A long time coming

I have a little gift to say thank you, too. 🙂

Hi friends! Happy Monday! Hope you had a wonderful weekend <3 

I feel like there is so much to look forward to this holiday season. From Thanksgiving and allthestuffing, to Christmas cheer (which is even more magical with a little one), Liv’s third birthday, and the release of my first book! It will hit store shelves just in time for the holidays, but the official launch is January 5th. Mark your calendars for great giveaways and other events. 

Cover1

Even though I submitted my final draft months ago and we’ve been cranking away on edits and behind-the-scenes logistics, it still doesn’t feel real. Since I was very young, I always had a book in hand, and writing a book has been one of my life goals. It wasn’t an easy one to accomplish (I think I ended up writing seven full proposals before fate looked my way). Proposals are kind of a beast to put together. Mine ranged from 40-80 pages and included a bio, marketing plans, chapter synopsis, and sample material. With each one, I would think “this is the one!”…and it would be rejected. I kept with it, but constantly re-working a book’s premise and focus wore me down and I was ready to take a break. Not even a three days later, I received an email from an editor in New York asking me if I’d considered writing a book. I responded immediately, sent an intro letter to my agent, and haven’t looked back since.

The timing was perfect, and it was the type of book I wanted to write. When I finally started typing, the words couldn’t come quickly enough. I immersed myself in HIIT and fitness research, and created something that I’m proud and excited to share. Thanks to the guidance of my editor and the incredible work of the Demos Health team, “HIIT It!” is on the way.

Without all of you, this book wouldn’t have happened. Even when I was rejected and feeling bummed out, your support and the beautiful community here on the blog encouraged me to keep going after it. I am so very grateful to all of you.

In the pages of “HIIT It!” I share my personal weight loss and health story: the (many) diets I tried, my fitness confusion, and getting sucked into the “more is more” mentality. I’ve always loved learning about health, fitness, and new workouts; however, when I was just getting started, I had NO IDEA how take this information and create a plan for myself. I go over some of the things that I had to learn the hard way:

Meal-wise, I didn’t know how to prep in advance. When the hunger monster struck, I often found myself diving into an unhealthy snack or frantically trying to put a meal together.

My love for activity turned me into a cardio queen. I was doing way too much cardio and had no idea how that can actually negatively affect your body.

What you’ll learn in this book:

All about High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT). HIIT is what saved me from eating away my precious muscle on the cardio equipment and transformed the way I work out. I go over a brief HIIT history, how it works, and how to incorporate it into a routine. There are also research-based HIIT strategies, and tips to use this effective training technique in your own workouts. The beauty of HIIT is that the workouts are short and intense; no more feeling like a hamster on the dreadmill.

How to create a plan for yourself according to your fitness levels and goals. Weeks of full fitness plans are included, and they’re divided into sections based on how many days you can train each week. For example, if you want to do 3 days of cardio and 2 days of strength, you’ll have full weekly plans to follow.

How to track macros in a sane and math-free method to create satisfying and nutrient-dense combos. I track my macros, and it doesn’t involve any crazy math or calculations. This method is an easy way to make sure you’re getting a balance of nutrients, and one that can be maintained as a lifestyle instead of a quick fix.

Tips and strategies to set yourself up for success throughout the week. All of the recipes can be made in advance to enjoy throughout the week. Full weekly plans for various dietary guidelines (omnivore, vegan, gluten-free and Paleo) are included, too.

Macaroon recipes. All of them are there! I’ve been waiting to share my macaroon recipes with you all, and all of the flavor combinations are in this book.

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While I was editing the pages for the last time, I was excited to see everything come together. I really poured my heart and soul into creating this, and I was determined to make it an awesome resource for you! I hope you love reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it. 

Who this book is for:

Busy people. I think we’re all looking for ways to streamline our routine, and HIIT is a great way to accomplish this in our fitness life. By taking this a step farther, with HIIT-style meals, we’re able to perform short bursts of work and reap the calorie-buring rewards. 

Those looking to start a new plan or take fitness to next level. Not only is HIIT fantastic for improving metabolism and burning fat; it’s a powerful training tool to boost performance, speed and power. If you’re looking to crush a new fitness goal or bust a rut, HIIT is a great way to do it. 

Those wanting to spice up their recipe rotation and healthy meal ideas. As someone who loves clean eats, I’m always looking for new recipes using unprocessed foods and whole ingredients. This book is packed with all of my favorites, and some that I’ve been wanting to share for SO LONG. (For example, the sweet potato turkey burgers and Paleo granola I’ve been enjoying on a weekly basis!)

