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

By Jane McGuire, Nick Harris-Fry Last updated
I'm the Tom's Guide's fitness editor, and I've rounded up the best Cyber Monday running shoe deals.

By Jessica Downey Published
Science finds that people with more muscle and less deep abdominal fat tend to have younger-looking brains, so we spoke to a certified personal trainer on how to get started.

By Jessica Downey Published
Three simple strength exercises with expert backing to help you start building muscle now, build confidence, and enter January without burnout from year-end fitness crazes.

By Jessica Downey Published
Forty years of data show that exercise in midlife and later life offers the biggest protection against dementia, though staying active at any age is important.

By Jessica Downey Published
Dr. DebRoy recommends the heel-elevated goblet squat to reduce strain, improve posture, and build strength safely.

By Jessica Downey Published
You can build serious core strength without ever hitting the floor. Trainer Eric North’s five-move routine is designed to help anyone over 50 do exactly that.

By Jessica Downey Last updated
Seven low-impact exercises that build strength from head to toe while keeping your joints happy.

By Jessica Downey Published
From breathing and core engagement to what to wear and which style to choose, these five expert-backed tips will help you step into Pilates with confidence.

By Jessica Downey Published
While walking remains a heart-healthy habit, a new study shows that vigorous activity could support your cardiovascular health in a fraction of the time. Here’s what the data actually reveals.

By Jessica Downey Published
The Oura Ring 4 is on sale for £319 at Amazon right now

By Jessica Downey Published
You don’t need sit-ups or crunches to feel your core work. This all-standing routine helps strengthen your middle, improve balance, and stay joint-friendly at any age.

By Jessica Downey Published
Strengthen your core with these four standing bodyweight exercises. No floor work required.

By Jessica Downey Published
This 15-minute, low-impact workout helps increase your daily step count, build cardio fitness and stimulate your metabolism for better all-day energy.

By Jessica Downey Published
An expert coach shares his three-move recipe for building real core strength.

By Jessica Downey Published
Want stronger abs and better posture? Trainer Sandy Sklar’s dumbbell routine delivers, and it only requires one pair of weights.

By Jessica Downey Published
At 81, Jazzercise founder Judi Sheppard Missett shows how to stay strong and mobile with her go-to exercises and practical advice for movement, nutrition, and rest.

By Jessica Downey Published
Here are three exercises you need to include in your upper body strength training if you want to grow and define your lower pecs, according to a personal trainer.

By Jessica Downey Published
Work your core muscles, improve your posture and boost your stability with this five-move resistance band routine from fitness trainer Cindy Yu.

By Jessica Downey Published
If you want to build strength and mobility without putting pressure on your joints, this trainer-designed full-body resistance band workout is for you.

By Jessica Downey Last updated
Low impact doesn’t mean low results. Try this gentle chair-based workout to improve your balance, mobility, and lower body strength at any age.

By Dan Cavallari Last updated
Never miss a session with one of the best cycling indoor trainers in your home. Here's the best models according to our testing.

By Jessica Downey Published
One steady walk each day may be more beneficial for your heart than splitting the same steps into shorter bursts.

By Jessica Downey Published
After tackling a Spartan Race untrained, I asked elite athletes how to actually prepare. Here are their five best tips.

By Jessica Downey Last updated
You don’t need a quiet studio or half an hour to meditate. This five-minute mindfulness routine from a sports psychologist will help you refocus your breath, mind and body anywhere in your day.
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