My name is Gina- I’m so happy you’re here.
On this blog, I like to share some daily happenings, as well as quick, effective workouts and healthy recipes.
I started writing The Fitnessista when we were living in Valdosta, Georgia. I was in maintenance mode after losing 40 lbs, but healthy options were pretty scarce. Going to Whole Foods in Orlando was a vacation in itself, and the little things, like being able to harvest my own organic produce made me scary excited. The blog was a little way to share healthy recipes and workouts with some of my personal training clients and since the beginning, a lot has changed:
-My eating style. I started off the blog eating “diet foods” and eventually transitioned to more whole, unprocessed foods. I also experimented with pescatarianism but went back to eating chicken a couple of years later. Today I like to focus on lean protein, fruits, veggies, grains (I prefer to eat gluten-free), chocolate, wine and all the fun stuff sprinkled in.
-Our location. Since we’re military, we travel and move fairly often and are currently stationed in Tucson, AZ. If we never leave, I’ll be fine with that 
On the other hand, since we’ve had the chance to live here near my family, it doesn’t matter where they send us next. Being a military wife has its challenges (we’ve been through 3 deployments and who knows how many TDYs), but it’s exciting at the same time. Oh, and the honeymoon feeling? It never goes away.
-Our family. We started off as The Pilot (my husband, an A-10 pilot and the love of my life I met at Starbucks), Bella (our maltipoo) and myself. In January 2012, we welcomed our daughter Olivia into our family. After dreaming about her for years, meeting her and having her in our life was even better than we imagined. You can read more about our family adventures, the pregnancy, birth, and musings as a new mom over on the family page.
-My jobs. Since we move so frequently, I’ve changed jobs along with our location. I currently teach group fitness classes at a world-renowned health resort, in addition to being a full-time mom, puppy wrangler, wife and blogger.
Certifications:
AFAA-certified group fitness instructor
AFTA certified personal trainer (taking the NASM exam this winter)
Zumba licensed and ZIN member
Level 1 Raw Foods Chef (105degrees)
I try my best to respond to every comment and email I receive. If I happen to miss yours, please leave a comment on a recent post, send me a tweet or hit me up on Facebook! I apologize that I’m unable to create personalized workout training plans and provide nutritional consultations at this time. If that’s what you’re looking for, be sure to seek out the help of a local personal trainer and/or registered dietician. My workouts are designed with the average gym-going Jane in mind- if you’re injured, or just starting out, please be sure to modify/omit exercises as needed.
You can “Like” The Fitnessista on Facebook, or follow me on Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest for more updates and pictures.
Thank you so much for reading <3
Interested in sponsoring? Send me an email at fitnessistasponsor at gmail dot com for a media kit and current rates.
Hi, I'm Gina. Welcome to The Fitnessista! I love blogging about my adventures as a new mom, military wife and fitness instructor, as well as sharing new workouts and recipes. Check out the About page for more info - thanks for stopping by!
Hey Gina! How long have you been a group fitness instructor? Do you have any tips for newbies? I just got certified for Turbo Kick and PiYo!
Hi Gina! I just found your blog and absolutely love the balance you provide of fun/family/fitness/nutrition, etc. Congrats on your beautiful little girl! I am really interested in your transition from what appears to be a mostly raw/vegan lifestyle (which maybe I am getting wrong, but seems thats the way you ate in some of the earlier posts) to how you eat now, which seems to include a lot more animal protein (chicken, fish, etc). What was the switch, and how does it make you feel? Thanks for any input!
thank you!
i was eating too much fat and sugar when i was mostly raw, so i started to add back in more protein, and a year ago, chicken again (i ate fish and eggs before, but you can only eat so much fish and eggs, ya know?)
i feel MUCH better, especially with the pregnancy and my teaching schedule. a lot more energy, and my body fat went down when i switched back
hope this helps a little!
Hi Gina,
First I wanted to say Congrats on your new baby! She’s truly precious and cherish every moment. I also wanted to tell you that I love your blog and think you are a true inspiration. Your journey to health and wellness is amazing, and inspires others to make great choices even when they are short on time. I follow your blog and facebook page and think you provide really valuable information and it motivates me to stay in shape too.
This probably already sounds spammish, but I’m not trying to be. I just love the information you post and your outreach, that I was looking for your advice as well. I am new to blogging and hope that since I am still trying to get my feet wet if you wouldn’t mind checking out my page/website to see if there is any where I can improve. I know you are probably really busy, I just wanted to get my name out there and inspire others to make healthy choices…
Thanks so much!!
http://www.fitnesswithspice.com
http://www.facebook.com/FitnessWithSpice
Hi Gina,
I’ve been a longtime reader and fan of your blog,however this is my first time commenting.
