Sam Hopes
Sam Hopes is a level 3 qualified fitness instructor, 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 Active, Sam now primarily teaches outdoor bootcamps, bodyweight, 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 has completed two mixed doubles Hyrox competitions in London and the Netherlands and finished her first doubles attempt in 1:11.
In her spare time, she enjoys CrossFit, hot 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 in fitness technology and wearables, anything yoga and CrossFit-related and has a keen interest in nutrition, sleep and recovery.
Latest articles by Sam Hopes

Nutritional expert shares one hack that might help you sleep better — and it surprised us
By Sam Hopes last updated
A nutritional therapist explains how protein could help you sleep better, according to the research. Here's how.

9 best protein shakers 2025: tried and tested
By Jane McGuire last updated
These are the best protein shakers, from no-frill drinking receptacles to premium models with hidden pill organizers.

I’ve been walking with a weight vest for 5K every day to help boost my metabolism — here's what happened to my body
By Sam Hopes last updated
Here's how walking with a weighted vest every day for 5K improved one writer's health, and what she has learned after one week.

I did 70 walking plank push-ups every day for one week — here’s what happened to my upper body
By Sam Hopes last updated
A personal trainer shares her experience performing 70 walking plank push-ups every day for one week in this push-up challenge, and here are her results.

I'm a personal trainer — these are my 3 'non-negotiables' for building mental stamina
By Sam Hopes last updated
Personal trainer shares three simple tips for building mental stamina and boosting sleep hygiene without changing your diet or workout regime.

I'm a fitness writer who is cautious about health fads — here’s what happened to my body when I drank cucumber water every day
By Sam Hopes last updated
What does drinking cucumber water every day do to your body? We tested it out for 14 days to see what, if any, benefits exist.

I tried a contortion workout class for the first time after seeing it on TikTok — here’s what happened
By Sam Hopes last updated
What is contortion, and what happens when a fitness writer tries it for the first time to build extreme flexibility and mobility? We tested it out.

9 best resistance bands 2025: tried, tested and reviewed
By Sam Hopes last updated
Buy the best resistance bands for strength training, physical therapy, rehabilitation, workouts, and stretching at any budget with our top recommendations.

11 best water bottles to buy in 2025, tested and rated
By Jessica Downey last updated
From daily hydration to adventure-ready designs, we've tested a wide range of water bottles and picked our top 10, including options from Lululemon, YETI, Columbia and more.

It's not leg raises — try the 'dragon flag' exercise to strengthen your abs and hips instead
By Sam Hopes published
You don't need leg raises or heavy weights to strengthen your core and hips, just try the dragon flag calisthenics exercise.

I’m a personal trainer — here's the move you need to try to reduce knee pain
By Sam Hopes published
A performance coach shares how to perform Spanish squats and why the squat variation is beneficial for quad strength and knee pain.

I just tried the ‘Chelsea’ CrossFit workout — and it strengthens your entire body with just 3 bodyweight exercises
By Sam Hopes published
I just tried the Chelsea CrossFit benchmark workout, and it strengthens your entire body in just three functional bodyweight exercises.

I just did a puppy yoga class for the first time — here’s what happened
By Sam Hopes last updated
One writer tried 60 minutes of puppy yoga for the first time, and here's what happened, plus the benefits of just one class.

Doing exercise you dislike could have unexpected health benefits — here’s why
By Sam Hopes published
Doing exercise you dislike could have health benefits, according to some personal trainers. Here's why.

Just 5 minutes of these simple stretches can boost grip and build stronger arms and wrists — here's a quick routine to try
By Sam Hopes published
Strengthen your wrists and forearms using these simple beginner-friendly stretches.

Forget stretches — mobility coach shares 'squat like a baby' routine to boost hip flexibility and build lower-body strength
By Sam Hopes last updated
A mobility coach shares his tried and tested hip mobility routine to strengthen and open the lower body without weights.

You'll find this beginner-friendly exercise in *every* fitness fanatic's workout routine — and it’s not squats
By Sam Hopes last updated
Forget the gym, you'll find this beginner-friendly exercise in every fitness fanatic's workout routine, and it doesn't involve squats or weights.

I tried Olympic Champion gymnast Simone Biles’ ab workout — here’s what happened to my core
By Sam Hopes last updated
You can train your abs like Olympic gymnasts Simone Biles and Jordan Chiles using this gymnastics core workout.

Can you build better strength and muscle using the mind-muscle connection? We asked expert trainers
By Sam Hopes last updated
The mind-muscle connection is crucial for building strength and muscle and preventing injury during exercise — here’s why, according to expert trainers.

Yes, you can build upper-body strength without the gym — thanks to this 3-move kettlebell workout
By Sam Hopes last updated
Yes, you can build upper-body strength without the gym, and all you need is a kettlebell, three moves and 30 minutes.

Circular Ring 2 is now available to pre-order — and you could save up to $310 right now
By Sam Hopes published
The Circular Ring 2 is now available for pre-order, and you could save up to $310 by purchasing the ring early before shipping begins in June 2025.

3 moves, no weights — this 15-minute bodyweight workout builds muscle and and boosts metabolism
By Sam Hopes last updated
Boost your metabolism and strengthen your body with this three-move bodyweight workout designed by a personal trainer. It's beginner-friendly and only takes 15 minutes.

Yes, you can build core strength without weights — thanks to a personal trainer’s 3 bodyweight abs exercises
By Sam Hopes published
Build core strength and stability using these three bodyweight abs exercises recommended by a personal trainer.
Sign up to get the BEST of Tom's Guide direct to your inbox.
Here at Tom’s Guide our expert editors are committed to bringing you the best news, reviews and guides to help you stay informed and ahead of the curve!