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

Forget crunches — personal trainer recommends this 8-move standing dumbbell workout for stronger abs and arms
By Jessica Downey published
This no-floor dumbbell routine challenges your core and arms in just eight standing moves, perfect for small spaces and busy schedules.

I asked a personal trainer how to build muscle after 40 — here's the 7-move routine they swear by
By Jessica Downey published
A personal trainer shares the routine that helps you stay strong, balanced and injury-free.

Over 60? Forget walking and swimming — this simple exercise builds strength and balance
By Jessica Downey published
It’s free, it’s right in front of you, and it might just be the key to aging well — here’s why taking the stairs matters more than you think.

1 year later, are the On Cloudmonster Hyper shoes still worth it? I laced them up to find out
By Jessica Downey published
Launched as a max-cushion, high-performance shoe, I’ve been putting the Cloudmonster Hyper through its paces. Six months on, this is my honest verdict.

What are the best swimming headphones? Here's a list of the best we've tested
By Jane McGuire last updated
Listen to the beat of your favorite tunes wearing a pair of the best swimming headphones.

Forget running — I added thousands of steps to my day using this simple trick
By Jessica Downey published
I incorporated habit stacking into my routine to increase my daily step count, and it's been a game-changer. Here's how I did it.

Watch out Whoop — Garmin reportedly working on a screenless health band that'll track your sleep
By Jessica Downey published
Reports suggest Garmin’s upcoming band will track sleep and recovery with a minimalist design and no screen.

How to choose the right pair of hiking boots — the experts weigh in
By Jessica Downey published
From understanding fit and cuff height to picking the right materials and soles, here's what you need to know before buying hiking boots.

I tried this physical therapist’s hip routine for a week — and it helped more than stretching ever has
By Jessica Downey published
This five-move hip mobility routine from a physical therapist promises to ease tension and improve flexibility. I tried it — here’s what I found.

Are On’s Performance Tights worth $120? I put them to the test
By Jessica Downey published
From strength sessions to speed training, I put these premium On tights through their paces. Are they worth it? Let’s get into it.

Garmin adds rucking, trail maps and more to these smartwatches — what you need to know
By Jessica Downey published
Garmin's latest update adds sleep breath tracking, rucking with pack weight input, a stage timer, and premium golf and trail features.

12-year study reveals the type of exercise that makes you live longer — it's not cardio
By Jessica Downey published
A 12-year study published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research suggests one simple workout habit could help you live a longer, healthier life.

I did a 30-minute core workout with zero equipment — here's how my abs responded
By Jessica Downey published
This 5 move, 30 move ab and core workout is perfect for building strength and definition without the need for any equipment. Let's go!

5 ways to boost energy levels during your period
By Jessica Downey published
Discover expert-backed tips to boost your energy during your period, from sleep and hydration to gentle exercise and nutrition.

Samsung Galaxy Ring is changing the game for cycle tracking — here’s how
By Jessica Downey published
Thinking of using the Galaxy Ring for cycle tracking? Here's what you need to know — and what a fertility expert thinks.

I swapped my trail runners for Columbia’s Escape Thrive boots in a rainy week of hiking — and I’m not going back
By Jessica Downey published
These waterproof hiking boots claim to be trail-ready in all conditions. After muddy climbs and rainy descents, I’ve got thoughts.

Forget the gym — build and sculpt your legs with this 10-minute workout
By Jessica Downey last updated
Want to build a stronger lower body in just 10 minutes? Here's a no-equipment Pilates-inspired leg workout from trainer Lily Sabri.

No sit-ups or crunches — use this 10-minute standing ab workout instead to sculpt a stronger core
By Jessica Downey published
Strengthen and sculpt your core off the mat and on your feet in just 10 minutes.

You can build a stronger core and upper body with just a set of dumbbells — here’s how a personal trainer would do it
By Jessica Downey published
This dumbbell workout uses supersets to build strength and definition in your abs and upper body. Fancy giving it a go?

Running your first marathon? Here are 9 essential things to pack for race day
By Jessica Downey published
Whether it’s your first 26.2 or your tenth, this marathon packing list has all the essentials to keep you focused, fueled, and finish-line ready.

London Marathon organizers issue heat alert for Sunday's race — here’s how 3 elite runners plan to stay cool
By Jessica Downey published
From elite advice to official guidance, here’s how runners can handle the heat at the London Marathon.

Tight hips? This 9-move Pilates routine improves hip mobility and lower-body strength
By Jessica Downey published
These nine equipment-free moves are designed to unlock tight hips and build strength in the lower body.

Strava just rolled out an AI-powered race predictor — here's how it works
By Jessica Downey published
The new Performance Predictions tool in Strava analyzes over 100 data points from your recent runs to forecast race times. We break down how it works and who can access it.
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