I want to say first of all that you have inspired me to eat better and exercise more-in fact I discovered Zumba through your
blog and am now addicted,so thank you!
I also love Turbo Fire,however I’m getting sick of listening to the same songs over and over again (I can only hear ‘Boom I’ve got your boyfriend’ so many times. lol.
Anyways,I was listening to the new Katy Perry single the other day and thought that it would go great with some of the Turbo Fire routines,and it got me thinking…
Have you ever used your own custom playlist while using workout dvds,and how would you match it to the
choreography?
Any advice you could give would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.
i’ve been wanting to put together a playlist for it (i’m sick of the songs, too) but haven’t had time to get around to it. if i do, i’ll post it! xoxo
I’m addicted to your blog! Love it!
I was wondering if you know anything about the Body By Vi? I have friends doing it and wondered what your perspective is?
Thanks for your great posts! I always look forward to reading your blog
C
i’ve heard of it, but don’t know the details. one of my friends is always pimping body by vi on facebook
maybe it will be a good focus on post?
Hi Gina. I read your blog every day and love it! I have a question… you mentioned in a post several months ago that you loved a certain brand of face soap/lotion products. Which product was it? Thanks.
i use juice beauty spf moisturizer for day and always change up my face soap and night moisturizer. right now it’s kiss my face soap and korres wild rose moisturizer (which is AMAZING)
xoxo
Hi Gina!
I’ve really enjoyed reading you blog since I discovered it a few weeks ago. I’m in the process of changing careers – high school teacher to fitness instructor. I passed my CPT exam (NASM) and I’m not sure how to get started. I love one on one training and group classes. How did you get started? Any advice would be super appreciated!!
here ya go! http://fitnessista.com/about/why-im-a-personal-trainer/
let me know if you have any more questions after reading it!
sending lots of luck and love to you!
I just got hired as an instructor at an amazing Pilates studio! Thank you so so much for inspiring me to follow my dreams!!
that’s wonderful news! congratulations!
[...] food blogs to find healthy and delicious EASY recipes. One of my favorite blogs I follow is The Fitnessista. She has a recipe posted for a breakfast cookie that I decided to try [...]
Hello
Do you offer giveaways? I would love to work with you on one! I sell cute girly fun workout tanks 
http://www.etsy.com/shop/ruffleswithlove
Hey Gina,
My name is Tracy and I am current a public relations student at San Diego State University. Throughout the semester we have had to have our own blog on a topic that interests us, so I have been doing mine around health and fitness. Earlier in the semester, I found your blog and loved it ever since. I have an assignment coming up to interview someone who we think could give us advice or tips on anything in the area. Since I really like what you post, I was wondering if I could ask you a few questions on your blog and your success as a blogger. If you have any time at all, please let me know. I look forward to hearing from you!
You seem to have soooo much motivation!! Where does it all come from? Thanks for the inspiration, girl!!!
Hi!
I read your blog daily and love it for a couple reasons. My husband was in the Air Force and we were previously based in Tucson. It’s so fun to see some of our favorite spots on your blog! Also, I have a 11 week old baby so I have learned so much from your experiences. I really appreciate your honesty…being a mom is the hardest and best thing I’ve ever done. I have a question for you as it seems that we have similar styles in parenting. It seems like Livi has great sleeping habits. My pediatrician mentioned that I could work on putting my daughter down drowsy instead of rocking her asleep so she can learn to soothe herself to sleep. Every time I’ve done this it just produces an upset, overly tired baby. Did you ever do this with your daughter?? Sometimes I have to rock my baby to sleep a few times before she’ll finally fall asleep for the night. Any tips are welcome! Sorry for the long comment:)
hey girl,
yes, livi is an awesome sleeper (knock.on.wood) but it took a while for her to get into the swing of a routine. we do eat, play, sleep, and she usually is tired after being awake for 1 1/2 – 2 hours. i try to take her up for naptime at the first yawn, so she isn’t overtired. i used to always rock her to sleep and put her down fast asleep, but for the past month or so, she gets really squirmy while i rock her. so i put her in her crib, on her back, turn on the mobile and tell her “it’s nappy time. have a great nap and i’ll see you when you wake up” and she’ll usually roll over and put herself to sleep
if she doesn’t fall asleep right away, i walk away and give her 3-5 minutes. if she’s crying or fussy, i’ll pat and rub her back or pick her up (if patting doesn’t work) and rock her a little while before i put her down again, and that usually does the trick. most of the time, she puts herself to sleep without any crying at all since it’s become routine for her
hope this helps a little!
