Jessica Downey
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
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We asked a running coach why do sprinters need more muscle than distance runners — and tips on how to be a stronger runner
By Jessica Downey published
Coach Kirk-Odunubi explains the difference in muscle makeup between sprinters and distance runners and shares how to train to become a stronger runner.
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No need for weights — this 7-move workout improves your posture and strengthens your arms with just 1 resistance band
By Jessica Downey published
No weights, no gym, just a single resistance band to build upper body strength.
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No gym required — you only need 1 set of dumbbells and these 5 moves to build full body strength
By Jessica Downey published
Target your core, lower and upper body muscles in 30 minutes with just a pair of dumbbells.
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I cycled around London on this folding electric bike — and now I'm a convert
By Jessica Downey last updated
The Volt Lite packs a powerful punch for a lightweight foldable electric bike. Here's how I found riding it around London.
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This equipment free 5-move routine strengthens your back and improves mobility — here's why I love it
By Jessica Downey published
Five minutes to build a stronger back and increase your mobility. Here's how.
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Ditch crunches — you need 10 minutes and just these 7 moves to build a stronger core
By Jessica Downey published
Seven exercises to strengthen and define the muscles in your core — no crunches involved!
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Forget planks — this 7-move dumbbell routine sculpts your core and upper body
By Jessica Downey last updated
Kill two birds with one stone with this upper body and core muscle-building dumbbell routine.
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The best ab workouts you can do for free, from anywhere
By Jane McGuire last updated
The best ab workouts — from free ab workouts to 10-minute ab workouts, here's the best ab workouts to try.
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9 of the best free Tabata workouts on YouTube
By Sarah Jacobsson Purewal last updated
The best Tabata workouts to train your entire body, many of which can be done in less than 10 minutes.
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What is a smart ring and what can it do for you?
By Kate Kozuch last updated
Here’s a rundown on smart rings, what they do, how they differ from smart watches and if a smart ring is right for you.
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Forget the gym — this 30 minute workout builds strength all over with just a pair of dumbbells
By Jessica Downey published
This is a jumping free dumbbell HIIT workout designed to be gentle on the joints while you target muscles all over your body.
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You don’t need the gym to build strength, try this 10-minute kettlebell workout instead
By Jessica Downey published
Boost your strength and cardio, burn fat and build muscle with this 10-minute kettlebell routine.
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Forget weights — you just need 6 minutes to reduce stiffness and boost your mobility with this equipment-free workout
By Jessica Downey published
If you have 6 minutes to spare then you have time to do this no-equipment mobility routine and relieve your body of unwanted tensions.
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I ditched the gym and tried this back strengthening resistance band workout instead — here’s what happened to my upper body
By Jessica Downey published
I ditched the weights section of the gym for a resistance band and tried this this 8-move back strengthening routine. Here's what happened.
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Personal trainer shares a 14-minute HIIT workout to build muscle and burn fat
By Jessica Downey published
No equipment is needed, just you and this 14-minute HIIT circuit from Nike trainer, Naomi Heffernan.
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Ditch the gym — you just need 1 kettlebell and this 5-move low-impact workout to build muscle all over
By Jessica Downey published
Grab a kettlebell and get ready to use this low-impact routine to build muscle, burn fat and improve your overall fitness.
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Forget sit-ups — you only need 15 minutes and 8 moves to build a stronger core and improve your posture
By Jessica Downey published
Build strength, tone muscle and get fitter with this 8-move no equipment core workout.
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Forget sit-ups — try this 5-move workout to sculpt your core
By Jessica Downey last updated
Tone, strengthen and challenge your core with this five-move no equipment workout.
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You don't need the gym to build stronger shoulders, just a pair of light dumbbells and these 7 upper-body moves
By Jessica Downey published
Find some light dumbbells and get ready to sculpt and strengthen your upper body with seven Barre inspired exercises.
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Forget weights — you only need 10 minutes and this 7-move workout to build full-body strength and muscle
By Jessica Downey published
This short strength-building workout targets the upper and lower body as well as the core muscles, helping to sculpt muscle all over.
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Plank exercise: This is how long you should hold a plank for
By Jane McGuire last updated
How long do you need to hold a plank exercise to see results? It's not as long as you think.
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Ditch the weights — this 8-move no jumping workout builds strength and boosts the metabolism without any equipment
By Jessica Downey published
No jumping, just eight bodyweight exercises to help you build strength and tone all over.
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Strength coach shares a 6-move workout to sculpt your core — and all you need is 1 kettlebell
By Jessica Downey published
Sculpt your core muscle with a six-move kettlebell routine from strength coach, Teddy Savage.
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