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. Sam has written for various fitness brands and websites over the years and has experience across brands at Future such as Live Science, Fit&Well, Coach, and T3. Having worked with fitness studios like F45 and Virgin, Sam now primarily teaches outdoor bootcamps, bodyweight and calisthenics, and kettlebells. She also coaches mobility and stretching-focused classes several times a week and believes that true strength comes from a holistic approach to training your body. Sam is currently in training for her next mixed doubles Hyrox competition in London this year, having completed her first doubles attempt in 1:11.
In her spare time, she enjoys CrossFit, yoga, and running and can be found perfecting her handstand walks and handstand push-ups in the gym whenever she has the chance to be upside down! At work, she can be found testing the latest fitness technology and wearables, anything yoga and CrossFit-related, and has a keen interest in nutrition, sleep, and recovery.
Latest articles by Sam Hopes
New study reveals one surprising way you can boost power, endurance and strength during workouts — and it's not what you expect
By Sam Hopes published
Research suggests swearing can improve physical performance during short and intense efforts, here's how.
10 best cross training shoes 2024: tried, tested and reviewed by fitness experts
By Sam Hopes last updated
The best cross training shoes for weightlifting, CrossFit, and Hyrox, including models from Nike, Reebok, R.A.D, and NOBULL.
Do you find squats uncomfortable? I've ditched stretches for duck walks to build lower-body mobility, strength and stability
By Sam Hopes last updated
Do you find squats uncomfortable? Add the duck walk to your routine and watch your lower-body mobility, strength and stability transform.
No, not pigeon pose — unstick your hips with this 1-minute mobility exercise from a chiropractor
By Sam Hopes published
Unstick your hips using this one-minute mobility exercise without hurting your back, according to a chiropractor.
Forget the gym — this '12 Days of Christmas' CrossFit workout builds full-body strength in just 35 minutes
By Sam Hopes last updated
I’m a personal trainer, and this CrossFit 12 Days of Christmas workout builds full-body strength and boosts muscle endurance. Here's how to do it.
Personal trainer shares 3 exercises you can do with a foam roller to strengthen your deep abs and boost posture
By Sam Hopes last updated
You can build a stronger core and target your deeper abdominal muscles using these three personal-trainer approved exercises and a foam roller.
Oura just released a game-changing new health feature — here's what you need to know
By Sam Hopes last updated
Oura's app is getting yet another major update — here's what we know about Symptom Radar and how you can use the new feature.
Forget massage guns — I’m ditching them for the ‘gut smash’ exercise to relieve lower back pain and loosen tight hip flexors
By Sam Hopes last updated
A mobility and functional training coach recommends this two-minute 'gut smash' exercise to relieve lower back pain and muscle tension.
10 best weighted jump ropes 2024: tried, tested and reviewed
By Jane McGuire last updated
The best weighted jump ropes are affordable and can provide a great workout at home. Here's our round-up of the top picks from the market.
I’m a personal trainer — this is the 20-minute walking workout I use to build strength without weights and boost metabolism
By Sam Hopes published
A walking workout increases lower body strength and helps boost your metabolism without weights. Here's the workout, and some benefits of walking.
Oura Ring vs Ultrahuman Ring Air: which smart ring should you buy in the Cyber Monday sales?
By Sam Hopes published
Should you buy the Oura Ring 3 or Ultrahuman Ring Air in the Cyber Monday sales?
Adidas Samba is back in fashion — get 40% off the retro look this Cyber Monday
By Sam Hopes published
The Adidas Samba is nearly 40% this Cyber Monday with this limited time deal, and it's one of my favorite Samba sneakers.
I love hiking in the Patagonia Re-Tool Hybrid Pullover — and it's on sale for 50% off right now at REI this Cyber Monday
By Sam Hopes published
The Patagonia Re-Tool Hybrid Pullover keeps me warm without weighing me down, and it's now on sale for Cyber Monday.
Gymshark's massive sale has some of the craziest Cyber Monday deals I've seen so far with up to 70% off
By Sam Hopes published
This crazy Cyber Monday sale could save you up to 70% on workout apparel, plus an extra 25% off at checkout. Shop my favorite deals.
I'm tracking the best Black Friday smart ring deals on Oura Ring, Samsung Galaxy Ring and more
By Dan Bracaglia last updated
Black Friday is right around the corner, and we’re tracking the best deals on smart rings from Oura, Samsung, Amazfit and more.
Forget Amazon — I’ve found REI's 27 best Black Friday winter apparel deals for Arc'teryx, Patagonia, Columbia, and more
By Erin Bashford last updated
Bundle up this winter with new apparel from iconic brands Patagonia, The North Face, ski brand Obermeyer, Fjallraven, and Columbia.
The best Black Friday smartwatch deals are LIVE — my top picks from Apple Watch, Samsung, Garmin and more
By Dan Bracaglia last updated
The best time to save big on smartwatches is right now, including the Apple Watch 10, Garmin Forerunner 165 and Google Fitbit Charge 6.
Black Friday running shoe deals: I'm tracking the best sales on Hoka, On, Nike, Asics and more
By Jessica Downey last updated
The Black Friday running shoe deals are here. Check out our live coverage to find epic discounts from brands like On, Nike, Asics, HOKA and more.
Gymshark's massive sale has some of the craziest Black Friday deals I've seen so far with up to 70% off
By Sam Hopes published
This crazy Black Friday sale could save you up to 70% on workout apparel, plus an extra 25% off at checkout. Shop my favorite deals.
Oura Ring 3 vs Oura Ring 4: which smart ring should you buy in the Black Friday sales?
By Sam Hopes last updated
The Oura Ring 3 is reduced to its lowest price ever in the Black Friday sale, but should you by the Gen 3 or upgrade to the Oura Ring 4?
I run my 10Ks with the Asics Gel Nimbus 25 running shoes — and they just crashed to $109 for Black Friday
By Sam Hopes published
The Asics Gel-Nimbus 25 running shoe is just $109 during Amazon Black Friday sales with this limited time deal. Here's how to shop.
These are the best Under Armour Black Friday deals I'd shop: deals at Walmart, Dick's Sporting Goods and Amazon from just $14
By Sam Hopes last updated
I've scoured Amazon, REI and Dick's Sporting Goods for the best Under Armour deals this Black Friday. Here are my favorite picks.
I do all my hiking in the Patagonia Nano Puff jacket — and it's now on sale for 50% off at REI this Black Friday
By Sam Hopes published
The Patagonia Nano Puff is one of the most lightweight pieces of outerwear I like to hike in, and it's now on sale for Black Friday.
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