Thank you for the advice! It’s great to know you didn’t have to “train” her to fall asleep on her own. I’ve always worried I’ve developed a bad habit by rocking her to sleep! Hope she continues to sleep so well for you:)
thank you! nope, not at all! she’ll get the hang of it for you soon <3
Gina,
I just wanted to tell you that you are an amazing, inspirational person. Thank you for your blog! It brightens my day, and it is nice to hear about a fellow new mom’s experiences in addition to staying fit.
thank you so much for reading, randi <3
xoxo
Gina,
I can’t tell you how much that I adore your blog! I’m in the Air Force and currently stationed in Japan. Talk about having limited options for shopping healthy foods! I have been trying to workout and eat as clean as possible during the past few months. Your blog actually inspired me to start one of my own. So, thanks for the inspiration!
hi lovely! thank you so much for reading and for your service to our country- you are amazing
i can’t wait to read your blog!
xoxo
I know all about Valdosta! I live in a town 40 minutes away. I like your blog! Super cute.
Hi Gina!
First off, your blog is wonderful, I love the recipes and fitness tips, and of course your adorable new addition to your family!!
I am really curious as to how you got into the field of teaching fitness. I LOVE going to the gym, running, being active etc and have been thinking a lot about changing gears and getting into the fitness world as a career. How did you go about becoming an instructor for classes? If you have any advice as to how to go about it I would love the guidance, I’m not exactly sure where to begin.
I live in a small town in Georgia now (Kingsland) but it is close to Jacksonville. Talk about frustrating! Not a single yoga class exists after 5 pm. In a one mile radius there is: 2 Waffle Houses, an IHOP, Chic Fil A, an Italian restaurant where the food is not really Italian, Wendy’s Burger King, and a Chinese Buffet. I know I am missing a few though. Oh yeah the 24-7 Dunkin Donuts.
I love your blog! The recipes are fantastic… It’s nice to find other foodies who still put a priority on eating healthy and exercising.
I didn’t realize you were living in Tucson today! I’m a born and raised Tucsonan and I love it here!!
Hi Gina,
I was referred to you by a good friend of mine. You have such an excellent blog and I can’t take my eyes off the food pictures
My husband and I got our very first app approved on itunes a couple days ago, something we’ve been working on for months. It’s very nice to see something useful finally available for everyone to use.
I am reaching out to you to request a review of the app or maybe introduct it in your fitness blog. Our app is a “one rep max calculator”. It is a tool that is essentially for those who are serious about their fitness / working out in the gym. You can find the app here: http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/max-lift-one-rep-max-calculator/id528276108?mt=8
It’s been a lot of hard work for us, but very rewarding finally to see it up. I would really appreciate to get your feedback on the app, as well as your help in providing an honest review of it for your readership. We know what we have developed is very useful and user friendly. However, we don’t have the means or the knowledge to promote it and get it the exposure it needs. I was hoping that you could assist us in getting the word out. Please let me know if you would be interested and I will be happy to send you a promo code.
If I can be of any help answering questions for you, please let me know. Again, I really appreciate what you are doing for the community in regards to health and fitness, and I thank you for your time in advance.
Regards,
Kish
I really like to read your blog and get the fitness and food tips! I have passion for fitness and I am learning to eat the right kind of food. Your blog has inspired me starting my own blog, I wish one day I could make my living working in fitness, possible as a personal trainer. Thank you!
Gina,
Hi, I know you work at a resort as a fitness instructor. I went thru’ the website but couldn’t find out which resort you work at. Do you share that info? Also, I love to go to a boot camp/spa kind of resort, and I know there are lots in Arizona and Utah, etc. Do you have any recommendations? Thanks, always love your blog.
Cathy
I apologize if this is a duplicate. Are you still near Valdosta?
no, we lived in valdosta for 4 years though
Oh so disappointed, I was hoping you were here!! I will continue to follow your wonderful ideas though! Question? Best detoxifying drink? Currently have side effects from a med and trying to speed up the removal of waste. Prepared such as odwalla would be best because right now I am not in a position to make my own. Thanks!
