Jessica Downey
Jessica is an experienced fitness writer with a passion for running. Her love for keeping fit and fueling her body with healthy and enjoyable food quite naturally led her to write about all things fitness and health-related. If she isn’t out testing the latest fitness products such as the latest running shoe or yoga mat for reviewing then she can be found writing news and features on the best ways to build strength, active aging, female health, and anything in between. Before then she had a small stint writing in local news, has also written for Runners World UK (print and digital), and gained experience with global content marketing agency, Cedar Communications.
Born and raised in Scotland, Jessica is a massive fan of exercising and keeping active outdoors. When at home she can be found running by the sea, swimming in it, or up a mountain. This continued as she studied and trained to become a PPA-accredited magazine journalist in Wales. And since working and living in London, she splits her time between weight training in the gym, trying new fitness classes, and finding scenic running routes. Jessica enjoys documenting this on her fitness-inspired Instagram page @jessrunshere where she loves engaging with like-minded fitness junkies.
She is a big fan of healthy cooking and loves learning more about this area with expert nutritionists she has met over the years. Jessica is a big advocate for building healthy relationships with food rather than building restrictive attitudes towards it. When she isn’t eating or running she also enjoys practicing yoga in her free time as it helps her to unwind and benefits her performance in other sports.
Latest articles by Jessica Downey
I added the leg extension machine to my leg day routine — here’s why it was a great addition
By Jessica Downey published
Our writer started regularly incorporating the leg extension machine into her lower body days at the gym. Here's what she gained from the experience.
Sculpt your abs and strengthen your core with 6 moves in 6 minutes — here’s how
By Jessica Downey published
A six move, six minute workout to help build muscle in your abs and core.
Forget Blue Monday — 5 bodyweight strength building moves to boost your mood
By Jessica Downey published
Before you fall victim to the supposed dreariness of Blue Monday, why not boost your mood with this five move workout?
9 things I wish I had known before my first parkrun
By Jessica Downey published
Not sure what to expect from your first parkrun? Our writer shares the things she wishes she had known before her first parkrun.
Forget weights — this 8-move workout builds upper body muscle and all you need is a resistance band
By Jessica Downey published
This no fuss resistance band workout will help you develop strength in your arms at the gym or at home.
I did a 3 minute lizard pose every day for a week — here's why I love it
By Jessica Downey published
Our writer tried the lizard pose every day for a week and loved the results. Here's her full rundown and how to try it out yourself.
3 reasons why Garmin Sleep Coach has improved my sleeping habits
By Jessica Downey published
Can the Garmin Sleep Coach improve your sleep? Here's three ways it did this for one of our fitness writers.
What is the 75 hard challenge? Here's everything you need to know about the trending lifestyle rule
By Jessica Downey published
We reveal what is involved in the 75 Hard Challenge and look at the pros and cons of this popular goal setting method.
I did weighted Roman chair back extensions every day for a week — here's what happened
By Jessica Downey published
Here’s what happened when our writer added weighted Roman chair back extensions into her routine every day for a week.
I tried a Rowformer Pilates class for the first time — here's my honest thoughts
By Jessica Downey published
Rowformer Pilates combines traditional Pilates exercises with rowing — sounds pretty cool, right? Here's what happened when our writer tried it out for the first time.
Forget running — this cardio workout takes only 5 moves and 20 minutes to train your entire body
By Jessica Downey published
This five move cardio workout is perfect to use at home or at the gym and only takes 20 minutes.
Forget the gym — 7 bodyweight exercises that strengthen and define your entire body
By Jessica Downey published
You just need 7 bodyweight moves to strengthen and define muscle across your entire body. Here's how you do it.
I never thought I’d like a big fitness tracker but here’s 5 reasons why I love wearing the Garmin Fenix 7S
By Jessica Downey published
I used to swerve away from the chunkier running watches but I am now a loud and proud Garmin Fenix 7S lover. Here’s what changed my mind.
New to the gym? Use this dumbbell only 'shy girl workout' to build muscle all over
By Jessica Downey published
If you feel shy about going to the gym, this trainer's all standing dumbbell workout takes the stress out of knowing what to do and it gets results.
7 things I wish I had known before joining a gym
By Jessica Downey published
The gym can be a scary place for newbies. Here’s what our writer wish she knew before joining for a gym for the first time.
6 equipment free exercises for sculpting muscle over the holidays, according to a triple Olympian
By Jessica Downey published
Three-time Olympian Sarah Lindsay shares 6 bodyweight exercises for building and maintaining strength over the festive period.
How to choose the right training plan for your next race
By Jessica Downey published
Just signed up for a race? Here’s how to find the right training plan to get you over the finish line.
Forget sit-ups — five moves for sculpting and strengthening your abs
By Jessica Downey published
Five exercises perfect for building core muscle and sculpting your abs. No equipment needed, just yourself and a mat.
Apple Watch 10 will reportedly get all-new design, sleep apnea detection and blood pressure monitoring
By Jessica Downey published
It's rumored Apple Watch is planning on introducing a new design and fresh new features including blood pressure monitoring and sleep apnea detection.
I did the 3-minute pigeon pose every day for a week — here’s what happened
By Jessica Downey published
Here's what happened when one of our writers tried the pigeon pose every day for a week and find out how to master the pose yourself.
I did kettlebell single leg deadlifts everyday for a week — here's what happened to my body
By Jessica Downey published
Our writer put her lower body and balance to the test when she tried completing kettlebell single leg deadlifts every day for a week. Here's what happened.
Forget the gym — this 5-move dumbbell exercise sculpts your entire body in just 30 minutes
By Jessica Downey published
Build on strength and muscle all over your body using these five dumbbell exercises. Here's how to complete this workout.
I did rolling side planks every day for a week — here’s what happened to my abs
By Jessica Downey published
The rolling side plank is a variation of the standard plank that our fitness writer has been deploying for the last week. Here's how she got on.
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