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
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.
This low-impact workout burns fat and sculpts your core in just 18 minutes
By Jessica Downey published
A low-impact workout to help burn fat and tone your core. Here's how to do it at home.
What running shoes were the Paris Marathon 2024 winners wearing?
By Jessica Downey published
What shoes were the winners of the Paris Marathon 2024 wearing? Here's the shoe both the men's and women's winners had on their feet.
This 7-move stretching routine increases your range of motion and boosts your recovery
By Jessica Downey published
Just five minutes of post-exercise stretching can help improve flexibility, reduce muscle soreness, and enhance recovery. Why not try these seven stretches after your next workout?
Forget pull-ups — this dumbbell workout builds your shoulders and biceps in just 5 moves
By Jessica Downey published
If it’s upper body day for you, this five move dumbbell routine will target your biceps and shoulders. You’ll not only add definition to your upper body but you’ll also stimulate muscle growth.
Forget the gym — sculpt your lower body muscle with just a resistance band and 7 moves
By Jessica Downey published
You don’t need lots of equipment to strengthen your lower body. Resistance bands are a great tool for building muscle and this 7-move workout is a great place to begin.
I did an 8-minute hip mobility routine every day for a week — here’s what happened
By Jessica Downey published
We need hip mobility to maintain optimal range of motion, prevent injury, and support proper posture. Here's what happened when our writer did an 8-minute mobility routine every day for a week.
Forget weights — just use these 5 bodyweight moves to sculpt your upper body
By Jessica Downey last updated
Here's no-equipment routine that offers an excellent way to tone and strengthen your upper body wherever you are.
You only need 5 moves and 1 kettlebell to develop full-body strength — here’s how
By Jessica Downey published
These five kettlebell exercises target muscles all over your body for a more time-efficient way to workout.
I cycled around Düsseldorf on the Orbea Diem — and it completely changed my opinion on e-bikes
By Jessica Downey last updated
I spent a day cycling around Dusseldorf on Orbea’s latest e-bike, the Diem. Here’s my honest thoughts.
You don’t need the gym to sculpt your abs — just try this 5-move dumbbell routine
By Jessica Downey last updated
Try these five ab exercises to tone and strengthen your core.
I spent a week running with the Veja Condor 3 and I was amazed by their comfort
By Jessica Downey published
We put the Veja Condor 3 to the test to see how this eco-conscious designed shoe fares up on the roads.
Forget planks — you only need 10 minutes and a pair of dumbbells to build a stronger core
By Jessica Downey published
Combining bodyweight and dumbbell exercises, you'll tone and strengthen your core in just 10 minutes.
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