Sam Hopes
Sam Hopes is a level 3 fitness trainer, level 2 reiki practitioner, and senior fitness writer at Tom's Guide. She is also currently undertaking her Yoga For Athletes training course. Having worked with brands like F45 and Virgin, Sam now primarily teaches outdoor bootcamps, calisthenics and kettlebells. In her spare time, she enjoys CrossFit, yoga and running and is currently training for her next Hyrox in London. She can be found testing the latest fitness technology and has a keen interest in mobility, stretching and writing on hot topics like nutrition, sleep and recovery.
Latest articles by Sam Hopes
The 10 best foam rollers 2024: tested and reviewed
By Jane McGuire last updated
Prevent injury, improve mobility and reduce pain with the best foam rollers on the market.
Best gym bags 2024 for all workouts and weather
By Kimberly Dawn Neumann last updated
We’ve found the best gym bags for runners, yogis and anyone who wants to tote their sports stuff in style.
I just added a turbo downward dog to my exercise routine — and it's a game changer
By Sam Hopes published
The turbo dog pose is a variation on the downward dog in yoga and helps build upper body strength, focusing on your triceps, shoulders, back and chest muscles. Here's how to do it.
9 best Pilates exercises for strengthening your core and boosting posture
By Jane McGuire last updated
Dig deep into your core muscles with these nine Pilates exercises designed to strengthen and define your torso muscles.
4 reasons you’re not building muscle in the gym — according to a strength and conditioning coach
By Sam Hopes last updated
Here are the four main reasons you're not building muscle mass and how to avoid them, according to a strength and conditioning coach.
I did the 12-3-30 treadmill workout for a month — here's my results
By Jane McGuire last updated
What is the 12-3-30 treadmill workout, how do you do it, and what happens when you do it for a month? We put it to the test, and here's how it went.
8 best shoes for Peloton and indoor cycling 2024: tried and tested
By Jane McGuire last updated
The best shoes for Peloton and home exercise bikes are tried and tested by our in-house Tom's Guide fitness team, including models by Peloton, Rapha and more.
You just need 20 minutes, 1 kettlebell and Joe Rogan’s 5-move workout to build full-body strength and core power
By Sam Hopes published
Build a stronger body and boost core power with this five-move kettlebell workout from Joe Rogan and Onnit. Here's how to do it and the benefits.
Who needs crunches? This 3-move ab workout sculpts core muscle and boosts muscle endurance
By Sam Hopes last updated
Who needs crunches when this 3-move ab workout sculpts core muscle and boosts your muscle endurance? Here's how to do it, according to a personal trainer.
I did 50 double push-up burpees every day for a week — here’s what happened to my body
By Sam Hopes last updated
The double push-up burpee adds intensity to the standard burpee exercise. Here's what happens when you do 50 reps a day for one week.
The 8 best massage guns in 2024 to relieve muscle pain and tension
By Jane McGuire, Sam Hopes last updated
Review We've tested the best massage guns you can buy to boost recovery, reduce stress and get a deep tissue massage at home.
No, not planks — try bear crawls instead and watch your core strength transform
By Sam Hopes published
Bear crawls are a bodyweight exercise that strengthens your core, hips and upper and lower body without hurting your back. Here's how to do them and the benefits.
Grab a kettlebell — this 4-move workout builds full-body muscle and strength and boosts ab power
By Sam Hopes last updated
Build a stronger body and boost core power with just four exercises and a set of kettlebells using this effective workout from kettlebell expert Eric Leija.
9 best protein shakers of 2024, tried and tested
By Jane McGuire last updated
These are the best protein shakers, from no-frill drinking receptacles to premium models with hidden pill organizers.
8 best jump ropes for competition, home and gym workouts 2024: tested and reviewed
By Jane McGuire, Sam Hopes last updated
These are the best jump ropes to improve your strength, conditioning and endurance during home or gym workouts.
Forget weights — this 10-minute yoga routine builds full-body strength and stability and boosts focus
By Sam Hopes last updated
This short 10-minute yoga routine builds strength and flexibility and boosts focus and stability. Access the full workout by Breathe and Flow yoga.
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.
The best water bottles to buy in 2024: our thirst quenching favorites
By Jane McGuire last updated
We've drank from dozens of the best water bottles and these are the most reliable options we've tested.
This 3-move stretching routine will develop healthy hips and strengthen your lower body
By Sam Hopes last updated
You can stretch and strengthen your hips and lower body using these three exercises, and it only takes 15 minutes. Here's how.
8 best ankle weights 2024: tested and reviewed by us
By Kimberly Dawn Neumann , Sam Hopes last updated
Looking for the best ankle weights for your home workouts? We’ve tested the best ankle weights on the market for your lower body, walking workouts and more.
We've tested the best yoga mats for a supportive and versatile practice
By Sam Hopes last updated
We've tried and tested the best yoga mats for home practice, hot yoga, Pilates, Yin, and more. Models include sustainable options, moisture-wicking, extra grip and PVC.
Best home gym equipment 2024: Tested and reviewed by our experts
By Sam Hopes, Jane McGuire last updated
The best home gym equipment items, including treadmills, adjustable dumbbells, yoga mats, and kettlebells, and tried and tested by our fitness team.
I tried a 2-minute grounded Copenhagen plank every day for one week — here’s what happened
By Sam Hopes last updated
Here's how to do the grounded Copenhagen plank, the benefits, and what happens when you do it for two minutes every day for one week.
Who needs weights? This 5-move bodyweight workout boosts core strength and torches every major muscle group
By Sam Hopes last updated
You don't need weights to target every major muscle group, build core strength and boost your metabolism, just this five-move bodyweight created by a personal trainer.