Learning how to incorporate HIIT strategies in workouts and diet. Like I mentioned before, it’s easy to got caught up in the WHAT instead of the HOW when it comes to fitness tips and advice. I’ve read some fantastic fitness and health books, and then put them down wondering how the heck I was going to incorporate the strategies in my own routine. I didn’t want this book to be like that. I consciously created it so that readers know exactly how to get the most from their own workouts and implement the workouts and tips in their own lives.

Who this book is NOT for:

Those who don’t want to work for their fitness goals. To succeed over the long term, a little planning and determination go a long way. You have to want it to achieve it, and only you know when you’re truly ready.

Those who don’t like macaroons… or free things.

FIT FAMILY RECIPES

As a little thank you to those of you who preordered, I put together a little eBook (it’s 30 pages) with some bonus recipes and a few extra workouts. The recipes are family-friendly (ALL Livi-approved) and can be made in advance to enjoy throughout the week. When I say “Livi approved,” I don’t just mean she took a bite and was ok with it; she DEVOURED these recipes. I thought it would be fun to share some family-friendly faves as a bonus to all of you.

Here’s how to get your copy:

1) Preorder “HIIT It” through Barnes and Noble or Amazon

2) Fill out this form with your information and email address.

 

3) Check your email! Your copy of the eBook will be delivered automatically.

I also have a few extra things up my sleeve getting closer to the launch, so stay tuned. 😉 

Lots of love and thanks to you all. 

xoxo

Gina

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176 Comments

  1. Kathleen on November 17, 2014 at 8:26 am

    Just ordered! So excited!!!!!!! Congrats, Gina!

    • Fitnessista on November 17, 2014 at 8:20 pm

      yayyyy thank you!!! <3

  2. Olena @ candies&crunches on November 17, 2014 at 8:26 am

    Congratulations Gina! I am sure this book will be a success just like your DVD which I absolutely LOVE! <3 xoxo

    • Fitnessista on November 17, 2014 at 8:20 pm

      thank you, olena! i appreciate it so much

  3. Jessica on November 17, 2014 at 8:27 am

    Just preordered (thank you for the reminder as I have been meaning to order it!!0…so excited to get it!

    • Fitnessista on November 17, 2014 at 8:19 pm

      yay, thank you so much jessica <3 xoxo

  4. april on November 17, 2014 at 8:27 am

    so exciting! congrats on being published! i can’t even imagine how much effort it took to write this book. so happy for your success <3

    • Fitnessista on November 17, 2014 at 8:19 pm

      thank you, april! xoxo

  5. Penny on November 17, 2014 at 8:34 am

    Congratulations of your big accomplishment. I look forward to reading your book, but wish that I could download it on my iPad. So excited to see all of your great workouts.

    • Fitnessista on November 17, 2014 at 8:19 pm

      thank you, penny! hopefully that option will be available!

  6. Amber Schumann on November 17, 2014 at 8:37 am

    So excited for you!!! What an amazing accomplishment. Can’t wait to see the outcome of all your hard work (gunna be FABULOUS, obvi).

    • Fitnessista on November 17, 2014 at 8:19 pm

      aww, thank you friend!

  7. Karolin on November 17, 2014 at 8:45 am

    First of all: Congratulations! I’m reading your blog everyday and love your recipes and pics of your little one 😉 And I was able to pre-order your book on the German amazon page. So happy it’s available there! Can’t wait to read it!

    • Fitnessista on November 17, 2014 at 8:19 pm

      yay that is so awesome! thank you so much, and thank you for reading karolin! <3

  8. Amy on November 17, 2014 at 8:50 am

    Very exciting! Congrats girl!

    • Fitnessista on November 17, 2014 at 8:18 pm

      thank you, amy!

  9. Bree on November 17, 2014 at 9:02 am

    Congrats Gina! Just pre-ordered 🙂 I am a long time reader (at least 6 years) and am so excited to see this happen for you! Best wishes always!

    • Fitnessista on November 17, 2014 at 8:18 pm

      oh my goodness, that is amazing. thank you for reading for so long!! i hope you love it. xoxo

  10. Melodie on November 17, 2014 at 9:07 am

    Just preordered! Can’t wait for it to arrive!

    • Fitnessista on November 17, 2014 at 8:18 pm

      thank you so much, melodie! i hope you love it 🙂

  11. Christa @ Living Unbalanced on November 17, 2014 at 10:06 am

    Congrats!!! I was so excited to see the e-book in my email and can’t wait to check out the book! Looks awesome!

