GYM

&

TONIC

The no.1

bu Student Fitness & Lifestyle magazine

Made For Students - By Students

November Issue out now!

Welcome back Students!

Welcome Back, Fit Squad! Let’s Crush November Together! 

With uni life back in full swing, we’ve packed our third article with everything you need to stay on track with your fitness goals. We’ve got some killer interviews: basketball first-team player Ben Donovan shares how he balances sport and studies, student PT Abi gives her top tips for gym newbies and how she juggles fitness with coursework, and fitness fanatic Owen Davies talks about his incredible body transformation while at uni. 

Prime Time to Get Moving!

Sure, it’s getting colder, and we know the temptation to hibernate until Christmas is real. But trust us—November is the perfect time to build a routine before December’s festive temptations hit. The gym is still open (yep, still there!), and way less crowded than it’ll be in January, when New Year’s resolutions kick in. Plus, our Workout Guide has everything you need to kickstart your fitness journey, whether it’s your first time in the gym or you're getting back on track after a Fresher’s Month “break.” 

man in red polo shirt pouring wine on clear wine glass

Our Sport of The Month: Basketball!

Our Sport of the month for November is Basketball - Presented by one of Bournemouth University's first team player Ben Donovan. He shares his insight into the sport and how playing it has shaped his University life - potentially even inspiring others to continue playing their preferred sport to stay active and healthy after they have graduated from their course!

This Months Fashion Pick: Gymshark

Looking for some fresh motivation to hit the gym? Sometimes, all you need is the right gear! Our article on fashion covers all of this, we’ve got a round-up of the latest Gymshark - from stylish activewear you can wear to class and the gym, to the comfiest sneakers and workout accessories. Looking good while working out? It’s a win-win. 

Fuel Up: Smart Eats for Busy Students 

Whether you’re bulking up or cutting down, nutrition is key to hitting your fitness goals, we’ve got you covered with student-friendly recipes tailored to both sides of the spectrum. Need to pack on muscle? Check out our high-protein, calorie-dense meals that won’t break the bank. If you’re cutting, we’ve got low-cal, nutrient-rich recipes to help you stay lean without feeling deprived. 

Quick, Easy Wins 

We know November is packed with deadlines, and assignments piling up faster than laundry. But hear us out—if you can fit a 30 minute TikTok binge in your day, you can squeeze in 30 minutes for a workout. Can’t make it to the gym? No problem. We’ve got a bunch of at-home workout routines on our workout guide article that you can do in your PJs. Push-ups between study sessions? Jumping jacks before your next Netflix binge? Trust us, you’ll feel so much better afterwards.  

Mind + Body Boost 

Let’s be real - fitness isn’t just about the gains (though we love those, too). Staying active can be a total game-changer for your mental health, especially with the stress of exams and deadlines creeping up. A quick workout can clear your head and keep that end-of-semester stress in check. If you struggle with gym anxiety, see our Gym Anxiety & Stress management article for more details and our tips on how to deal with these problems.

Warm-Up for the Holidays 

Remember, December—and all those glorious holiday feasts—are right around the corner. Think of November as your fitness warm-up. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about staying active, having fun, and keeping the body moving before winter break rolls around. You’ll thank yourself later! 

So, let’s do this, team! Whether you’re hitting the gym, trying out a new fitness class, or squeezing in a brisk walk between lectures, we’ve got your back. Let’s make November count! 

Introducing

Gym & Tonic

The Podcast

For our first monthly podcast episode we will be joined with student PT Abi! In November's podcast we will be talking about Abi's beginners guide to fitness, giving her tips and tricks to what you can do as a beginner to maximise your performance at the gym, Check out our Student Fitness 101 article for more!