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 Jessica Downey Published
You don’t need to overhaul your diet — small swaps inspired by traditional Japanese eating could make a real difference to your mental health.

By Jessica Downey Published
Running real hills instead of staying in the gym gave my cardio a new kind of burn. Here's how my body responded after one week.

By Jessica Downey Published
Fed up of tight hips? Improve on flexibility, mobilise your joints and build strength in your glutes with this trainer's five-move routine.

By Jessica Downey Published
This recent study ranks the best types of exercise for beating insomnia — and the top performer probably isn’t what you’d expect.

By Jessica Downey Published
Would you try the 4-2-1 workout split that combines muscle-building, fat-burning, and recovery into one weekly plan? Here's what you need to know.

By Jessica Downey Published
If you want stronger abs and better mobility, these five kettlebell moves are all you need. Think less crunches, more functional strength that actually carries over to daily life.

By Jessica Downey Published
Think you need a fancy watch to track your training? Strava’s new update might change your mind. Here’s what the new in-app tracking adds for runners and cyclists.

By Jessica Downey Last updated
We put the best Lululemon leggings to the test to help you find a set that'll support you no matter your workout style and boost your confidence.

By Jessica Downey Published
The secret lies in consistency. New evidence shows that being active regularly, even later in life, can help you live better and longer.

By Jessica Downey Published
RecommendedAnother comfortable and reliable number from Saucony

By Jessica Downey Last updated
The best ab workouts don't need to happen on the floor. Try this all-standing dumbbell workout instead and see for yourself.

By Jessica Downey Last updated
If your ring finger’s longer than your index, you might be better built for distance. Here's what the science has to say.

By Jessica Downey Published
This new combined subscription gives you expert coaching alongside Strava’s performance insights and route discovery, all in a single annual plan.

By Jessica Downey Published
Grab some dumbbells and get ready to let trainer Britany Williams lead you through a ripper of a back and biceps workout. You only need 20 minutes.

By Jessica Downey Published
Ab workouts don't need to involve lots of equipment; you can gain some serious results with just a dumbbell and the right moves. Here's a trainer's recommended routine to get you started.

By Jessica Downey Published
You can be gentle on your joints while building full-body strength with a light pair of dumbbells and this Pilates-inspired workout.

By Jessica Downey Last updated
A personal trainer shares five essential moves if you're 60+ and want to improve strength using just one chair.

By Jessica Downey Last updated
I've been looking for a short, equipment-free workout to take on vacation with me, and I think this 15-minute bodyweight routine from Kayla Itsines could be the answer.

By Jessica Downey Published
All you need is 10 minutes to try this ab-building workout from trainer Britany Williams.

By Jessica Downey Published
Forest bathing is the act of spending time in the outdoors and is supposedly an effective remedy for easing back pain. We take a look at what the science says.

By Jessica Downey Published
Curious if this ‘pretty’ abs and arms workout lived up to the name, I gave the 12-minute routine a try.

By Jessica Downey Published
One bin bag and one pair of running shoes leads a surprisingly satisfying Saturday. Here's my experience trying out plogging.

By Jessica Downey Last updated
I never thought stepping up my walking pace would stick, but it turned out to be a simple way to add more movement to my day.
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