    • Fitnessista on November 17, 2014 at 8:17 pm

      wahoo! thank you so much, crista <3

  12. Kay on November 17, 2014 at 10:21 am

    Congratulations! This is super exciting. Can’t wait until the launch. 🙂

    • Fitnessista on November 17, 2014 at 8:17 pm

      thank you kay!

  13. Erin Motz on November 17, 2014 at 10:27 am

    SO EXCITED!!

    • Fitnessista on November 17, 2014 at 8:17 pm

      muah!

  14. Tracy on November 17, 2014 at 10:34 am

    Sweet! I love free things….and macaroons!! 🙂

    Lots of love and thanks to you, too!!!

    • Fitnessista on November 17, 2014 at 8:17 pm

      <3 thank you, tracy! xoxo

  15. Hayley on November 17, 2014 at 11:52 am

    Just placed my order! It says it’s due on the 5th Feb! I guess that may be due to shipping to the UK? I will have to be patient. Thanks as always Gina, your website is always the first one I check! X

    • Fitnessista on November 17, 2014 at 8:17 pm

      thank you so much, hayley!! so sorry it will take a while longer for you, but i appreciate the support so much. xoxo

  16. Kate @KateMovingForward on November 17, 2014 at 12:01 pm

    Congrats! You are fantastic and I can’t wait to read this book!

    • Fitnessista on November 17, 2014 at 8:16 pm

      thank you kate!!

  17. Danica @ It's Progression on November 17, 2014 at 12:12 pm

    Congrats! I can’t wait to read the book.

    • Fitnessista on November 17, 2014 at 8:16 pm

      thank you, danica!

  18. Meagan on November 17, 2014 at 12:13 pm

    I just clicked on the Amazon link, I am wondering why it ‘s #1 in the “aerobics” section?? shouldn’t it be in the HIIT or fitness section? Do you know what’s happening Gina?

    • Fitnessista on November 17, 2014 at 8:16 pm

      hmmm i’m not sure why they did that! i’ll email my editor about it. i imagine it would be harder for people to find if it’s categorized like that

  19. Vivian on November 17, 2014 at 12:20 pm

    You’re awesome and very inspirational!

    • Fitnessista on November 17, 2014 at 8:15 pm

      <3! thank you!

  20. Rhiannon @ Bound to be a Buckeye on November 17, 2014 at 12:21 pm

    Congratulations!!!! What an amazing accomplishment. As a longtime blog reader, I can’t wait to see how fantastic your book is. I think 30 and beyond are going to be great years for you! 🙂

    • Fitnessista on November 17, 2014 at 8:15 pm

      thank you so much, rhiannon <3 thank you for reading for so long, too. i always look forward to your comments 🙂 xoxo

  21. Christina @ The Beautiful Balance on November 17, 2014 at 12:23 pm

    THEE macaroon recipe?! Do my eyes deceive me or is this really happening!? SO insanely excited for you, it will sell so well!

    • Fitnessista on November 17, 2014 at 8:15 pm

      yessss THEE macaroon recipes are all there! 🙂 thank you so much!

  22. Jennifer @ Show Me the Yummy on November 17, 2014 at 1:23 pm

    Congratulations! What an amazing accomplishment 🙂

    • Fitnessista on November 17, 2014 at 8:15 pm

      thank you, jennifer <3

  23. Crystal on November 17, 2014 at 1:45 pm

    Gina your book sounds amazing! I’m pre-ordering one for me, and one for my sister 😀 So excited!

    • Fitnessista on November 17, 2014 at 8:14 pm

      thank you so much crystal! i hope you both love it!

  24. Alexandra on November 17, 2014 at 2:57 pm

    Just pre-ordered mine! So excited for you!! And for myself to receive it 🙂

    • Fitnessista on November 17, 2014 at 8:14 pm

      AHHHH! thank you so much <3 xoxo

  25. Carrie (This Fit Chick) on November 17, 2014 at 3:17 pm

    oh my gosh, congrats on the book!! thats fantastic- hope I can do that one day too!

  26. Linda @ the Fitty on November 17, 2014 at 4:08 pm

    Super psyched about this book of yours! Thank YOU for taking the time to write it and share your story with us. We love indulging in your words, Gina.

    Get Livi to write a book too, will ya? I love her.

    • Fitnessista on November 17, 2014 at 8:14 pm

      thank you so much, linda! i really appreciate it <3
      i don't think the world is ready for livi's book hahaha.

