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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
We've tested the best swimming headphones 2024 for motivational swim sessions
By Alice Barraclough last updated
Keep motivated on every stroke with a the best swimming headphones to listen to music and podcasts while swimming.
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.
The best running hats 2024 — tested and reviewed
By Jennifer Rizzuto last updated
Here's our guide to the best running hats according to our testing while ticking off many miles in a mix + of conditions.
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 need for weights — this 7-move workout improves your posture and strengthens your arms with just 1 resistance band
By Jessica Downey published
No weights, no gym, just a single resistance band to build upper body strength.
No gym required — you only need 1 set of dumbbells and these 5 moves to build full body strength
By Jessica Downey published
Target your core, lower and upper body muscles in 30 minutes with just a pair of dumbbells.
Best bike lights in 2024: Tested and reviewed
By Dan Cavallari last updated
The best bike lights we've tested, including the best front and rear bike lights to keep you safe, as well as the best bike light sets.
I cycled around London on this folding electric bike — and now I'm a convert
By Jessica Downey last updated
The Volt Lite packs a powerful punch for a lightweight foldable electric bike. Here's how I found riding it around London.
The best Lululemon leggings 2024: tested and reviewed by us
By Jane McGuire last updated
Looking for the best pair of Lululemon leggings in 2024? We tested multiple Lulu leggings and here's our honest recommendations.
The best running belts 2024
By Hollie Sick last updated
These are the best running belts we've tested that keep important items safe without obstructing your running experience.
This equipment free 5-move routine strengthens your back and improves mobility — here's why I love it
By Jessica Downey published
Five minutes to build a stronger back and increase your mobility. Here's how.
Ditch crunches — you need 10 minutes and just these 7 moves to build a stronger core
By Jessica Downey published
Seven exercises to strengthen and define the muscles in your core — no crunches involved!
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.