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
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.
Best bone conduction headphones in 2024
By James Frew last updated
We've tested the best bone conduction headphones to help you find a set that'll keep you connected to your favorite audio and help you stay aware of your surroundings.
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.
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.
Best running shoes 2024, according to our testing
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.
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.
The best Nike running shoes in 2024
By Jane McGuire, Nick Harris-fry last updated
Looking into buying a record breaking Nike running shoe or just want a reliable trainer to level up your running journey? We've tested them out for you — here's our top picks.
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.
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.
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.
The best gym leggings 2024: for every type of workout
By Jane McGuire last updated
We've tested dozens of gym leggings, these are our favorites from Lululemon, Sweaty Betty, Nike and more.
Best women’s running shoes 2024
By Jane McGuire last updated
The best women's running shoes we've tested, including models from Nike, New Balance, Brooks, Saucony and more.
Ditch the gym — build a stronger lower body with just a pair of dumbbells and 30 minutes
By Jessica Downey published
No need to hit the gym when you have a set of dumbbells and this 30-minute leg strengthening routine.
Forget tight hips — try this 5-move routine to boost your mobility now
By Jessica Downey published
Five exercises to increase the mobility in your hips and to help build a more robust lower body for everyday life.
Forget squats — these 3 moves target your glutes and strengthen your lower body
By Jessica Downey published
You don't need to squat till failure to grow your glutes, give these three exercises a go instead.
We asked a running coach why do sprinters need more muscle than distance runners — and tips on how to be a stronger runner
By Jessica Downey published
Coach Kirk-Odunubi explains the difference in muscle makeup between sprinters and distance runners and shares how to train to become a stronger runner.
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