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
Garmin's energy gel reminders have changed the way I fuel for long runs — here's how to set them up
By Jessica Downey last updated
Avoid hitting the wall on your long runs by taking advantage of this nifty little Garmin watch setting. Here's how to set up gel alerts on your Garmin watch.
Forget pull-ups — build upper-body strength with a set of dumbbells and these 8 moves
By Jessica Downey last updated
This is a dumbbell only workout and is designed to strengthen and define your upper body muscles using just eight exercises.
I ditched my old water bottle for the Lululemon Back to Life Sport Bottle — here's why I'm not going back
By Jessica Downey last updated
I started using the Lululemon Back to Life Sport Bottle two months ago and now I don't go anywhere without it. Here's why it's taken over Chilly's water bottles for me now.
Use these 4 muscle-building exercises to improve your running and strengthen your glutes
By Jessica Downey last updated
Building stronger glutes is a great way to increase your running power. Use these four glute building moves to become a better runner
You don’t need sit-ups to build a stronger core — just use this 5 minute bodyweight workout instead
By Jessica Downey published
Spare five minutes and take on this short but challenging ab routine to strengthen and tone your core.
These are my 5 trail running essentials for your next outdoor adventure
By Jessica Downey published
Trail running is a lot less predictable than road running and requires more gear considerations. Here's what to wear and pack for your next trail run.
You don’t need crunches to build a stronger core — use this 5-minute kettlebell workout instead
By Jessica Downey published
Build a stronger core and sculpt your abs with this five minute kettlebell routine. Here’s what the workout entails and how it can benefit your training.
Forget the gym — you only need 1 pair of dumbbells and 5 moves to build stronger legs
By Jessica Downey published
Use these five dumbbell exercises for your next leg day if you're looking to build muscle in your lower body.
Forget planks — strengthen and tone your core with just 1 resistance band and these 5 moves
By Jessica Downey published
This core strengthening workout uses a resistance band to intensify the burn - just try these 5 exercises and see.
You don’t need the gym to build full body strength — use this 6 move dumbbell workout instead
By Jessica Downey published
This dumbbell only workout works muscle across your upper nad lower body helping to build a strong and sculpted physique.
Forget the gym — tone and sculpt your upper body with this 4-move bodyweight routine
By Jessica Downey published
This bodyweight upper body workout is designed to strengthen your arms and it only takes four moves.
Hoka just launched new Skyward X — and they’re so cushioned they’re illegal for racing
By Jessica Downey last updated
The Hoka Skyward X looks like it'll be a great every day carbon plated running shoe, but but the stack height is so high that it's on the World Athletics ban list for racing.
You don't need the gym to build a stronger core — use these 3 dumbbell abs exercises instead
By Jessica Downey published
This is the perfect core burner for those short on time. Just grap a pair of light dumbbells and let's go.
Forget weights — use this 5-move bodyweight workout to sculpt your upper body
By Jessica Downey published
This no equipment workout is a great way to target your upper body muscles from anywhere. Just use these five exercises.
You don't need the gym to build a stronger core — use this 10-minute abs workout instead
By Jessica Downey published
Build strength and definition in your core with this 10 minute workout.
Boost your mobility and reduce stiffness in just 5 minutes with this 5-move stretching routine
By Jessica Downey published
Improve full body mobility with this five move routine.
You don’t need the gym — this workout builds your shoulders and glutes in just 7 moves
By Jessica Downey published
This dumbbell-only routine uses 7 moves to build strength in your shoulders and glutes. Here's the workout.
This 11-move mobility routine from a fitness coach increases your range of motion and relieves stress
By Jessica Downey published
Grab a mat and try out this short series of mobility exercises.
London Marathon 2024: How to watch from anywhere in the world
By Jane McGuire last updated
Everything you need to watch the London Marathon 2024, from anywhere on Earth.
London Marathon 2024: How to track runners
By Jane McGuire last updated
How to track runners at the London Marathon 2024
This 8-move mobility routine boosts hip mobility and reduces stiffness in just 16 minutes
By Jessica Downey published
Relieve your hips of any unwanted stiffness when you work through this 16 minute no equipment mobility routine.
You don’t need sit-ups to build core strength — use this 10-minute resistance band abs workout instead
By Jessica Downey published
These nine exercises target your core with the addition of a resistance band to promote muscle definition and growth.
You don't need the gym to build upper body muscle — just these 5 moves and a pair of dumbbells
By Jessica Downey published
Tone, strengthen and sculpt your key upper body muscles with these five dumbbell exercises.
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