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
![The Beats Powerbeats Pro charging case](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/A5sxwbCakgCSvUwGxb3ba6-320-80.jpg)
The best running headphones in 2024
By Nick Harris-fry last updated
I've tested the best running headphones to help you find a set that'll suit your training, last through even the longest sessions, and help you stay motivated on your run.
![a woman jumping in a pair of red gym leggings](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Gi4HxQEbDGgiBdwXTnaz6Y-320-80.jpg)
The best gym leggings 2024: for every type of workout
By Jane McGuire last updated
We've tried and tested the best gym leggings for HIIT, running, squats, yoga and more. Taking into consideration value for money, quality and sustainable options, here's our top picks.
![A photo of a female running in the best women's running shoes](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/PHvmNmHnNBxurGENWr2pGD-320-80.jpg)
Best women’s running shoes 2024
By Jane McGuire last updated
The best women's running shoes to wear on the road, trails, and on race day. We've picked the best Nike, Adidas, and Brooks running shoes for women.
![a photo of a woman running with a cap on](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/x6mfiVj98Bk9RZNUnhVqJV-320-80.jpg)
The best running hats 2024 — tested and reviewed
By Jennifer Rizzuto last updated
We've tested multiple running hats to bring you a detailed guide to the best running hats. Here's the brands and models that made the cut.
![a photo of multiple Lululemon leggings piled on top of each other](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/7ogSXzHRkzcYtYVMV4hMg8-320-80.jpg)
The comfiest Lululemon leggings I’ve ever tested are now less than $100 ahead of Prime Day
By Jessica Downey published
The popular Lululemon Align leggings are available to buy for just $84 in this early Amazon Prime Day deal.
![Woman performing glute bridge with resistance brand](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/hSL5PGT5SZzM3hDAV4CU34-320-80.jpg)
Ditch sit-ups — you just need a resistance band and these 5 exercises to build a stronger core
By Jessica Downey published
Work your abs and core muscles, improve your posture and boost your stability with this five-move resistance band routine from fitness trainer Cindy Yu.
![a woman in workout wear bending into a lunge with a Tom's Guide Prime Day deals badge above her](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/drKTXp6thr8ynKUQbWD3oP-320-80.jpg)
Early Prime Day leggings deals — 7 deals I'd buy now from Sweaty Betty, Adidas and more
By Jessica Downey last updated
Grab a brilliant deal on your next pair of workout leggings from big brands including Sweaty Betty, Under Armour, and more.
![a woman doing forward lunges](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/7fpQvpotb2zpfLzKoucpWU-320-80.jpg)
I tried this 10-minute stretching routine to boost my mobility and relieve tension — here's what happened
By Jessica Downey published
Just grab a mat and get moving into these 5 mobility-enhancing exercises.
![a woman kneeling on a mat stretching her arms up in the air](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/dgSY4Y53VPmimHxk9m64w-320-80.jpg)
Somatic exercise coach shares 3 stretches to boost your mind-body connection and release tension
By Jessica Downey published
We asked a somatic exercise coach to explain the mindful movement practice, the benefits of slower stretches, and how you can get started right now, no equipment required.
![a photo of the best Lululemon leggings](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/mszpKaQVG4Uknnw8Er3TTW-320-80.jpg)
The best Lululemon leggings 2024: tested and rated
By Jane McGuire last updated
What are the best Lululemon leggings on the market? We tested multiple Lululemon leggings to find out.
![a photo of the Ultimate Direction Access 300 running belt](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/2kMWGDzouV9QhZEyRoxEqV-320-80.jpg)
The best running belts 2024
By Hollie Sick last updated
We've tested a variety of running belts to ensure you can carry your essentials comfortably and securely on every run.
![a man performing a kettlebell workout outside](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/kxmv2Fbh9F4KBzUo7ntG2V-320-80.jpg)
Forget sit-ups — this kettlebell workout sculpts your core in just 6 moves
By Jessica Downey last updated
The kettlebell is a great tool for strengthening the core muscles, and we've got a six-move kettlebell workout for you to try.
![The CAROL Bike in a corner of a room surrounded by houseplants](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/RhZYGyy7zrtSxJR3a85Fj4-320-80.jpg)
I tried the CAROL Bike's AI-powered workouts — here's what happened
By Jessica Downey published
10 minutes to boost your fitness, but at what cost?
![a photo of the Lifeproof LifeActiv Armband with QuickMount phone holder](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/qksb6P3TcEyVmzgoebtK7c-320-80.jpg)
Best running phone holders 2024
By Jane McGuire last updated
The best running phone holders will allow you to access music, track your workout, and stay connected without interrupting your stride.
![The best running watches: person wearing a running watch close up](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/CGmrgX978gFpDbrvUZiCU8-320-80.jpg)
Best running watches of 2024
By Jessica Downey last updated
Our runners spent time with dozens of the best running watches to find the best models for you and your training.
![a photo of a runner wearing sunglasses: best running sunglasses](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/CJkYhG8fN7Dg9WemLJ4fSC-320-80.jpg)
The best running sunglasses 2024
By Jennifer Rizzuto last updated
The best running sunglasses will protect your eyes from the sun, feel lightweight and suit a variety of running adventures. Here's our tried and tested top picks.
![Group of runners stretching while wearing running shoes](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/YChggGF3gUxAGXXmfH3wED-320-80.jpg)
Best running shoes 2024: tested and rated
By Jane McGuire last updated
These are the best running shoes on the market right now for men and women based on our testing and reviews.
![A woman looking at a running app on her smartphone](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/xVaQcE8qxTy3VWZv5eaRrL-320-80.jpg)
Best running apps for 2024
By Jane McGuire last updated
The best running apps are designed to enhance your running journey, whether you're aiming to improve endurance, track progress, or stay motivated.
![a photo of a woman running along a scenic beach front](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/GL2RgMM8SJqk9FPgR2bebJ-320-80.jpg)
7 essential running form tips you need to know, according to an expert run coach
By Jessica Downey published
Physiotherapist and Nike run coach Emmanuel Ovola shares 7 running form tips that will help prevent injury and increase your running efficiency.
![a woman bending into a deep lunge](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/iQGZ76NRvFnNUyWPKgdaAh-320-80.jpg)
I added this 5-minute hip mobility routine to the end of my workout— here’s what happened
By Jessica Downey last updated
I tried this five move mobility routine to loosen my hip joints and was surprised at how much better my body felt afterward. Here's what went down.
![Man performing push-ups during workout in a gym studio](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Np8hGkczsfSpTjedemTa5S-320-80.jpg)
You don't need weights to build full-body muscle — just this 30-minute bodyweight workout
By Jessica Downey last updated
This workout relies solely on your body weight to strengthen muscle all over, engage the core and improve balance.
![a photo of Daisy Keech doing bicycle crunches as part of her hourglass workout](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/V332XkHrSjLyXczntc7pcT-320-80.jpg)
I tried the Daisy Keech hourglass workout with 10 million views — here's what happened
By Jane McGuire last updated
I tried the Daisy Keech hourglass workout, one of the most viewed YouTube ab workouts - here's what happened.
![a woman tensing her core muscles](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/3HNrUQUYbnoEBdJ7MdrFqU-320-80.jpg)
Forget planks — this dumbbell workout tones and strengthens core muscle in just 15 minutes
By Jessica Downey published
This dumbbell core workout will have your abs burning but it's only 15 minutes of exercise and a great way to build strength and definition in your midsection.