Quite an awesome blog you’ve put together, Fitness and Food is truly such a great combination. It’s great to have young people who appreciate the importance of living well. Bravo to you.
btw, is that a Hodad’s burger your hubby is eating?
[...] about the stainless straws that Tina uses or the Dharma glass straws from Gina’s [...]
This is an amazing BLOG and really personal. Great to see someone who lives like our family. We make our lives work through fitness and staying healthy.
It is a tough challenge to mainatin both and look amazing at the same time.
Hi Gina! Loving your blog and all the recipes/exercise tips you have! Do you have any favorite band workouts?
Cool blog, Gina! Love the content and design. (And I drove through Valdosta Monday during the storm!)
Hi, I just wanted to let you know that I have nominated your blog for the Very Inspirational Blogger Award! All of the information is in my latest post: http://prettygirlfit.wordpress.com/2012/06/29/the-very-inspiring-blogger-award Keep up the good work!
I’m interested in getting my group exercise certification and I was just wondering what program you recommend? Thanks!
i have afaa and love it
Hi Gina, Is there a way to contact you privately- there’s an issue I’ve come across and I’d prefer not to comment publicly so no one feels attacked or so no drama comes out of it.
send me an email! fitnessista at gmail dot com
i’m still trying to get back to emails i received on vacation, so i’ll get back to you as soon as i can
Hi Gina,
I am a personal trainer and pilates instructor. First of all, I LOVE YOUR BLOG! Well Done- keep on posting please!
A few months ago I started a blog and I feel that it’s going well, but I definitely want to continue growing. I am slowly moving away from personal training and want to focus on my blog and a new venture hosting HEALTH & FITNESS VACATIONS! I’m totally pumped about this new direction. I am planning my first trip for this NOV. in
St. Augustine, FL. I have rented a FABULOUS beach house. We will do pilates on the beach, resistance training with sand & water, etc… I will also walk my crew through a week of cooking, eating, and living in a healthy way!
I am trying to get help passing along my info. If there is any way you could help, I would so appreciate that!
Please check out my blog and info on the trip!
ashleybensonfitness.com
Thanks! I hope to hear from you !
Ashley
Hi Gina!!
I just wanted to send you a message that I nominated your blog as a recipient of the Very Inspiring Blogger Award. I wanted to e-mail this to you but couldn’t figure out how!! I love reading about your life, your workouts, and your tasty recipes, and your new baby
I know that you are super busy with your blog, considering how much it has grown and that is awesome!!! But I still thought that you may have time for this little award as there are some things that you need to do:
Display the award logo somewhere on the blog.
Thanks for being so inspiring, I hope to be as inspiring as you someday!!
Link back to the blog of the person who nominated you.
State 7 things about yourself.
Nominate 15 other bloggers for the award and provide links to their blogs.
Notify those bloggers that they have been nominated and of the award’s requirements.
So there it is. Keep up the great work with your blog… I love everything about it
Tara
I had seen a Desperate Hogwives tshirt that had an A-10 on it. I thought i seen it on here. Can you tell me if yall have these shirts ot if you know where i can find one.
Thanks,
Machelle
Hi Gina!
I’m a big fan of your blog–maybe a little obsessed…I check it a bazillion times a day
I love your recipes and workout posts! I’m writing because I’m getting married in early October and my future hubby and I will be honeymooning in Phoenix! Our diets seem similar to you and the Pilots (gluten intolerance, various food allergies, i’m not a big meat eater, the list goes on…) and I was wondering if you had any recommendations for restaurants that we can hit up? We are from Ohio, so I’m sad that I don’t get a lot of gluten free places, vegan places, etc. We’re always up for new things and are adventerous! That being said, if you have any suggestions of must-sees, I’m all ears!
Thank you for your time! I look forward to hearing from you!
Kim
Hi Kim. I’m not sure if Gina has any others she’d like to add, but I’ve been living in Phoenix for a few years now (and I think it’s totally rad you’re coming to AZ on your honeymoon!) and have a few suggestions:
Green (vegetarian and vegan, 2 locations, one in Tempe and one near downtown Phoenix) – http://greenvegetarian.com/
True Food Kitchen (fresh, some local/organic, dr. andrew weil helped w/ the menu, in Phoenix) –
http://www.truefoodkitchen.com/
Nourish (i’ve heard this place is big for people with food allergies, part of the menu is gluten free) -http://nourish123.com/
La Grande Orange (or LGO as we all call it, pizza is to die for, can be made gluten free and they have lots of vegan options…sooo good) -
http://www.lagrandeorangepizzeria.com/
just a few suggestions – but definitely try to make it to LGO while you’re here. afterwards have gelato from the attached gelato shop. you won’t regret it.
happy honeymooning!
