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.

Roons  1 of 1

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. Tara | Treble in the Kitchen on November 17, 2014 at 4:15 am

    This is so exciting, Gina! The book sounds amazing…adding it to my Amazon wishlist!

  2. Jodie on November 17, 2014 at 4:19 am

    Gina I am so very very happy for you.
    Writing a book is such a huge accomplishment. Looking forward to receiving my copy. Congrats again!

    • Fitnessista on November 17, 2014 at 8:05 am

      thank you so much, jodie!

  3. Emily Miner on November 17, 2014 at 4:24 am

    Woohoo! Congrats!! Can’t wait for the release. ox <3

  4. Chelsa on November 17, 2014 at 4:28 am

    Congrats girl. I’ve been reading since the beginning and I’m glad you’ve accomplished your big goal!!!

    • Fitnessista on November 17, 2014 at 8:04 am

      thank you for reading for so long, chelsa <3 xo

  5. Amanda @ Slimplify Life on November 17, 2014 at 4:28 am

    So very exciting, Gina! For a lack of a more sophisticated phrase….you da bomb!!

  6. Cheryl on November 17, 2014 at 4:34 am

    Gina, are your workouts home based or do they require gym membership. Thinking of getting your book for my daughter who is in college. She has access to the gym, but with her work and school schedule, it is tough for her to find the time to get to the gym.

    • Fitnessista on November 17, 2014 at 8:03 am

      they are all bodyweight and dumbbells only 🙂

  7. Carrie @ Carrie's Whole Life on November 17, 2014 at 4:34 am

    Congratulations Gina! As a business woman and momma of one this books sounds like my cup of tea. I’m preordering mine today!

    • Fitnessista on November 17, 2014 at 8:03 am

      thank you so much, carrie!! 🙂

  8. Kaila @healthyhelperblog! on November 17, 2014 at 4:48 am

    So happy for you Gina! You so deserve this! I can’t wait to read it!

  9. Lindsey @ Simply Lindsey on November 17, 2014 at 4:49 am

    Soooo exciting!! Congrats, Gina! 🙂

  10. Jeannie on November 17, 2014 at 5:01 am

    Congrats!! Will it be available on kindle!?

  11. Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat on November 17, 2014 at 5:06 am

    Wheeee congratulations Gina!! This is such exciting news and I can’t wait to check the book out (and possibly order it as an early-2015 gift for a few people!) I’m so happy for you! 🙂

    • Fitnessista on November 17, 2014 at 8:03 am

      thank you so much, friend! xoxo

  12. clare @ fitting it all in on November 17, 2014 at 5:13 am

    congrats gina!!!! such a huge accomplishment and the book sounds awesome!

    • Fitnessista on November 17, 2014 at 8:03 am

      thank you, clare! xoxo

  13. Lestraundra on November 17, 2014 at 5:19 am

    I am so excited for you Gina! I’ve loved your blog for years, and can’t wait for my copy to be here. I know the book will be fantastic.

    • Fitnessista on November 17, 2014 at 8:02 am

      thank you so much! <3 i hope you love it.

  14. Maureen on November 17, 2014 at 5:19 am

    How exciting! Congratulations!

  15. Ali @ Peaches and Football on November 17, 2014 at 5:19 am

    It was so much fun to read when you first announced the book coming – and even though you said it was called HIIT is it funny that I saw sad it wasn’t a macaroon recipe? But now it’s the best of both worlds. How exciting for you – and it goes to show that you only fail when you give up. Good job sticking with it!

  16. Erin @ Her Heartland Soul on November 17, 2014 at 5:21 am

    I’m so excited you’re including your macaroon recipes!!

  17. Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki on November 17, 2014 at 5:33 am

    This is so exciting and what a wonderful accomplishment, congratulations!

  18. Lauren @ The Bikini Experiment on November 17, 2014 at 5:45 am

    Gina! What a huge accomplishment, congrats! You are such an inspiration.

  19. Michele @ paleorunningmomma on November 17, 2014 at 5:55 am

    So happy for you and this accomplishment! I’d love to write a book someday as well but realize it’s an insane amount of work! Must be crazy to see it finally all come together 🙂

    • Fitnessista on November 17, 2014 at 8:02 am

      it’s a lot of work, but totally worth it!

