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
What is Zone 2 training?
By Jessica Downey published
Zone 2 is one of five heart rate zones you can enter when exercising. But what does this mean for your fitness and how can you benefit from zone 2 training?
Forget the gym — this yoga-inspired workout builds a stronger core and arms in just 5 moves
By Jessica Downey published
This yoga-style workout is a great way to strengthen your arms and core without weights.
7 ways to become a better treadmill runner according to a Peloton Tread instructor
By Jessica Downey published
Peloton Instructor Jermain Johnson shares seven top tips for becoming a better treadmill runner.
Forget crunches — these 5 standing dumbbell exercises build stronger abs
By Jessica Downey published
This all standing workout strengthens your core without any planks or crunches. You just need a pair of dumbbells!
Forget the gym — you just need a pair of dumbbells and 6 exercises to build lower body muscle
By Jessica Downey published
This minimal equipment workout will help to strengthen your lower body and build muscle in your legs and glutes.
You don’t need the gym to build upper body muscle — just 8 exercises and a set of dumbbells
By Jessica Downey published
This eight move workout is designed to build and strengthen muscle, and all you need is a set of dumbbell to train with.
You don’t need crunches to build a stronger core — just 10 minutes and 5 exercises
By Jessica Downey published
The ideal core workout for when you're short on time.
Forget the gym — you just need a pair of dumbbells and 6 exercises to build full-body muscle
By Jessica Downey published
This workout simply uses your body weight and a pair of dumbbells to build and strengthen muscle all over.
Merrell's sale is here — 5 deals I'd buy right now starting at $7
By Jessica Downey published
Merrell's semi-annual sale has begun and you can save up to 50% off on some of its best hiking and outdoor wear.
I boosted my exercise recovery with heat and cold therapy — here’s what happened
By Jessica Downey published
Heat and cold therapy is rising in popularity, boasting various physical and mental health benefits. Our writer gave it a go, here's what she found.
I use these 5 strength exercises for runners to boost my training and avoid injury
By Jessica Downey published
Our writer who is in the thick of marathon training swears by these five strength exercises. Here's why they benefit her running.
I tried a 15-minute wall Pilates workout — here are my honest thoughts
By Jessica Downey published
Working with a wall in Pilates adds both stability and resistance to your training, and it’s free. But does it offer a good workout? Our writer put it to the test.
Forget the gym — you just need a pair of dumbbells and 5 exercises to sculpt your shoulders
By Jessica Downey published
Strengthen your upper body with this five exercise shoulder pump — grab some dumbbells and you're good to go.
Forget weights — this bodyweight workout strengthens your abs in just 7 moves
By Jessica Downey published
This equipment-free workout helps strengthen your midsection, improve your posture, and build your abs, all without a dumbbell in sight.
You don't need weights to build a stronger core, just this 4-move bodyweight workout
By Jessica Downey published
This short routine works your midsection with three rounds of bodyweight exercise for building a stronger and more defined core.
I got two personal bests in these Hoka running shoes and they're 20% off right now
By Jessica Downey published
I've run PBs in the Hoka Kawana, and right now they are discounted by $28. Here's how to get your hands on this deal.
I tried exercise snacking every day for a week — here are 3 ways it changed my workouts
By Jessica Downey published
It's free, you don't need a lot of time, and it makes you feel good — why wouldn't you want to try it?
Forget shin pain — follow these 3 tips for a pain-free running experience
By Jessica Downey published
Three tips to help prevent shin splints while running.
I did 50 kettlebell upright rows every day for a week — here’s what happened
By Jessica Downey last updated
Are you a fan of upright rows? Here’s what happened when one of our writers tried completing 50 of them with a kettlebell every day for a week.
Forget crunches — this 6-move dumbbell workout strengthens your core and builds full-body muscle
By Jessica Downey published
Grab some dumbbells and try these six exercises to train your core and build muscle all over.
5 things I wish had known before getting my first road bike
By Jessica Downey published
Our writer shares some valuable tips she has learned since buying her first road bike.
I did 75 banded mountain climbers every day for a week — here’s my results
By Jessica Downey published
Mountain climbers are a great exercise for building core muscle. Here’s what happened when we tried adding a resistance band to the exercise.
How to warm up for a run — 5 running coach-approved exercises
By Jessica Downey published
We spoke to elite runner and run coach, Helen Gaunt, to find out how to warm up for a run the best way possible. Here are her five essential exercises she does before a run.
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