Hi Gina! I have a question about joint pain while working out. Whenever I work my legs out, I feel a slight strain on my knees. Do you or does anyone have any suggestions as to how to take care of the pain and what I could possibly wear or use to prevent this from getting any worse? I LOVE working out but I don’t want to create any long-term damage to my joints.
Thanks for any suggestions
do you strength train? you could have weak quad muscles, which could cause your knees to hurt during workouts. if it persists though, i’d definitely see a doc
Ashley!
Thank you so much for the suggestions! Can’t wait to check them out! We’re getting some funny looks when we’re telling people we’re honeymooning in Phoenix, but we know it’s an awesome choice!
Thanks so much!
Kim
Hey! I’ve been a fan and reader for a couple of years and LOVE your blog. I recently started eating gluten free because of stomach trouble, and I believe you are gluten free too- and was wondering if you could give me any pointers (the food is so expensive) and I’m not really sure how to live like this yet! Any help would be greatly appricated.
Hi I am a new mom of twins and looking to eat healthier but my husband isnt. I was wondering what tricks you use to make dinner for both your husband and you. Also do you have any good books I can read reguarding health and nutrition. I am looking for a healthy way to eat not just a diet! Thanks so much I love your blog!!!
Hi! I would love your Chicken in a Crockpot recipe. I tried your search engine, but it said sorry not found. =(
GREAT BLOG!
I’ve been following your blog for a while, and it’s great! I love your writing style, fitness/food mindset and post diversity:)
ANYWAY, I’m interested in starting a blog myself…and i have a few questions that i hope you may be able to answer (or at least, send me in the right direction).
Here’s where I’m at: I purchased a domain name and host site with namecheap.com AND will be using wordpress as my blog platform.
QUESTION:
- i just starting tinkering with wordpress, and while it seems awesome, it also seems like it will take some significant time to get a good understanding of how to use it to it’s fullest capabilities (i am definitely up for the challenge!)
- ?How did you learn how to use wordpress? Did you just read the online tutorials and tips on wordpress.com? do you have a techie who codes/manages your content?
- ?How long did it take you to understand how to use it?
- ?do you have any tips on how to understand wordpress.com’s capabilities for a newbie to the blog world? (I am currently using the “free version” which i know has minimal capabilities, but i want to understand what I’m doing before i start paying for a more customizable version).
Any tips/tricks on the above would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance for your help!
-Danielle
Hi Gina, that would be really cool if you updated this About page with your current eats, workouts and precious baby!
Hi Gina! Love your blog. I am considering going gluten free. Do you have a post on how to get started or any plans to do one?
i wouldn’t recommend it unless you’re experiencing negative effects from eating gluten. is it bothering your stomach?
Hi!
I noticed you did a Bridal Boot Camp in 2010 and was wondering if you were going to do another one? Or if there was a way I could track the work outs you did before? I’m getting married in November of this year and want to really shape up my arms/shoulders!!
Thanks!
Duh, I just looked at your fitness page and see all the workouts included. Nevermind, thanks!!
Hi Gina,
I just discovered your blog and love it. I’m having trouble subscribing, though. Is the RSS feed button working properly? When I click it on nothing happens. Thanks for checking.
We can’t stop by drool over the food photos you post on here. Thanks for the share!
Hi Gina-
As a mom of a 4 year old, I love to read your blog. it’s a mix of fashion, food, and fun!
keep up the great work.
A.G.
prettybluerose.com
thank you so much, amber!
Hi Gina,
love the new look! And besides I just watched the blooper video of you and the pilot. it is still hilarious till this day!
Anyhoo, my hubbie and I were just told to do ivf in order to conceive…… then I thought of you and your success story with that homepathic doc? I cant seem to find your post about him, but I’m interested in contacting him to see if he can help us or give us his 2nd opinion. Can you share his contact info with me?
thanks!
christy
his name is dr flynn and he’s based out of wisconsin <3
best of luck to you!
Hi Gina,
Your new website looks great! I have been reading a lot of the fitness workouts you post and watching a lot of the videos as well. I was wondering – could you post some of them with just lists of short 30/45 min total body workouts that I could print and take to the gym with me? That would be really useful!
Thanks,
Manasi
This page is really well done G. I think it was a very accurate description of who you are and what makes you you (and why we all keep reading!). Nicely done :0) -Mary