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 wore the Columbia Konos for a 3-day hiking trip in the Swiss Alps — and it changed my mind on mid-cut hiking boots
By Jessica Downey published
Columbia's Konos TRS OutDry Mid Shoe may look more casual than your average hiking boot but once on foot, they will squash any doubts.
Ditch the gym — strengthen and tone muscle all over in just 15 minutes with this Pilates routine
By Jessica Downey published
Grab a mat and get ready to build core muscle and improve strength all over with 15 minutes of Pilates.
What is a tempo run, what are the benefits and how do you do it — according to a run coach
By Jessica Downey published
A run coach explains what a tempo run is and how you can incorporate it into your training to become a better runner.
Best running apps for 2024
By Jane McGuire last updated
As runners, we all have different goals but there is a running app out there for everyone that will improve your experience pounding the pavements or trails. Here's our favorites.
No, not sit-ups — this 5 move no-equipment workout sculpts and builds muscle in the core
By Jessica Downey published
Trainer Kayla Itsines share the 5 ab building exercises she always returns to.
No, not push-ups — strength coach shares the benefits of overhead triceps extension and to how master the correct form
By Jessica Downey published
One of the best moves for building muscle in your arms is the overhead triceps extension exercise and all you need to do it is a dumbbell
Forget the gym — build strength all over with this 7-move workout and a set of resistance bands
By Jessica Downey published
Resistance bands make for a perfect minimal equipment workout — use this 7-move banded routine for your next full-body session.
I did a 5-mile hike in the Veja Condor 3 — and it’s my new favorite walking shoe
By Jessica Downey published
The Veja Condor 3 is not only a sustainable and comfortable running shoe but it's also quickly become my go-to walking shoe.
Scrap pull-ups — strengthen and sculpt your shoulder muscles with just 7 moves and a pair of dumbbells
By Jessica Downey published
No pull-ups are involved in this upper body routine but you will need some dumbbells and these seven exercises to strengthen and tone your shoulders.
Short on time? Build core muscle and tone your stomach with this no-equipment ab workout
By Jessica Downey published
This ab routine from Kayla Itsines is quick to complete and requires no equipment — let's build those core muscles!
You don't need the gym to build upper body muscle, just 2 dumbbells and these 7 exercises
By Jessica Downey published
You just need a pair of dumbbells to try this seven-move workout and start building a stronger upper body.
Ditch the gym — sculpt your upper body and strengthen your core with this 15-minute dumbbell only workout
By Jessica Downey published
All you need for a quick upper body and core strength building workout is a pair of dumbbells and 15 minutes.
Track running vs road running: Which is better for you?
By Jessica Downey last updated
Track running vs road running is something many runners will ask themselves at some point. We explore the pros and cons of both.
Ditch the gym! This 5-move strength workout sculpts upper body muscle with just a pair of dumbbells
By Jessica Downey last updated
No need for the gym when you can build upper body strength and definition with just a set of dumbbells and this 5 move routine from Kayla Itsines.
No, not push-ups — trainer says you need these 3 exercises for a chest building lower pec workout
By Jessica Downey published
Here are three exercises you need to include in your upper body strength training if you want to grow and define your lower pecs, according to a personal trainer.
Forget bad posture — use this 8-move mobility routine at your desk to undo the effects of prolonged sitting
By Jessica Downey published
This mobility routine relieves tensions in your upper body, gives you a screen break and can be done at your desk.
Forget sit-ups — this 15-minute workout can sculpt your core with just 6 moves
By Jessica Downey last updated
Set aside 15 minutes and try this ab routine to build core strength and tone your midsection.
You only need these 5 dumbbell moves and 20 minutes to build muscle all over and boost your metabolism
By Jessica Downey last updated
Use this workout when you're short on time but still want to squeeze a full-body strength session into your routine.
You only need 2 dumbbells and these 5 moves to build upper body strength and core muscle
By Jessica Downey last updated
Here's a 5-move workout that aims to sculpt shoulders using dumbbells instead of pull-ups.
No, not sit-ups — use this 5-move workout instead to strengthen your core and improve your posture
By Jessica Downey published
This workout is sit-up free and instead uses five alternative core-building exercises to increase strength and definition in your midsection and improve your posture.
We ran 50 miles in the Saucony Hurricane 24 and it’s a supremely comfortable running shoe
By Nick Harris-fry, Jessica Downey published
The Saucony Hurricane 24 is one of the most comfortable running shoes available, especially if you’re looking for a stability shoe, and it’s a joy to use for easy and long runs.
You only need a kettlebell and this 30-minute workout to build full-body muscle and boost your metabolism
By Jessica Downey published
Work hard for 30 minutes and then soak up the many benefits of this kettlebell routine.
Personal trainer reveals the 5 abs exercises most people are doing wrong — and how to fix your form
By Jessica Downey published
Trainer shares the do's and don'ts of five popular abs exercises to help you build strength and definition in your core more efficiently.
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