Sam Hopes
Sam Hopes is a level 3 fitness trainer, level 2 reiki practitioner, and senior fitness writer at Tom's Guide. She is also currently undertaking her Yoga For Athletes training course. Sam has written for various fitness brands and websites over the years and has experience across brands at Future such as Live Science, Fit&Well, Coach, and T3. Having worked with fitness studios like F45 and Virgin, Sam now primarily teaches outdoor bootcamps, bodyweight and calisthenics, and kettlebells. She also coaches mobility and stretching-focused classes several times a week and believes that true strength comes from a holistic approach to training your body. Sam is currently in training for her next mixed doubles Hyrox competition in London this year, having completed her first doubles attempt in 1:11.
In her spare time, she enjoys CrossFit, yoga, and running and can be found perfecting her handstand walks and handstand push-ups in the gym whenever she has the chance to be upside down! At work, she can be found testing the latest fitness technology and wearables, anything yoga and CrossFit-related, and has a keen interest in nutrition, sleep, and recovery.
Latest articles by Sam Hopes
3 things I wish I had known as a Hyrox beginner
By Sam Hopes published
If you plan to compete at Hyrox this year, Tom's Guide's resident fitness writer has competed and shares three tips to help you succeed.
Mega Brooks Black Friday sale is live — 11 running shoe and apparel deals I’m tracking from just $35
By Sam Hopes last updated
These Brooks deals will save you big money ahead of the Black Friday sales. Here are my top picks.
Best HIIT workouts for beginners you can do at home with or without weights
By TJ Fink last updated
Get your heart pumping with these beginner HIIT workouts suitable for all levels.
We've run over 50 miles in the Brooks Glycerin 20 — and it's nearly 50% off in this Black Friday deal
By Sam Hopes published
The Brooks Glycerin 20 is discounted over 40% ahead of Black Friday, and we've tested them first-hand at Tom's Guide.
We've tested the best adjustable dumbbells for weightlifting at home 2024
By James Frew last updated
We used the best adjustable dumbbells for strength training and high-intensity workouts to help you find the right weights for your muscle-building goals.
Best bike lights in 2024: Tested and reviewed
By Dan Cavallari last updated
The best bike lights we've tested, including the best front and rear bike lights to keep you safe, as well as the best bike light sets.
8 best ankle weights 2024: tested and reviewed by us
By Kimberly Dawn Neumann , Sam Hopes last updated
We’ve tested the best ankle weights on the market from brands like Sportneer, Bala, and Gaiam, and tested them for rehabilitation, strength training and more.
8 best jump ropes for competition, home and gym workouts 2024: tested and reviewed
By Jane McGuire, Sam Hopes last updated
These are the best jump ropes to improve your strength, conditioning and endurance during home or gym workouts.
Best gym bags 2024: Tested and reviewed
By Kimberly Dawn Neumann last updated
We’ve found the best gym bags for all types of workouts and exercisers from Lululemon to Adidas. Here are our recommendations.
I just tried this 10-minute yoga stretching routine for runners — here’s why I’m obsessed already
By Sam Hopes published
This 10-minute yoga-inspired stretching routine boosts flexibility and helps runners prevent injuries. Here's how to do it.
Huge On running shoe sale drops ahead of Black Friday — 11 deals I’d buy from just $17
By Sam Hopes published
Save big ahead of Black Friday with these On running deals. Here are my top picks.
The best massage guns in 2024 to relieve muscle pain and tension
By Jane McGuire, Sam Hopes, Dan Bracaglia last updated
Review We've tested the best massage guns you can buy to boost recovery, reduce stress and get a deep tissue massage at home.
Nope, not Russian twists — try this one bodyweight exercise to strengthen your abs and obliques instead
By Sam Hopes last updated
If Russian twists are off the table, the windmill plank strengthens your core using your bodyweight and engages your obliques.
Pilates instructor shares full-body routine to strengthen muscles and boost posture — and it only takes 20 minutes
By Sam Hopes published
Pilates instructor shares a 20-minute routine to stretch and strengthen your entire body without weights. Here's how to do it.
8 best kettlebells 2024: tried, tested, and reviewed
By Sam Hopes last updated
The best kettlebells for strength and conditioning, weightlifting, and home workouts, including Onnit, Primal and Amazon. Plus, the best kettlebells for CrossFit and competition.
I’m a personal trainer — this 5-move workout builds full-body strength and muscle with just a set of dumbbells
By Sam Hopes published
Personal trainer shares a five-move dumbbell workout to build full-body strength and muscle wherever you are.
Huge Black Friday cycling gear sale — 11 deals from Giro, Peloton and Shimano starting from just $11
By Sam Hopes published
Amazon could save you money on a selection of cycling gear and accessories ahead of Black Friday, including popular brands like Rapha and Peloton.
9 best resistance bands 2024: tried, tested and reviewed
By Sam Hopes, TJ Fink last updated
Buy the best resistance bands for strength training, physical therapy, rehabilitation, workouts, and stretching at any budget with our top recommendations.
Who needs weights? This Pilates abs workout strengthens your back, core and arms in 10 minutes
By Sam Hopes published
Feature This Pilates ab workout takes 10 minutes to strengthen your core, arms and back muscles without weights.
I'm a personal trainer — this one bodyweight exercise can strengthen your hips and boost lower body flexibility
By Sam Hopes last updated
The supported runner's lunge targets your hips, quads, glutes, and ankles and builds lower body flexibility. Here's how to do it and the benefits.
I tried the Pilates ‘rollover’ exercise to strengthen my abs and spine without weights — here’s what happened to my body
By Sam Hopes published
Here are the benefits of the Pilates 'rollover' exercise, and how it can improve spine mobility and build stronger abs.
Amazon's early Black Friday Under Armour sale is live — 11 deals I’d snag on apparel right now from just $10
By Sam Hopes published
Save during Black Friday sales on Under Armour fitness apparel.
11 best foam rollers 2024: tested and reviewed
By Jane McGuire last updated
Prevent injury, improve mobility and reduce pain with the best foam rollers on the market.
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