  27. Kath on November 17, 2014 at 4:27 pm

    Congraaaaaaaaattttttttttttttssssssss!

    • Fitnessista on November 17, 2014 at 8:12 pm

      thank you, friend!!

  28. Lisag on November 17, 2014 at 4:34 pm

    So happy for you! I would’ve bought this book for your macaroon recipe alone!! I pre-ordered 2 a while back, so i don’t know my order # to get the e-book. :0

    • Fitnessista on November 17, 2014 at 4:36 pm

      email me- i’ll send it to you! <3 xoxo

      • Lisag on November 17, 2014 at 4:51 pm

        Okay done! Thx.

  29. Clara Altemus on November 17, 2014 at 5:28 pm

    Just ordered it!! Not only do I want to learn more about a health lifestyle (and I think your tips are great!!) but I love your perspective on fitness so I am sure it will be a great read 🙂

    • Fitnessista on November 17, 2014 at 8:10 pm

      thank you so much, clara! 🙂 xoxo

  30. Leah on November 17, 2014 at 5:31 pm

    Very exciting! Love the ebook you sent. Great recipe ideas. I’ve been in a rut so I’m going to try some of these. Look forward to the work outs too. Can’t wait for your book!

    • Fitnessista on November 17, 2014 at 8:10 pm

      so happy to hear you liked the ebook! thank you for ordering <3 xoxo

  31. haley @Cupcakes and Sunshine.com on November 17, 2014 at 5:45 pm

    I’m so excited for the macaroon recipes. I’ve been looking forward to those for years 🙂

    • Fitnessista on November 17, 2014 at 8:09 pm

      :)!!

  32. Julie on November 17, 2014 at 8:39 pm

    I’m so excited for you! You were the first fitness blog I ever read and it inspired me to write my own and meet other bloggers.

  33. Cassie Terrell on November 18, 2014 at 3:04 am

    Congrats on such a great achievement! I can’t wait to read it! 😀 😀 😀

    • Fitnessista on November 18, 2014 at 7:58 am

      thank you, cassie!

  34. Stephanie @ Whole Health Dork on November 18, 2014 at 4:34 am

    Congratulations! You must be over the moon! Will you be doing a book tour?
    How did you learn to write proposals? Just figure it out on your own or did you reach out to people for some guidance? Sounds like your incredibly hard work paid off!
    I’ve wanted to write a book. I started a couple when I was in my teens, but they’re mostly junk (one was fiction). I had fun writing, though. Now, it would definitely be non-fiction and health-based, but I wonder what unique part would make people want to read it. How do you stand out against all of the other noise out there? I guess you just really have to believe in your message and your unique voice.
    Congrats again! Can’t wait to check it out!

    • Fitnessista on November 18, 2014 at 7:57 am

      hi stephanie! i’m not sure if i’ll do an official tour, or just some book-related events.
      for the proposals, i googled “how to write a book proposal” and bought a PDF (i think it was $50?) called “write a winning book proposal” or something like that. it had everything you need to know. book proposals are set up similarly, so once you have the format, it’s easier to plug in your own info.
      you’re exactly right about believing in your message and your voice. the voice is the most important part. if you think about it, there are really only so many ideas out there. it’s not what you say, but how you say it 🙂
      xoxo

      • Stephanie @ Whole Health Dork on November 18, 2014 at 10:24 am

        Ah-love it! “Not what you say, but how you say it.” That’s so true. You could tell someone the same thing five different ways, but maybe only a certain way of saying it will stick or resonate, etc. I will keep that in mind. Thanks, Gina!

  35. CarrieL on November 18, 2014 at 5:35 am

    Congratulations, Gina! Really looking forward to the eBook and the book. Pretty amazing accomplishment. Enjoy all of the feedback, sales and PR that comes with it. 🙂

    • Fitnessista on November 18, 2014 at 7:49 am

      thank you so much, carrie <3 xoxo

  36. Lisa O on November 18, 2014 at 6:34 am

    What an achievement, congratulations! I have also been reading your blog since 2008 & have loved following your journey and soaking up much inspiration from it!! A book is one of my dreams too but a juicy fictional piece for me 🙂
    I just pre-ordered on Amazon & keep refreshing my email but ebook hasn’t arrived, will it take a while?
    I’m so excited for the real thing (I’ve already made your red velvet macaroons but can’t wait for the classic combos plus all the other recipes & stories!).
    Hope you have a wonderful festive season xxx

