Sam Hopes
Sam Hopes is a level 3 fitness trainer, level 2 reiki practitioner, and senior fitness writer at Tom's Guide. She is also currently undertaking her Yoga For Athletes training course. Sam has written for various fitness brands and websites over the years and has experience across brands at Future such as Live Science, Fit&Well, Coach, and T3. Having worked with fitness studios like F45 and Virgin, Sam now primarily teaches outdoor bootcamps, bodyweight and calisthenics, and kettlebells. She also coaches mobility and stretching-focused classes several times a week and believes that true strength comes from a holistic approach to training your body. Sam is currently in training for her next mixed doubles Hyrox competition in London this year, having completed her first doubles attempt in 1:11.
In her spare time, she enjoys CrossFit, yoga, and running and can be found perfecting her handstand walks and handstand push-ups in the gym whenever she has the chance to be upside down! At work, she can be found testing the latest fitness technology and wearables, anything yoga and CrossFit-related, and has a keen interest in nutrition, sleep, and recovery.
Latest articles by Sam Hopes
New study suggests this is the one bizarre way you can boost workouts — and it's not what we expected
By Sam Hopes last updated
Research suggests swearing can improve physical performance during short and intense efforts, here's how.
No, not pigeon pose — unstick your hips with this 1-minute mobility exercise from a chiropractor
By Sam Hopes last updated
Unstick your hips using this one-minute mobility exercise without hurting your back, according to a chiropractor.
10 best cross training shoes 2024: tried, tested and reviewed by fitness experts
By Sam Hopes last updated
The best cross training shoes for weightlifting, CrossFit, and Hyrox, including models from Nike, Reebok, R.A.D, and NOBULL.
Do you find squats uncomfortable? I've ditched stretches for duck walks to build lower-body mobility, strength and stability
By Sam Hopes last updated
Do you find squats uncomfortable? Add the duck walk to your routine and watch your lower-body mobility, strength and stability transform.
Forget the gym — this '12 Days of Christmas' CrossFit workout builds full-body strength in just 35 minutes
By Sam Hopes last updated
I’m a personal trainer, and this CrossFit 12 Days of Christmas workout builds full-body strength and boosts muscle endurance. Here's how to do it.
Personal trainer shares 3 exercises you can do with a foam roller to strengthen your deep abs and boost posture
By Sam Hopes last updated
You can build a stronger core and target your deeper abdominal muscles using these three personal-trainer approved exercises and a foam roller.
Oura just released a game-changing new health feature — here's what you need to know
By Sam Hopes last updated
Oura's app is getting yet another major update — here's what we know about Symptom Radar and how you can use the new feature.
Forget massage guns — I’m ditching them for the ‘gut smash’ exercise to relieve lower back pain and loosen tight hip flexors
By Sam Hopes last updated
A mobility and functional training coach recommends this two-minute 'gut smash' exercise to relieve lower back pain and muscle tension.
10 best weighted jump ropes 2024: tried, tested and reviewed
By Jane McGuire last updated
The best weighted jump ropes are affordable and can provide a great workout at home. Here's our round-up of the top picks from the market.
I’m a personal trainer — this is the 20-minute walking workout I use to build strength without weights and boost metabolism
By Sam Hopes published
A walking workout increases lower body strength and helps boost your metabolism without weights. Here's the workout, and some benefits of walking.
Black Friday running shoe deals: I'm tracking the best sales on Hoka, On, Nike, Asics and more
By Jessica Downey last updated
The Black Friday running shoe deals are here. Check out our live coverage to find epic discounts from brands like On, Nike, Asics, HOKA and more.
No, not pull-ups — I'm a personal trainer, and this is the one upper-body exercise you need to strengthen your back and shoulders
By Sam Hopes published
Here's how to do face pulls and the benefits for your back, shoulders and posture, according to a personal trainer.
This 3-move kettlebell workout builds a strong core and boosts your metabolism in just 15 minutes
By Sam Hopes published
Build strength and boost core power using three kettlebell exercises and this 15-minute routine, according to a personal trainer.
Physical therapist shares the lower body exercises you need to unlock tight hips and boost flexibility
By Sam Hopes last updated
A physical therapist shares the exercises you need to stretch and strengthen your hips and reduce lower body tension.
Enjoy calisthenics? This 20-minute ‘animal flow’ routine builds full-body functional strength using your body weight
By Sam Hopes last updated
This 20-minute ‘animal flow’ routine builds full-body strength and boosts flexibility using your body weight.
3 things I wish I had known as a Hyrox beginner
By Sam Hopes published
If you plan to compete at Hyrox this year, Tom's Guide's resident fitness writer has competed and shares three tips to help you succeed.
Best HIIT workouts for beginners you can do at home with or without weights
By TJ Fink last updated
Get your heart pumping with these beginner HIIT workouts suitable for all levels.
We've tested the best adjustable dumbbells for weightlifting at home 2024
By James Frew last updated
We used the best adjustable dumbbells for strength training and high-intensity workouts to help you find the right weights for your muscle-building goals.
Best bike lights in 2024: Tested and reviewed
By Dan Cavallari last updated
The best bike lights we've tested, including the best front and rear bike lights to keep you safe, as well as the best bike light sets.
8 best ankle weights 2024: tested and reviewed by us
By Kimberly Dawn Neumann , Sam Hopes last updated
We’ve tested the best ankle weights on the market from brands like Sportneer, Bala, and Gaiam, and tested them for rehabilitation, strength training and more.
8 best jump ropes for competition, home and gym workouts 2024: tested and reviewed
By Jane McGuire, Sam Hopes last updated
These are the best jump ropes to improve your strength, conditioning and endurance during home or gym workouts.
Best gym bags 2024: Tested and reviewed
By Kimberly Dawn Neumann last updated
We’ve found the best gym bags for all types of workouts and exercisers from Lululemon to Adidas. Here are our recommendations.
I just tried this 10-minute yoga stretching routine for runners — here’s why I’m obsessed already
By Sam Hopes published
This 10-minute yoga-inspired stretching routine boosts flexibility and helps runners prevent injuries. Here's how to do it.
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