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
Forget weights — this 10-minute yoga routine builds full-body strength and stability and boosts focus
By Sam Hopes last updated
This short 10-minute yoga routine builds strength and flexibility and boosts focus and stability. Access the full workout by Breathe and Flow yoga.
This 3-move stretching routine will develop healthy hips and strengthen your lower body
By Sam Hopes last updated
You can stretch and strengthen your hips and lower body using these three exercises, and it only takes 15 minutes. Here's how.
I tried a 2-minute grounded Copenhagen plank every day for one week — here’s what happened
By Sam Hopes last updated
Here's how to do the grounded Copenhagen plank, the benefits, and what happens when you do it for two minutes every day for one week.
Who needs weights? This 5-move bodyweight workout boosts core strength and torches every major muscle group
By Sam Hopes last updated
You don't need weights to target every major muscle group, build core strength and boost your metabolism, just this five-move bodyweight created by a personal trainer.
No, not pull-ups — here's one bodyweight exercise that builds biceps and back strength without weights
By Sam Hopes last updated
Build stronger back and biceps muscles and prepare for pull-ups using the bodyweight row. Here's how to do it, according to a personal trainer.
Hyrox master trainer Jake Dearden shares exclusive 3-week training plan to get competition-ready
By Sam Hopes published
Hyrox master trainer Jake Dearden shares his exclusive 3-week training program to build strength, run faster and get Hyrox race-ready this year.
Oura Ring vs. Helio Ring — which smart ring wins?
By Dan Bracaglia last updated
How does the Oura Ring 3 stack up against the new Amazfit Helio Ring? We compare price, features, design and battery.
5 cardio exercises that burn more calories than running
By Jane McGuire last updated
If you're not a runner, these cardio exercises burn even more calories than heading out for a jog.
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.
How to do an up-down plank: correct form, benefits, and modifications
By Jane McGuire last updated
How to do an up and down plank, or moving plank. How to do one and get maximum benefits from the move.
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.
No, not sit-ups — here's the one abs exercise you should do to strengthen your core without weights
By Sam Hopes last updated
Hanging oblique leg raises are a bodyweight exercise for strengthening your core, hips and upper body without hurting your spine. Here's how to do them.
3 ways to build and maintain full-body muscle mass as a runner, according to a personal trainer
By Sam Hopes last updated
Here's how to build muscle and maintain muscle mass if you enjoy long-distance and endurance running, according to a personal trainer.
Forget Russian twists — here are 3 standing ab exercises that sculpt your core with just a dumbbell
By Sam Hopes last updated
Strengthen your core and build power in your abs with these three standing abs exercises and a dumbbell.
Best hiking boots in 2024 — tested and rated for walks and trails
By John R. Quain, Dan Bracaglia last updated
These are the best hiking boots to in 2024, including the best waterproof hiking boots and the best hiking boots for bad weather.
I'm a personal trainer — this is the one move I use to unlock tight hips and boost lower body mobility
By Sam Hopes last updated
The runner's lunge calf stretch targets your hips, calves and ankles and builds lower body flexibility to boost squat mobility. Here's how to do it and what the benefits are.
Physical therapists say this is the one 90-second exercise you should do to reduce lower back pain and release tension
By Sam Hopes published
This is the one 90-second stretch you should do to release tension in your lower back, boost flexibility and reduce lower back pain, according to physical therapists.
I did 50 army crawl planks every day for one week — here’s what happened to my core
By Sam Hopes last updated
The army crawl plank variation builds stronger shoulder and core muscles and targets your whole body. Here's what happens when you do it for a week.
Forget burpees — this no-jumping HIIT Pilates workout sculpts your abs and arms in just 10 minutes
By Sam Hopes last updated
The no-jumping Pilates HIIT workout with dumbbells is by Alo Moves, which only takes 10 minutes and sculpts stronger core and arm muscles without high-impact movement.
5 best exercises to grow your triceps using a resistance band
By Sam Hopes published
Build stronger triceps muscles using these five exercises and a resistance band. Here's how to do them, according to a personal trainer.
I'm a personal trainer — this one bodyweight compound exercise sculpts your core without weights
By Sam Hopes last updated
The fishhook plank builds a strong core and develops your functional fitness. Here's how to do it, the benefits of the plank exercise and variations.
This one bodyweight exercise can strengthen your obliques, abs and hips — and boost flexibility
By Sam Hopes published
The hanging L-sit is a bodyweight exercise found in calisthenics that builds full-body strength and lower-body flexibility and develops hip flexor and core endurance. Here's how to do it.
3 10-minute ab workouts to sculpt a strong core and strengthen your hips
By Sarah Jacobsson Purewal last updated
Work your core three ways with these equipment-free 10-minute ab workouts to build a stronger core.
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