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
You don’t need sit-ups to build a stronger core — just use this 5 minute bodyweight workout instead
By Jessica Downey published
Spare five minutes and take on this short but challenging ab routine to strengthen and tone your core.
These are my 5 trail running essentials for your next outdoor adventure
By Jessica Downey published
Trail running is a lot less predictable than road running and requires more gear considerations. Here's what to wear and pack for your next trail run.
You don’t need crunches to build a stronger core — use this 5-minute kettlebell workout instead
By Jessica Downey published
Build a stronger core and sculpt your abs with this five minute kettlebell routine. Here’s what the workout entails and how it can benefit your training.
Forget the gym — you only need 1 pair of dumbbells and 5 moves to build stronger legs
By Jessica Downey published
Use these five dumbbell exercises for your next leg day if you're looking to build muscle in your lower body.
Forget planks — strengthen and tone your core with just 1 resistance band and these 5 moves
By Jessica Downey published
This core strengthening workout uses a resistance band to intensify the burn - just try these 5 exercises and see.
You don’t need the gym to build full body strength — use this 6 move dumbbell workout instead
By Jessica Downey published
This dumbbell only workout works muscle across your upper nad lower body helping to build a strong and sculpted physique.
Forget the gym — tone and sculpt your upper body with this 4-move bodyweight routine
By Jessica Downey published
This bodyweight upper body workout is designed to strengthen your arms and it only takes four moves.
Hoka just launched new Skyward X — and they’re so cushioned they’re illegal for racing
By Jessica Downey last updated
The Hoka Skyward X looks like it'll be a great every day carbon plated running shoe, but but the stack height is so high that it's on the World Athletics ban list for racing.
You don't need the gym to build a stronger core — use these 3 dumbbell abs exercises instead
By Jessica Downey published
This is the perfect core burner for those short on time. Just grap a pair of light dumbbells and let's go.
Forget weights — use this 5-move bodyweight workout to sculpt your upper body
By Jessica Downey published
This no equipment workout is a great way to target your upper body muscles from anywhere. Just use these five exercises.
You don't need the gym to build a stronger core — use this 10-minute abs workout instead
By Jessica Downey published
Build strength and definition in your core with this 10 minute workout.
Boost your mobility and reduce stiffness in just 5 minutes with this 5-move stretching routine
By Jessica Downey published
Improve full body mobility with this five move routine.
You don’t need the gym — this workout builds your shoulders and glutes in just 7 moves
By Jessica Downey published
This dumbbell-only routine uses 7 moves to build strength in your shoulders and glutes. Here's the workout.
This 11-move mobility routine from a fitness coach increases your range of motion and relieves stress
By Jessica Downey published
Grab a mat and try out this short series of mobility exercises.
London Marathon 2024: How to watch from anywhere in the world
By Jane McGuire last updated
Everything you need to watch the London Marathon 2024, from anywhere on Earth.
London Marathon 2024: How to track runners
By Jane McGuire last updated
How to track runners at the London Marathon 2024
This 8-move mobility routine boosts hip mobility and reduces stiffness in just 16 minutes
By Jessica Downey published
Relieve your hips of any unwanted stiffness when you work through this 16 minute no equipment mobility routine.
You don’t need sit-ups to build core strength — use this 10-minute resistance band abs workout instead
By Jessica Downey published
These nine exercises target your core with the addition of a resistance band to promote muscle definition and growth.
You don't need the gym to build upper body muscle — just these 5 moves and a pair of dumbbells
By Jessica Downey published
Tone, strengthen and sculpt your key upper body muscles with these five dumbbell exercises.
This low-impact workout burns fat and sculpts your core in just 18 minutes
By Jessica Downey published
A low-impact workout to help burn fat and tone your core. Here's how to do it at home.
What running shoes were the Paris Marathon 2024 winners wearing?
By Jessica Downey published
What shoes were the winners of the Paris Marathon 2024 wearing? Here's the shoe both the men's and women's winners had on their feet.
This 7-move stretching routine increases your range of motion and boosts your recovery
By Jessica Downey published
Just five minutes of post-exercise stretching can help improve flexibility, reduce muscle soreness, and enhance recovery. Why not try these seven stretches after your next workout?
Forget pull-ups — this dumbbell workout builds your shoulders and biceps in just 5 moves
By Jessica Downey published
If it’s upper body day for you, this five move dumbbell routine will target your biceps and shoulders. You’ll not only add definition to your upper body but you’ll also stimulate muscle growth.
Forget the gym — sculpt your lower body muscle with just a resistance band and 7 moves
By Jessica Downey published
You don’t need lots of equipment to strengthen your lower body. Resistance bands are a great tool for building muscle and this 7-move workout is a great place to begin.
I did an 8-minute hip mobility routine every day for a week — here’s what happened
By Jessica Downey published
We need hip mobility to maintain optimal range of motion, prevent injury, and support proper posture. Here's what happened when our writer did an 8-minute mobility routine every day for a week.
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