
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

I did this trainer's 6-minute core workout everyday for a week — here's what happened to my body
By Jessica Downey published
I tried this 6-minute ab routine everyday for a week to see what it would do to my core. Here are my results.

Skip the gym — you only need 30 minutes to build full-body strength with this dumbbell workout
By Jessica Downey published
Simplify your next workout with this short 30 minute strength building routine. You just need to grab some dumbbells and follow this trainer's lead.

You don’t need crunches to build a strong core — here are 6 exercises to try instead
By Jessica Downey published
Build a stronger core with this fitness trainer's six-move bodyweight workout.

No more runner’s knee — 5 physiotherapist-approved exercises for pain-free running
By Jessica Downey last updated
Physiotherapist and strength coach Jimmy Pipe swears by these 5 moves to help prevent and relieve runner’s knee.

No sit-ups or crunches — this 15-minute dumbbell workout builds a stronger core and improves your posture
By Jessica Downey published
Strengthen your core and sculpt your abs with this four-move dumbbell workout. Trainer Sandy Sklar demonstrates each exercise to help you perfect your form and maximize results.

Best cycling indoor trainers in 2025
By Dan Cavallari last updated
Never miss a session with one of the best cycling indoor trainers in your home. Here's the best models according to our testing.

Best hiking boots in 2025 — tested and rated for mountain trails and casual hikes
By John R. Quain, Dan Bracaglia, Jessica Downey last updated
These are the best hiking boots to in 2025, including the best waterproof hiking boots and the best hiking boots for casual trekkers.

Forget the gym — this trainer's 10-move dumbbell workout will build muscle in your back and biceps
By Jessica Downey last updated
This back and biceps routine builds, strengthens, and sculpts your upper body. You just need 35 minutes and a pair of dumbbells.

Best sports bras 2025: tried, tested and reviewed by fitness experts
By Jane McGuire, Jessica Downey last updated
We've rigorously tested a range of sports bras to ensure your comfort and support during every workout

What are the best swimming headphones? Here's a list of the best we've tested
By Jessica Downey last updated
Listen to the beat of your favorite tunes wearing a pair of the best swimming headphones.

I ditched my morning phone scroll for this 7-minute stretching routine — here’s what happened to my mind and body
By Jessica Downey published
This 7-minute stretching routine is perfect for relieving tensions around the body and is a mood boosting exercise for the mind.

Tom's Guide Fitness Awards 2025: the best-in-class fitness gear for smashing your goals
By Jessica Downey published
The Tom’s Guide Fitness Awards 2025 recognizes the very best fitness gear based on our testing, from running watches and exercise bikes to shoes and headphones

Garmin was down — full timeline of two day outage
By Dave LeClair last updated
If you use a Garmin smartwatch, you might have an issue starting any GPS activities.

The best gym leggings 2025 for the gym, running, yoga and more
By Jane McGuire last updated
We've tested dozens of gym leggings, these are our favorites from Lululemon, Sweaty Betty, Nike and more.

This simple 3-move workout builds upper body muscle and boosts your metabolism
By Jessica Downey published
Ready for an upper body pump? Here's trainer Sandy Klar's three-move answer to building stronger arms and shoulders.

What are the best running apps? After a lot of running and testing here's our 11 favorites
By Jessica Downey last updated
Whether you want to find the best app for sharing your runs with friends, you need a training plan, or you're looking for new routes—we can recommend the best running app for you.

I'm using the Coopah running app to train for a marathon and it's better than Runna for beginners
By Jessica Downey published
Train smart with a Coopah plan

Build stronger arms and upper body muscle using just 2 dumbbells with this 10-minute resistance workout — no gym required
By Jessica Downey last updated
This no repeats dumbbell workout will build on strength in your upper body and can be done in 10 minutes.

No, not sit-ups — trainer shares these 6 exercises to blast your core in just 12 minutes
By Jessica Downey published
This trainer-led workout will challenge your core muscles, including the abs, in 12 minutes. No sit-ups included!

The best Lululemon leggings 2025, according to our testing
By Jessica Downey last updated
We put the best Lululemon leggings to the test to help you find a set that'll support you no matter your workout style and boost your confidence.

Boost your metabolism and build full-body muscle in just 30 minutes — all you need is 1 pair of dumbbells
By Jessica Downey published
Grab some dumbbells and get stuck into this 30-minute full-body strength building routine. Trainer demonstrations included.

I did 70 cycling Russian twists every day for a week — here's what happened to my abs
By Jessica Downey published
The Russian twist is an effective abs-strengthening move, but I tried this variation to work my core even harder.

I’m using these 4 moves to keep my hips strong and injury free in my 2025 running routine
By Jessica Downey published
Runners! Physical therapist shares four moves you need to use if you want to run stronger and prevent injury this year.
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