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 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.

Feeling stiff? This simple dumbbell upper-body and core workout is all you need to build strength and loosen your body
By Jessica Downey last updated
This quick, four-move dumbbell workout targets your upper body and core. It's perfect for a mid-holiday energy boost.

Forget the treadmill — boost your metabolism and clock 2,000 steps in 25 minutes with this low-impact walking workout
By Jessica Downey published
Set aside 25 minutes, put on some activewear, and get your heart rate up with this fun walking interval workout.

Ditch the push-ups — this dumbbell workout will help you carve out a stronger upper body and core in just 30 minutes
By Jessica Downey published
If you have time to watch an episode of Friends, then you have time to do this 30-minute upper body workout. You just need a pair of dumbbells!

After years of running in standard running shorts, I've finally found the perfect pair from Lululemon
By Jessica Downey published
There are surprisingly many ways a pair of running shorts can fall short — but I’ve finally found a pair from Lululemon that gets everything right.

I've been using these 2 banded side plank exercises to improve hip stability and build core strength — here are my results
By Jessica Downey published
I’ve been using two banded side plank variations to strengthen my core and hips, and the benefits have carried over into my running. Here’s what else changed.

Sit all day? Try these 7 back exercises from a physical therapist right now
By Jessica Downey published
These exercises are what a physical therapist would use to relieve tension and tightness in your back and how to do them correctly.

We ran 55 miles in the Saucony Endorphin Azura — here's our verdict
By Jessica Downey, Nick Harris-Fry published
The Saucony Endorphin Azura is the newest Endorphin model, built around Saucony’s familiar PWRRUN PB foam and a non-plated, high-stack platform. Here's how it performed in our testing.

A physical therapist explains why your shins always hurt when you run — and what to do about it
By Jessica Downey published
A physical therapist explains what causes shin splints and shares the exercises that can help you prevent them.

Tight hips? A yoga teacher says these 3 moves can improve mobility
By Jessica Downey published
A yoga instructor breaks down her three essential exercises for improving hip mobility, easing tightness and strengthening the hips.
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