Sam Hopes is a level 3 qualified trainer, a level 2 Reiki practitioner and a fitness editor 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 Active and trained both group and 1:1, Sam now primarily teaches outdoor bootcamps, bodyweight, and kettlebells. She also coaches mobility and flexibility classes several times a week and believes that true strength comes from a holistic approach to training your body.
Sam has completed two mixed doubles Hyrox competitions in London and the Netherlands and finished her first doubles attempt in 1:11.
In her spare time, she enjoys CrossFit, hot yoga, Pilates 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 in fitness technology and wearables, anything yoga and CrossFit-related and has a keen interest in nutrition, mindfulness, sleep and recovery.
Latest articles by Sam Hopes

5 full-body moves that build strength all over using just a yoga block (and you don't need a gym, either)
By Sam Hopes last updated
These five exercises work your entire body using a yoga block and no weights.

You just need these 4 Pilates exercises to build a strong and stable core, according to a Pilates teacher
By Sam Hopes last updated
Here's how to try the four-move Pilates abs workout yourself.

I unlocked elite hip mobility using these 3 moves for 6 months, and here's the routine I use
By Sam Hopes last updated
Three mobility exercises that can unlock better range of motion and movement quality in your hips.

I swapped crunches and sit-ups for Pilates pikes, and my core strength has never been better
By Sam Hopes last updated
Pilates pikes work your core muscles and test flexibility and mobility; here's how to do it, and why the exercise has helped transform strength.

Less stretching, more mobility: Try these 3 chair exercises to build a strong spine and reduce lower back pain
By Sam Hopes last updated
These chair exercises can increase spinal mobility and stretch out your back after a long day sitting behind a desk.

7 best shoes for Peloton and indoor cycling: tried and tested by our fitness team
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.

These 4 moves unstick your hips better than stretches like pigeon — trust me, I'm a mobility coach
By Sam Hopes last updated
Unlock better hip range of motion with four mobility exercises over the next few months.

'Bridal arms' are trending: This simple 3-move Pilates workout sculpts your shoulders, back and biceps
By Sam Hopes last updated
Try this simple Pilates routine to build strong, sculpted 'bridal' arms.

Forget the 'six pack': Build glute stability to protect your lower back with these 3 Pilates moves
By Sam Hopes last updated
These three Pilates exercises build strong, stable glutes to help protect your lower back alongside your core.

I'm a personal trainer: If you 'butt wink' during squats, try this simple trick
By Sam Hopes published
Butt winking could be hurting your lower back and preventing you from reaching squat depth; here's how to fix it.

Forget heavy lunges: Try this 'kickstand' squat for game-changing hip longevity and lower-body strength
By Sam Hopes published
You can improve lower-body strength, stability and mobility using kickstand squats.

Amazon just dropped the price on some of the most popular Asics running shoes — 3 pairs I'd add to my cart right now
By Sam Hopes last updated
The Amazon Spring Sale is live, and you can pick up top models of Asics running shoes for less.

Nope, not planks or crunches: 4 moves a Pilates instructor wants you to try to sculpt a strong, solid core
By Sam Hopes published
Four exercises you can use to build a solid, strong core.

I ditched massage guns for these 5 must-buy recovery tools, and they're up to 40% off in Amazon's Big Spring Sale
By Sam Hopes published
I work as a personal trainer, and these are the five tools I recommend for wellbeing and muscle recovery currently on sale during Amazon's Big Spring Sale.

I practice yoga and Pilates 5 times a week — 12 pieces of gear I’d buy with my own money
By Sam Hopes last updated
I've been practicing yoga and Pilates for years, and this is the apparel I'd buy again and again.

Lower-body strength can decline by 5% a year after 50, says a study: Try these 3 Pilates leg exercises to preserve muscle
By Sam Hopes last updated
Lower-body strength can decline by 5% a year after 50, so we turned to a Pilates instructor for three leg exercises to maintain functional strength and muscle.

I'm a personal trainer: This 5-move dumbbell workout could help you build more muscle
By Sam Hopes last updated
This full-body workout only requires a set of dumbbells and five moves to build muscle and strength.

I drank warm water every day for 14 days like Jennifer Aniston — here’s what happened
By Sam Hopes last updated
What does drinking warm water every morning do to your body? We tested it for 14 days to see what, if any, benefits exist.

Oura Ring 5 leaked — this could be the new design
By Sam Hopes published
The Oura Ring 5 is rumoured for release in 2027; here's what we know so far.

A Pilates instructor recommends this 3-move 'deep core' workout to sculpt strength, control and stability
By Sam Hopes last updated
A Pilates instructor demonstrates three moves you need for a strong and stable core.

‘Undesk' your hips and build functional strength with this 3-move Pilates glute workout
By Sam Hopes last updated
A Pilates instructor shares three Pilates exercises you can do to build stronger glutes and open your hips after a long day of sitting.

The best hiking boots to buy — tested and rated for mountain trails and casual hikes
By John R. Quain, Dan Bracaglia, Jessica Downey last updated
These are the best hiking boots to in 2025, including the best waterproof hiking boots and the best hiking boots for casual trekkers.

The best kettlebells for weightlifting: I'm a personal trainer and these are my 9 picks
By Sam Hopes last updated
The best kettlebells for strength and conditioning, weightlifting, and home workouts, including Onnit, Primal and Amazon. Plus, the best kettlebells for CrossFit and competition.
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