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

'The core responds beautifully to intentional and low-load training at any age' — a personal trainer shares a 5-move workout to build core muscle after 65
By Jessica Downey published
This simple workout focuses on low-load strength to improve balance, posture and core control after 65.

This hiking fleece is my favorite winter running layer — just ask my washing machine
By Jessica Downey published
Why I’ve been wearing a hiking fleece for nearly every winter run

A yoga teacher swears by this hip mobility move for tight hips — I’ve seen the benefits firsthand
By Jessica Downey published
Pigeon Pose is one of the simplest yoga stretches for loosening tight hips. I’ve used it for years, and it helps release both physical stiffness and the tension you didn’t know you were holding.

'Aging muscles respond very well to progressive strength training' — a personal trainer shares a 5-move workout to build muscle after 65
By Jessica Downey published
If you want to build strength and muscle and not let age get in the way (it is just a number, afterall), you need to try this trainer's advice.

This one bodyweight exercise builds serious core strength and improves grip — trust me, I’ve been using it for weeks
By Jessica Downey published
After years of relying on basic core workouts, I’ve turned to hanging knee raises to build a stronger, more resilient core with the bonus of improved grip strength.

Stiff shoulders? A mobility and strength coach says, 'Try these 4 moves today'
By Jessica Downey published
You don’t need a massage or hours of stretching to loosen your shoulders — instead, try these four moves from a mobility and strength coach.

'People assume their spinal health is determined entirely by what happens in the gym': spinal expert shares 3 key habits you need to build now
By Jessica Downey published
A spinal surgeon shares three habits that help protect your back if you lift weights.

‘This standing abs sequence challenges your core through rotation, balance, and controlled strength’ — and it's demanding, effective and easy to do at home, according to a personal trainer
By Jessica Downey published
You don't need to get down on the floor for any of these core building moves. Here's a personal trainer's six-move standing abs routine you'll want on your roster.

Stop screenshotting your runs — this hidden Strava feature looks much cleaner on Instagram
By Jessica Downey published
Screenshotting works, but Strava’s built-in Sticker Stats make Instagram workout posts look far more polished.

“The most effective programs are simple, repeatable, and focused on real-life movements” — try this trainer's strength building workout for over-60s
By Jessica Downey published
A trainer-designed, 6-move strength workout built around simple, repeatable movements for real-life strength.

Pilates teacher reveals how to feel taller and looser with just 3 moves
By Jessica Downey last updated
These three upper-body mobility exercises are suitable for all abilities.

I let a stranger twist my body like a pretzel for 50 minutes — here's what I learned about my body
By Jessica Downey published
Assisted stretching uses external support to reach deeper stretches and improve range of motion. Here’s what I learned from trying a one-to-one session.

The best running headphones in 2026
By Nick Harris-Fry last updated
I've tested the best running headphones to help you find a set that'll suit your training, last through even the longest sessions, and help you stay motivated on your run.

New study shows intense exercise, as short as 10 minutes, may help protect against cancer
By Jessica Downey published
New research shows that even brief bursts of intense exercise can send powerful signals through the bloodstream that affect cancer-related genes.

Best running watches 2026: which one is right for you?
By Jessica Downey last updated
We’ve quite literally done the legwork to find the right watch for your training. Here's our guide to the best running watches in 2025.

Every bit of movement counts — new study shows your daily activity truly adds to calorie burn
By Jessica Downey published
Research shows that moving more throughout the day truly boosts energy expenditure, without your body undoing it.

No crunches needed — tighten your core and build full-body strength in 30 minutes with Pilates and light dumbbells
By Jessica Downey published
Grab some light dumbbells and try this trainer's 30-minute Pilates workout to strengthen your core and build real strength.

Forget running in the cold — hit 3,000 steps in 30 minutes with this low-impact home workout
By Jessica Downey last updated
Short on time or space? This 30-minute, low-impact walking workout lets you rack up 3,000 steps at home while still delivering an awesome cardio boost.

Forget lunges — I've been using isometric hamstring holds instead to improve my running, here's what happened
By Jessica Downey published
A simple move that fires up your hamstrings, tones your glutes, and keeps your hips feeling strong.

No equipment needed — these 5 exercises are key to helping you stay strong after 60, according to a pilates teacher
By Jessica Downey published
These five equipment-free exercises are designed to build strength and mobility, supporting how your body moves and feels as you age.

We ran 60 miles in the New Balance 1080v15 — here’s our verdict
By Nick Harris-Fry published
The New Balance 1080v15 is a major update on its predecessor, thanks to the introduction of an all-new midsole foam called Infinion, which makes the shoe lighter and livelier.

I had a bad fall while running — and it changed how I trust the safety features on a running watch
By Jessica Downey published
Even the best running watches have limits. After a fall during a run, I started paying more attention to the small things that actually help keep me safe as a runner.

No sit-ups or crunches — just 20 minutes of core-building dumbbell exercises
By Jessica Downey last updated
You only need 20 minutes and a pair of dumbbells to complete this core-building routine.
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