![James Frew](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/FDeVfL6tPoyzJeVMCC7rt3.jpg)
James Frew
James is Tom’s Guide’s Fitness Editor, covering strength training workouts, cardio exercise, and accessible ways to improve your health and wellbeing. His interest in fitness started over 10 years ago after being diagnosed with a chronic illness.
To help manage the symptoms, he began focusing on strengthening his core, taking regular walks around the city, and practicing meditation. He also invested in fitness trackers, home workout equipment, and yoga mats to find accessible ways to train without the gym.
Before joining the team at Tom’s Guide, James was the Fitness Editor at Fit&Well, where he covered beginner-friendly exercise routines, affordable ways to boost your wellbeing, and reviewed weights, rowing machines, and workout headphones.
He believes that exercise should be something you enjoy doing, so appreciates the challenge of finding ways to incorporate it into everyday life through short muscle-building sessions, regular meditation, and early morning walks.
James’ work has appeared in Live Science, Happiness, and consumer technology sites like MakeUseOf, Lifewire, and Blocks Decoded. He has reviewed headphones, fitness trackers, and smartwatches, covered events like the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), IFA, and Black Hat Europe, and was named Muck Rack’s Featured Journalist in February 2021.
He was a regular contributor to the Really Useful Podcast and a co-host for the Blocks Decoded podcast, and spent five years as a Listening Volunteer for the UK-based mental health charity Samaritans. Outside of work, you’ll find him out on long dog walks, listening to podcasts, and excitedly checking out each week's New Music Friday releases.
Latest articles by James Frew
![Juice & Toya dumbbell workout on YouTube](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/SPLSsBuhgyLjnfVU9WU6ke-320-80.jpg 320w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/SPLSsBuhgyLjnfVU9WU6ke-450-80.jpg 450w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/SPLSsBuhgyLjnfVU9WU6ke-500-80.jpg 500w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/SPLSsBuhgyLjnfVU9WU6ke-650-80.jpg 650w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/SPLSsBuhgyLjnfVU9WU6ke-840-80.jpg 840w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/SPLSsBuhgyLjnfVU9WU6ke-925-80.jpg 925w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/SPLSsBuhgyLjnfVU9WU6ke-1024-80.jpg 1024w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/SPLSsBuhgyLjnfVU9WU6ke-1200-80.jpg 1200w)
You don’t need the gym to build full-body muscle, just this 30-minute dumbbell workout
By James Frew published
This short session works muscles all over your body, raises your heart rate, and boosts your metabolism with just a set of dumbbells.
![Zumba on-demand dance workout](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Y9ApwdQ6T9EqXM9dmCXnmd-320-80.jpg 320w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Y9ApwdQ6T9EqXM9dmCXnmd-450-80.jpg 450w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Y9ApwdQ6T9EqXM9dmCXnmd-500-80.jpg 500w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Y9ApwdQ6T9EqXM9dmCXnmd-650-80.jpg 650w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Y9ApwdQ6T9EqXM9dmCXnmd-840-80.jpg 840w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Y9ApwdQ6T9EqXM9dmCXnmd-925-80.jpg 925w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Y9ApwdQ6T9EqXM9dmCXnmd-1024-80.jpg 1024w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Y9ApwdQ6T9EqXM9dmCXnmd-1200-80.jpg 1200w)
Zumba finally launches an app, so you can dance your way fit at home
By James Frew published
The Zumba app brings dance-inspired fitness classes to your home — here's what you need to know.
![Ollie Thompson starting a dumbbell skullcrusher](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/HnDmkNaLvEt5QTk7UqboRB-320-80.jpg 320w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/HnDmkNaLvEt5QTk7UqboRB-450-80.jpg 450w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/HnDmkNaLvEt5QTk7UqboRB-500-80.jpg 500w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/HnDmkNaLvEt5QTk7UqboRB-650-80.jpg 650w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/HnDmkNaLvEt5QTk7UqboRB-840-80.jpg 840w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/HnDmkNaLvEt5QTk7UqboRB-925-80.jpg 925w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/HnDmkNaLvEt5QTk7UqboRB-1024-80.jpg 1024w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/HnDmkNaLvEt5QTk7UqboRB-1200-80.jpg 1200w)
Forget the gym — build a stronger chest and arms with this 5-move dumbbell workout
By James Frew published
We asked a personal trainer to design a short, dumbbell-only routine to work your whole upper body and strengthen your core.