  20. Heather @ Housewife Glamour on November 17, 2014 at 6:01 am

    This is so great to see, Gina. I’m excited to read your book! Congrats on your first book! <3

    • Heather @ Housewife Glamour on November 17, 2014 at 6:01 am

      By the way, please forgive my two mentions of “your book” in those three sentences… I’m still waking up with coffee. 😉

    • Fitnessista on November 17, 2014 at 8:02 am

      thank you, lovely friend!

  21. Kelly on November 17, 2014 at 6:05 am

    So excited for this – I read your blog all of the time and love it, so I am sure the book is going to be absolutely AWESOME. Thank you!!!

    • Fitnessista on November 17, 2014 at 8:02 am

      thank you, kelly- i appreciate it so much!

  22. Alex @ get big, go to work on November 17, 2014 at 6:06 am

    What a huge accomplishment! Congratulations. I can’t even imagine how much work went into this book. Can’t wait to pickup my copy.

    • Fitnessista on November 17, 2014 at 8:01 am

      thank you alex! i hope you love it 🙂

  23. Elaine on November 17, 2014 at 6:07 am

    Congratulations! How exciting!

  24. Madeline on November 17, 2014 at 6:14 am

    Congratulations Gina!! I’m super looking forward to the book!

    • Fitnessista on November 17, 2014 at 8:01 am

      thank you, madeline!

  25. Kayla on November 17, 2014 at 6:28 am

    SO MANY CONGRATULATIONS! This is bound to be fabulous! Way to go, girl!

  26. Brynn on November 17, 2014 at 6:29 am

    Congratulations! You’re such an inspiration and radiate positivity through your honesty and authenticity. Thank you for sharing the ‘behind the scenes’ of how this came about. So exciting!

    • Fitnessista on November 17, 2014 at 8:00 am

      thank you so much, brynn <3

  27. Nicole @ Runs & WODs on November 17, 2014 at 6:29 am

    Congrats on your book! I loved your ebook on blogging. I can’t wait to get this one!

    • Fitnessista on November 17, 2014 at 8:00 am

      thank you, nicole!

  28. Lizzie @ The Magic Tree on November 17, 2014 at 6:33 am

    What a huge accomplishment! I feel like I know nothing about HIIT and it’s benefits but I want to. Also, your macaroon recipes! Say what?!

    • Fitnessista on November 17, 2014 at 8:00 am

      they’re all there!!

  29. Katie on November 17, 2014 at 6:36 am

    Congratulations, Gina!

  30. Ashley @ My Food N Fitness Diaries on November 17, 2014 at 6:39 am

    You’re amazing! Congratulations on accomplishing such a huge life goal of yours! xoxo

  31. Ashley on November 17, 2014 at 6:41 am

    Congrats!! Cannot wait for this book, Gina! I love HIIT workouts but never take the time to look for them online before hitting the gym. Having them all in one book is going to be awesome!

    • Fitnessista on November 17, 2014 at 7:59 am

      thank you so much, friend!

  32. cait @pieceofcait on November 17, 2014 at 6:48 am

    congrats!!!! so exciting!!! 🙂

  33. Sarah on November 17, 2014 at 6:57 am

    Congratulations!! This is so exciting. I can’t wait to check out the book 🙂

    • Fitnessista on November 17, 2014 at 7:59 am

      thanks, sarah! i hope you do 🙂 xo

  34. Liz @ I Heart Vegetables on November 17, 2014 at 7:07 am

    Congrats!!! That is such a huge accomplishment!! 🙂

    • Fitnessista on November 17, 2014 at 7:59 am

      thanks, liz! 🙂

  35. Emma @ Life's A Runner on November 17, 2014 at 7:09 am

    Congrats!! I can’t wait to order it – it sounds like such a refreshing way to get valuable information.

    • Fitnessista on November 17, 2014 at 7:59 am

      thank you, emma!

  36. Liz on November 17, 2014 at 7:13 am

    Was the cover airbrushed? It seems a bit polished. As someone working with teens that have issues with eating disorders, airbrushing is something I am very leery of. You are beautiful and have a great body–there is no need for touch ups. 🙂

    • Fitnessista on November 17, 2014 at 7:55 am

      i think he made my face look less shiny but that’s it 🙂

  37. Ashley @ A Lady Goes West on November 17, 2014 at 7:25 am

    Super congratulations going out to you! Sounds like you are accomplishing a major life goal, and that’s soooo wonderful. The book sounds very interesting and I really hope to get a chance to read it. Yay for you!!!

