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

These 7 standing ab exercises target your core without a single sit-up or crunch — and they’re great for your posture too
By Jessica Downey published
This standing abs routine strengthens your core, boosts posture, and lays the foundation for a stronger, more balanced body.

Endurance training could be one of the most effective ways to support a stronger immune system — here's what the science says
By Jessica Downey last updated
Researchers found that long-term endurance exercise can do more than build fitness — it helps keep the immune system stronger and more resilient with age.

I ran an off-road half-marathon in the Altra Timp 5 BOA — here’s my verdict
By Jessica Downey published
RecommendedThe Altra Timp 5 BOA is built for comfort and technical terrain, with a spacious toe box and quick-fit system that some runners will love — and others may find less forgiving over distance.

I trained for my first trail half marathon with Runna — and it paid off
By Jessica Downey last updated
I signed up for my first trail race and let a running app guide my training, from base building to the finish line. Here’s how it all played out.

This 20-minute full-body dumbbell workout is designed to build lean muscle and boost power
By Jessica Downey published
This is a full-body strength-building workout that takes just 20 minutes. Grab your weights and get ready for some gains.

30 minutes, 1 pair of dumbbells, and a serious back and biceps burn
By Jessica Downey published
A tough 30-minute workout for a stronger, more defined set of arms and back.

You don’t need a retreat to feel better — science says 15 minutes of movement is enough
By Jessica Downey published
Wellness retreats aren’t the only way to recharge. New research suggests short bursts of movement can boost your wellbeing more sustainably than a luxury vacation.

A certified coach reveals the 8 exercises football players swear by for total-body strength
By Jessica Downey last updated
Ever wondered how football players train in the gym? I spoke to coach and NASM-certified trainer Kendal Fitzgerald, who shared this 8-move workout you can try yourself.

Zone zero is the fitness trend for people who hate HIIT workouts but want results — here's how to try it
By Jessica Downey published
Is zone zero training just a fad, or can it really boost your health? We break down what it is and hear from a physical therapist and strength coach.

Trainer shows how to sculpt arms and strengthen your core in just 15 minutes with 1 simple dumbbell workout
By Jessica Downey last updated
Kill two birds with one stone (dumbbell) in as little as 15 minutes using this trainer's abs and arms strength building workout.

I asked a coach for the single best strength exercise for runners and this was his pick
By Jessica Downey published
If you could only add one strength move to support your running, what should it be? I asked a trainer to pick their number-one recommendation, and here’s the exercise they swear by.

Physical therapist reveals 3 moves that relieve shoulder pain and improve your range of motion
By Jessica Downey last updated
I spoke to a physical therapist to find the best moves for looser shoulders, less tension and improved posture. Here's her 3-move answer.

Over 60? This strength workout from a trainer will keep your muscles strong, your balance steady and your body injury-free
By Jessica Downey published
Build up your strength, give your balance a boost, and protect your joints with this workout created for over-60s.

Winter runs could be your secret weapon for getting faster and feeling stronger, according to 2 expert running coaches
By Jessica Downey published
Cold runs come with hidden upsides, from better endurance to improved recovery. Here’s what the experts say about making the most of them.

Hate crunches? Do this trainer's quick 10-minute standing abs workout instead
By Jessica Downey published
If you don't like lying on the floor for core workouts then you'll love this all standing ab routine. All you need is a pair of dumbells and these five moves.

Pilates instructor recommends these 7 moves to reset your posture and build a stronger core
By Jessica Downey published
Give your back some relief and wake up your posture with these 7 targeted moves.

No gym needed — trainer reveals this 10-minute dumbbell workout instead to build more sculpted, defined arms
By Jessica Downey published
This trainer shows us how to build strength and sculpt the arms with one pair of dumbbells and just 10 minutes.

No, not crunches! Strengthen your core, support your spine, and boost posture in 10 minutes with this ab workout
By Jessica Downey published
If you've got 10 minutes then you've got time to build a stronger core with trainer Britany Williams no equipment routine. Here are the exercises you'll need.

I spoke to fitness and nutrition experts about avoiding winter slumps — here’s the 3 things you need to know
By Jessica Downey published
Before the drop in temperature and shorter days derail your goals, I spoke to a fitness trainer and nutritionist for their best advice on staying motivated through the colder months.

Research shows back pain's worst enemy is walking this many minutes a day — here's why
By Jessica Downey published
It turns out the key to protecting your back isn’t speed or step count but minutes spent walking. A new study reveals the daily target to aim for.

Reformer Pilates is out of my budget, but this mat routine delivers similar results
By Jessica Downey published
I'd love to be a regular at my local Reformer Pilates studio, but my wallet disagrees. Here's a mat based routine deisgned ot get you similar results.

These 3 running shoes defined my marathon training this year — here’s why they worked so well
By Jessica Downey published
I’ve never really had a proper running shoe rotation, but this year three pairs stood out. From marathon training to racing to hitting the trails, these are the shoes that defined my 2025 running.

I’m not buying the Apple Watch Ultra 3 — here’s why my Garmin Fenix is staying put on my wrist
By Jessica Downey published
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 looks slick and has some tempting new features, but here’s a list of the things that made me stick with my Garmin.
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