica Downey published
You don't need much equipment to sculpt your back and biceps, in fact, you just need some dumbbells and these five exercises.

Forget the gym — you just need 1 resistance band and 20 minutes to develop full body strength
By Jessica Downey published
With just one workout band and 20 minutes you can develop strength and tone muscle all over. Here's how.

I ran 50 miles in the Saucony Guide 17 and it's now my staple running shoe
By Jessica Downey published
The Saucony Guide 17 is a comfortable and supportive running shoe for easy miles and has enough cushioning for longer runs too.
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