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 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.
I test running shoes for a living — here's 11 deals I'd buy in the Amazon Big Spring Sale
By Jessica Downey last updated
In the market for some new running trainers? The Amazon Big Spring Sale is coming, but now is already a perfect opportunity to save on big brands including Saucony, New Balance and On.
You don’t need the gym to build a stronger chest — just a pair of dumbbells and these 5 moves
By Jessica Downey published
Build your chest muscle with this five move dumbbell routine.
I tried a week of gratitude runs to boost my well-being — here's 3 ways it changed my training
By Jessica Downey published
I tried practicing gratitude while running instead of looking at my fitness tracker and it was a game changer.
Amazon Big Spring Sale — CamelBak, The North Face and Sweaty Betty running apparel from $10
By Jessica Downey published
Take advantage of Amazon's Big Spring Sale and treat yourself to some discounted running apparel while stocks last.
Forget sit-ups — build core muscle with this 4-move foam roller workout
By Jessica Downey published
Try a different way of working your abs today and learn how to incorporate a foam roller into your core strengthening routine.
Strava's latest update adds more performance data for cyclists — here's what's new
By Jessica Downey published
Strava has just announced it is adding Best Efforts for Ride — enabling cyclists to access deeper insights on their performance.
You don’t need weights to build strength and burn fat — just these 7 body weight moves
By Jessica Downey published
You can build strength and torch fat with this simple seven move no equipment workout. Ready? Let's go.
Use these 5 Amazon resistance band deals to build muscle without weights for under $20
By Jessica Downey last updated
The Amazon Big Spring Sale is here, with huge discounts on budget-friendly resistance bands you can use for stretches, recovery, or strength training without breaking the bank.
Drop the barbell — you just need 4 moves and a pair of dumbbells to sculpt your upper body
By Jessica Downey published
This bicep and tricep routine shows just how simple yet effective an upper body session can be. Here's how to complete this four move dumbbell workout.
You don’t need the gym to build upper body muscle — just a set of dumbbells and this 6-move shoulder workout
By Jessica Downey published
You only need 6 exercises and a pair of dumbbells to build upper body strength and muscle in your shoulders. Here's how.
Forget sit-ups — you just need a pair of dumbbells and 6 moves to sculpt your abs
By Jessica Downey published
This is an all standing dumbbell workout, meaning you don't need to lie on the floor to train your core.
I tried this 6-minute mobility routine as soon as I woke up instead of hitting the snooze button — here's what happened
By Jessica Downey published
I don’t always feel like working out as soon as I wake up so I tried completing a six minute mobility routine instead. Here’s what happened.
What to eat before a marathon according to an endurance sports nutritionist
By Jessica Downey published
Endurance sports nutritionist, James LeBaigue, shares when you should start adjusting your diet before a marathon and how best to do it.
How to track your sleep with a Garmin watch
By Jessica Downey published
If you want to get a better night's rest, learning how to track your sleep with a Garmin wearable can offer actionable insights to improve your sleep.
Forget barbells — you need just 1 dumbbell and 6 moves to build bigger glutes
By Jessica Downey last updated
You don't need big fancy gym equipment to build glute muscle, a pair of dumbbells will do the job. Here's how.
Forget sit-ups — this 5-move Pilates routine sculpts your core in just 7 minutes
By Jessica Downey last updated
This Pilates workout uses 5 exercises to strengthen the core and requires no equipment. Just roll out a mat and you're good to go!
Forget the gym — chisel your upper body with just a kettlebell and 5 exercises
By Jessica Downey published
Build upper body muscle with just 1 kettlebell and 5 moves.
Forget squats — this 20-minute dumbbell workout strengthens your lower body in just 4 moves
By Jessica Downey published
Four dumbbell moves to build a stronger lower body — and they don't involve squats.
I’ve been training with electrolytes for the past year — here’s how it’s made me a better runner
By Jessica Downey published
Why do runners take electrolytes? Our fitness writer decided to put training with electrolytes to the test for a year
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