  38. Christine@ Apple of My Eye on November 17, 2014 at 7:38 am

    CONGRATS! Such a huge accomplishment!

  39. Grace (My Spare Oom) on November 17, 2014 at 7:39 am

    So excited for you, Gina!!! Congratulations – so well deserved! I’ve been cheering you on for a couple years now, so I’m thrilled for you that this dream gets to come true. You’re the best! <3

    • Fitnessista on November 17, 2014 at 7:59 am

      that means so much to me, grace. thank you! thank you for reading for so long, too 🙂
      xoxo

  40. Laura B @ FitMamaLove on November 17, 2014 at 7:41 am

    I’m so excited for you with this book! What an amazing accomplishment!

    • Fitnessista on November 17, 2014 at 7:58 am

      thank you, lovely!

  41. Erin (Running Tall) on November 17, 2014 at 7:45 am

    So happy for you Gina! Congrats on this book…I can’t wait to get my hands on it!

    • Fitnessista on November 17, 2014 at 7:58 am

      thank you erin- i hope you love it!

  42. Melissa on November 17, 2014 at 7:47 am

    Congratulations Gina ! You are a blessing! Such a wonderful inspiration to me to never give up on my goals- always pressing forward! Way to Go! You have so much to be thankful for this thanksgiving huh?! So happy for you and your beautiful family! And just wanted to express my gratitude to you for always answering my questions on this blog! I know you are busy but you always take time out of your busy life to respond to my sometimes quirky questions. Your book will make a wonderful gift! Does it have anything in there about how to get rid of the dreaded “turkey neck” and tone and tighten the neck for us older women- 40 somethings! Lol thanks Gina- blessings!

    • Fitnessista on November 17, 2014 at 7:58 am

      the turkey neck thing made me think of thanksgiving (and how i’m always screaming while my mom pulls the turkey neck out) and made me laugh
      thank you so so much for ready and for your kind and beautiful comments over the years. i am so thankful to *know* you 🙂
      xo

  43. Tracy @ sprinklesandsquats on November 17, 2014 at 7:47 am

    AH! Congrats Gina! This is simply amazing! Like I said before… it’s truly incredible to have followed you from the beginning and watched your journey through the years! This is so well deserved! <3

    • Fitnessista on November 17, 2014 at 7:56 am

      thank you so much, tracy. that means the world to me <3

  44. Livi @ Eat, Pray, Work It Out on November 17, 2014 at 7:56 am

    So exciting, you did it! Can’t wait to read your amazing workouts!

  45. Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious on November 17, 2014 at 8:03 am

    So exciting for you! Your book is on my Christmas wish list!

  46. Diana on November 17, 2014 at 8:08 am

    This is so awesome! I think I’ve been reading since the pre-Livi days. It’s so awesome to see great people living out their dreams! And it’s gonna be awesome to have a book with all your goodness in it. I always come back here for an arm or leg burner when I need a little extra!

    • Fitnessista on November 17, 2014 at 8:21 pm

      wow thank you so much for reading for so long! <3 lots of love to you

  47. Kristin on November 17, 2014 at 8:11 am

    Congrats!!! how exciting and wonderful

    • Fitnessista on November 17, 2014 at 8:21 pm

      thank you, kristin!

  48. Claudia on November 17, 2014 at 8:14 am

    Yaaay! I’m so excited for you, CONGRATULATIONS!!! You have been the only one to ever give be a good ab workout. I suck in that department. :-). I look forward to checking your book out.

    • Fitnessista on November 17, 2014 at 8:21 pm

      haha love that. thank you so much! xoxo

  49. Crystal N. on November 17, 2014 at 8:21 am

    Hi Gina! I’ve been reading for many years and am so happy to hear about your book coming out! I have enjoyed your voice over the years and really respect and appreciate all that you give your readers. I put your book as the #1 thing on my Christmas list this morning for my hubby. Wishing you great success with the book! 🙂

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

      i hope the christmas elf delivers to you!! thank you so much <3 xoxo

  50. Runwright on November 17, 2014 at 8:26 am

    You’re living my dream. Congratulations!

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

      <3!!

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