    • Fitnessista on November 18, 2014 at 7:45 am

      thank you so much, lisa! i really appreciate the support <3 sending book wishes to you. i always love juicy fiction 🙂
      the ebook should arrive within an hour. if it doesn't show up, let me know!
      xoxo

      • Lisa O on November 18, 2014 at 3:14 pm

        Thank you for the book vibes, very special from an amazing published author!
        No sign of the ebook this morning, should I email you with the amazon receipt? Xxx

        • Fitnessista on November 18, 2014 at 3:46 pm

          yes, just send me an email and i’ll send it your way! xoxo

  37. Yasmine on November 18, 2014 at 7:28 am

    Hi Gina!
    I’d like to preorder your book and receive your ebook but it is not available for yet on amazon.fr (I’m in France). 🙁

    • Fitnessista on November 18, 2014 at 7:43 am

      ahhh that is a bummer! i will check in with my editor. hopefully there are plans to add it soon! xoxo

      • Yasmine on December 16, 2014 at 3:01 am

        Your book can be preorder on amazon.fr!

        • Fitnessista on December 16, 2014 at 10:24 am

          YESSSSS! that is great news!!!

  38. Kristi on November 18, 2014 at 11:59 am

    I just pre ordered your book! I am so excited! I clicked on the link to fill out the form to get the e-book, but for some reason it isn’t working??

    • Kristi on November 18, 2014 at 12:04 pm

      Never mind, my server at worked blocked it:) I have it figured out now:)

  39. Alex @ True Femme on November 18, 2014 at 2:57 pm

    I’m so excited for this book! I love how down-to-earth and balanced your thoughts are on fitness and food but I also love that you are committed to getting results for yourself and others. Congratulations and I can’t wait to have this book in my hands!

  40. Erika Morris on November 18, 2014 at 5:39 pm

    Hello! I just found your blog today via Carrots ‘n Cake and now I can’t wait to check out your book! HIIT workouts are one of my favorites and I definitely need to start doing them again.

    • Fitnessista on November 19, 2014 at 8:35 am

      thank you so much, erika! nice to meet you 🙂 xoxo

  41. Alison @ Daily Moves and Grooves on November 18, 2014 at 6:49 pm

    This is BEYOND amazing, Gina!!! Congratulations! I am totally interested in the book. HIIT is one of my favorite ways to work out! So many hugs, claps, and burpees for ya! 🙂

    • Fitnessista on November 19, 2014 at 8:32 am

      thank you so much, alison!! <3

  42. Brenda Garcia on November 19, 2014 at 7:27 am

    Congratulations! I have been a follower for over 3 years now and i just love how authentic your blog is. Your posts are always a joy to read and you can tell that you have PASSION in all the things you do. I’m so glad a great thing happened to a great person! Rock on girlfriend, ROCK ON!

    • Fitnessista on November 19, 2014 at 8:21 am

      that means so much to me <3 thank you, brenda, and thank you for reading! xoxo

  43. Cassie Vaughn on November 19, 2014 at 11:00 am

    Congrats!

  44. Lindsay on November 19, 2014 at 3:40 pm

    Hi Gina!

    I live in Canada. I pre-ordered your book with Chapters-Indigo. Would I be able to get the e-book?

    Thanks,

    Lindsay

    • Fitnessista on November 19, 2014 at 3:42 pm

      of course! just enter your order number in the form. it should still work!

  45. Christina on November 19, 2014 at 7:47 pm

    yayayayayyy finally preordered the book! so excited to get it.. i know i’ll be reading it right away!!!

  46. Tricia @ A Couple of Dashes on November 20, 2014 at 9:38 am

    I really struggle with taking all the fitness information I have gathered over the years into creating a plan for myself. I’ve always relied on personal trainers, group fitness classes and online workouts to create a plan for me, but I would like to be able to create my own plan so I hope this book helps me put my knowledge to use. I can’t wait to get my copy!

  47. Ali- the healthy hostess on November 21, 2014 at 9:59 pm

    Can’t wait! Just ordered my copy and one for a gift! Congrats!!!

    • Fitnessista on November 22, 2014 at 3:13 pm

      ohhh thank you so much, ali!

  48. Elizabeth Thomas on January 18, 2015 at 4:51 am

    I am so excited about your book!!! I absolutely love your website/blogs. I purchased the book yesterday and downloaded onto my Nook. It looks as though it is missing the recipe section and has only 203 pages but the index and references refer to pages that are not there. Not sure what to do…am I missing something?
    Thanks!

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