![Toya workout video on YouTube](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/NwQYK4N4dbHmvkWoHNDGnm-320-80.jpg 320w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/NwQYK4N4dbHmvkWoHNDGnm-450-80.jpg 450w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/NwQYK4N4dbHmvkWoHNDGnm-500-80.jpg 500w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/NwQYK4N4dbHmvkWoHNDGnm-650-80.jpg 650w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/NwQYK4N4dbHmvkWoHNDGnm-840-80.jpg 840w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/NwQYK4N4dbHmvkWoHNDGnm-925-80.jpg 925w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/NwQYK4N4dbHmvkWoHNDGnm-1024-80.jpg 1024w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/NwQYK4N4dbHmvkWoHNDGnm-1200-80.jpg 1200w)
Forget weights — this 20-minute bodyweight workout strengthens your muscles and boosts your metabolism
By James Frew published
Work muscles all over your body, raise your heart rate, and burn fat in just 20 minutes with this short bodyweight workout.
![Tiff and Dan doing dumbbell workout for YouTube video](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/jGeABmQbKJH2WdGz2TA9K4-320-80.jpg 320w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/jGeABmQbKJH2WdGz2TA9K4-450-80.jpg 450w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/jGeABmQbKJH2WdGz2TA9K4-500-80.jpg 500w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/jGeABmQbKJH2WdGz2TA9K4-650-80.jpg 650w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/jGeABmQbKJH2WdGz2TA9K4-840-80.jpg 840w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/jGeABmQbKJH2WdGz2TA9K4-925-80.jpg 925w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/jGeABmQbKJH2WdGz2TA9K4-1024-80.jpg 1024w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/jGeABmQbKJH2WdGz2TA9K4-1200-80.jpg 1200w)
Forget the gym — build full-body muscle with a set of dumbbells in just 25 minutes
By James Frew published
This short, no-repeat routine works muscles all over your body, raises your heart rate, and boosts your metabolism in just 25 minutes.
![Two WithU trainers doing a workout](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/umEX4SLDJbqwNSJPEhUHoR-320-80.jpg 320w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/umEX4SLDJbqwNSJPEhUHoR-450-80.jpg 450w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/umEX4SLDJbqwNSJPEhUHoR-500-80.jpg 500w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/umEX4SLDJbqwNSJPEhUHoR-650-80.jpg 650w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/umEX4SLDJbqwNSJPEhUHoR-840-80.jpg 840w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/umEX4SLDJbqwNSJPEhUHoR-925-80.jpg 925w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/umEX4SLDJbqwNSJPEhUHoR-1024-80.jpg 1024w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/umEX4SLDJbqwNSJPEhUHoR-1200-80.jpg 1200w)
You can work out for free using your Samsung TV right now — here’s how
By James Frew published
You can train at home without breaking the bank thanks to Samsung's new partnership with workout app WithU, bringing 26 classes to your TV free of charge.
![Man wearing Skullcandy Dime 3 earbuds outside](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/9S3swGULrWaz8HhwZP4GoB-320-80.jpg 320w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/9S3swGULrWaz8HhwZP4GoB-450-80.jpg 450w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/9S3swGULrWaz8HhwZP4GoB-500-80.jpg 500w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/9S3swGULrWaz8HhwZP4GoB-650-80.jpg 650w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/9S3swGULrWaz8HhwZP4GoB-840-80.jpg 840w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/9S3swGULrWaz8HhwZP4GoB-925-80.jpg 925w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/9S3swGULrWaz8HhwZP4GoB-1024-80.jpg 1024w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/9S3swGULrWaz8HhwZP4GoB-1200-80.jpg 1200w)
We've tested the best cheap running headphones for exercise on a budget
By Lee Dunkley last updated
These cheap running headphones make an excellent companion, whether you're into sprints, casual jogs, or marathons.
![James Frew performing a dumbbell workout at home](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/sLtsXtJmDeoxr3YJZ4QogC-320-80.jpg 320w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/sLtsXtJmDeoxr3YJZ4QogC-450-80.jpg 450w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/sLtsXtJmDeoxr3YJZ4QogC-500-80.jpg 500w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/sLtsXtJmDeoxr3YJZ4QogC-650-80.jpg 650w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/sLtsXtJmDeoxr3YJZ4QogC-840-80.jpg 840w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/sLtsXtJmDeoxr3YJZ4QogC-925-80.jpg 925w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/sLtsXtJmDeoxr3YJZ4QogC-1024-80.jpg 1024w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/sLtsXtJmDeoxr3YJZ4QogC-1200-80.jpg 1200w)
I tried this 8-move full-body dumbbell workout, and I felt stronger in just 25 minutes
By James Frew published
Chris Heria's workout only takes 25 minutes, but worked my muscles hard and raised my heart rate with just a handful of dumbbell exercises.
![Man performing dumbbell renegade rows](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/db3iUP63xGg4F8zdAhfprB-320-80.jpg 320w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/db3iUP63xGg4F8zdAhfprB-450-80.jpg 450w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/db3iUP63xGg4F8zdAhfprB-500-80.jpg 500w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/db3iUP63xGg4F8zdAhfprB-650-80.jpg 650w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/db3iUP63xGg4F8zdAhfprB-840-80.jpg 840w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/db3iUP63xGg4F8zdAhfprB-925-80.jpg 925w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/db3iUP63xGg4F8zdAhfprB-1024-80.jpg 1024w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/db3iUP63xGg4F8zdAhfprB-1200-80.jpg 1200w)
Forget planks — this dumbbell abs workout builds core strength in just 8 moves
By James Frew published
This short workout targets your core, strengthens your abs, and boosts your balance with just a set of dumbbells.
![Man performing biceps curls with resistance bands](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/xx6jn4SunS6MTRMRpvMhXi-320-80.jpg 320w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/xx6jn4SunS6MTRMRpvMhXi-450-80.jpg 450w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/xx6jn4SunS6MTRMRpvMhXi-500-80.jpg 500w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/xx6jn4SunS6MTRMRpvMhXi-650-80.jpg 650w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/xx6jn4SunS6MTRMRpvMhXi-840-80.jpg 840w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/xx6jn4SunS6MTRMRpvMhXi-925-80.jpg 925w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/xx6jn4SunS6MTRMRpvMhXi-1024-80.jpg 1024w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/xx6jn4SunS6MTRMRpvMhXi-1200-80.jpg 1200w)
Forget weights — this 4-move workout builds upper-body muscle with just a set of resistance bands
By James Frew published
This short resistance band workout builds muscle in your arms, chest, shoulders, and back with just four strength training exercises.
![Juice & Toya performing a 30-minute EMOM workout](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/sqVXvDk235nR8pefgbNck-320-80.jpg 320w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/sqVXvDk235nR8pefgbNck-450-80.jpg 450w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/sqVXvDk235nR8pefgbNck-500-80.jpg 500w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/sqVXvDk235nR8pefgbNck-650-80.jpg 650w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/sqVXvDk235nR8pefgbNck-840-80.jpg 840w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/sqVXvDk235nR8pefgbNck-925-80.jpg 925w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/sqVXvDk235nR8pefgbNck-1024-80.jpg 1024w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/sqVXvDk235nR8pefgbNck-1200-80.jpg 1200w)
Build full-body muscle in just 30 minutes with this 8-move dumbbell workout
By James Frew published
This short routine raises your heart rate, engages muscles all over your body, and strengthens your core in just 30 minutes with a set of dumbbells.
![BowFlex SelectTech 552 adjustable dumbbells](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/iaNv9AScoZXywZhW4K2vfJ-320-80.jpg 320w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/iaNv9AScoZXywZhW4K2vfJ-450-80.jpg 450w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/iaNv9AScoZXywZhW4K2vfJ-500-80.jpg 500w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/iaNv9AScoZXywZhW4K2vfJ-650-80.jpg 650w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/iaNv9AScoZXywZhW4K2vfJ-840-80.jpg 840w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/iaNv9AScoZXywZhW4K2vfJ-925-80.jpg 925w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/iaNv9AScoZXywZhW4K2vfJ-1024-80.jpg 1024w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/iaNv9AScoZXywZhW4K2vfJ-1200-80.jpg 1200w)
We've tested the best adjustable dumbbells for weightlifting at home 2024
By James Frew last updated
Here are the best adjustable dumbbells for weightlifting and resistance training.