About The Fitnessista
My name is Gina – I’m so happy you’re here.
On this blog, I like to share the real-life ups and downs of wellness, motherhood, and entrepreneurship, along with quick and effective workouts, nourishing recipes, and sustainable ways to support your health at home.
About The Fitnessista
I started writing The Fitnessista when we were living in Valdosta, Georgia. At the time, I was maintaining a 40-pound weight loss and trying to navigate healthy living in a place where options were scarce (Whole Foods was a vacation destination!). This blog was a way for me to share healthy recipes, workouts, and my journey with my personal training clients – and it has grown and evolved in ways I never expected.
Over the years, so much has changed:
- My Eating Style: I started out eating lots of “diet” food and gradually shifted to a whole-foods, nutrient-dense approach. I eat gluten-free, emphasize lean proteins, fruits, veggies, healthy fats, and yes, chocolate and wine are still part of the plan.
- Our Location: We’ve lived in Fayetteville, NC; Valdosta, GA; Tucson, AZ; and San Diego, CA – and now we spend time between Arizona and traveling whenever possible. I love experiencing the world with my family and feel grateful for the flexibility to explore new places.
- Our Family: What started as just me, the Pilot (my Starbucks meet-cute husband), and our pup Bella has grown into a full crew. Olivia was born in 2012, and Penelope joined our family in 2015. Motherhood has been the most transformative adventure of all.
- My Work: I’ve gone from teaching at luxury resorts and local studios to running an online business that helps women transform their health from the inside out. I’m a certified Integrative Health Practitioner (Level 1 & 2), and I use functional lab testing to help women find the root causes of fatigue, hormonal imbalances, bloating, autoimmunity, and stubborn weight gain.
After my own struggles with autoimmune symptoms and positive Lupus markers, and navigating the world of autoimmune disease, I’ve become deeply passionate about helping others restore their energy and feel like themselves again. My work blends functional medicine, fitness, and a bit of biohacking – all delivered in a real, sustainable way for busy women.
Free Resources
I’m a big believer in education and empowerment, and I’ve created a few free resources to help you get started:
- Free Autoimmune Survival Guide – Learn how to support your body through flare-ups and chronic symptoms
- Free Parasite Protocol Guide – Learn how to support your gut and immune health naturally
- Healthy in Real Life Podcast – Real talk about wellness, nutrition, motherhood, and more
- Partners – Explore my partners page for discounts on my favorite healthy living brands
- Weekly newsletter – Subscribe to my newsletter for weekly updates and the inside scoop on what’s going on
You can check out my 1:1 coaching options here, or join one of my group programs for seasonal detoxes, weight loss support, or bio-individual healing protocols.
Certifications:
- AFAA Certified Group Fitness Instructor
- NASM Certified Personal Trainer
- NASM Weight Loss Specialist
- NASM Women’s Fitness Specialist
- NASM Corrective Exercise Specialist
- Precision Nutrition Level One Coach
- Barre Body Instructor
- 200-hour RYT Yoga Instructor
- Les Mills BODYPUMP Certified Instructor
- Level 1 Raw Foods Chef (105degrees)
- Integrative Health Practitioner Level 1 & 2 (IHP)
I’m so glad you’re here — truly. Whether you’re just starting your health journey or looking for new inspiration, I hope you’ll find tools, encouragement, and a sense of connection here. You can always reach me via Instagram @fitnessista or by email gina@fitnessista.com
If you’re interested in partnering, feel free to reach out for a media kit at fitnessistasponsor@gmail.com
And most of all – thank you for being part of this incredible community! ❤️
Disclaimer: I am not a medical doctor or registered dietitian. The content on this site is intended for informational and educational purposes only and is not meant to replace personalized medical advice. Always consult with your physician before beginning any new diet, exercise, or health routine.
Hello,
I am interested in trying piyo but after reading your comments, I’m unsure. I truly loved the piyo live class but with school and work I need a workout I can do at home, low impact with great results. I love to dance and have considered cize and zumba but really need some guidance. I am just trying to maintain my weight and tone up. thank you for reading my message and have a wonderful day.
Thanks this is something
[…] while you’re doing HIIT, but continue to rev your metabolism for hours after the fact. Read what The Fitnessista has to say about in her article Hail HIIT, the Cardio King. You will get addicted to the […]
Hi there- do you have an email address I can reach you at about a new healthy energy product? Thanks!
Hello! My military family just moved to San Diego in December (yes – dreamy for real!). Since the move and staying home with 2 littles (ages 3 and 1), I’ve struggled to squeeze in real workouts most days. Do you have any tips for how to do it? I walk with the stroller most days, but I don’t always feel like that suffices for a “real” workout. I subscribe to a very active lifestyle but I’m still interested in toning up. Also, I’ve heard that workouts are only 20% of how a body can change, and that 80% is a healthy diet. What are your thoughts/opinions on that?
Thanks! 🙂
Hi! I’m trying to become a certified cycling instructor, but I’m not sure which program is best. For AFAA, do you have to become a general Group Ex Instructor first and THEN take the specific course for cycling? What is your best recommendation?
yep! usually the gym will want you to have a group fitness certification as well as a cycling specialty cert. i did AFAA and then schwinn 🙂
Hi!!! I have been reading your blog for a while now! It has actually inspired me to possibly vacation in AZ for my honeymoon! I am actually wondering if you have any idea for honeymoon locations or places to stay in AZ for a honeymoon.
I’m from a small town and am going to a bigger city this weekend and was wanting to try out a Pure Barre class. I’ve never done barre before and was wondering if you have any tips?
Thank you!:)
Hi Gina,
Haven’t checked into your blog in a few years, but I’ve been a fan since the GA days! I was cleaning out old bookmarks and found you again. Glad to see you’re well, have another baby and have continued your success (book, new site, PBB site, etc)! The new website is great and I’m happy I can get blog posts to my email now so I won’t lose touch again. I used to live in SD for years…enjoy it while you’re there! I go back often to see friends and still love it. Looking forward to reading back-posts and seeing if I can catch up to where I left off. Congrats on the new little one.
Diane
thank you so much, diane. so nice to see you around here again 🙂 hope all is going well with you!
I have an on-line course The Taste Bud Boot Camp: https://a-well-run-life.thinkific.com/courses/taste-bud-boot-camp
Would you offer an article or video on postpartum fitness? We would love to share your wisdom and promote you!
Pete
Hi Gina! I’ve been reading your blog for YEARS and it’s one of the very few that keeps me coming back for more. I am currently 13 weeks pregnant and have always been an avid gym go-er. Leading up to getting pregnant I was doing mostly heavy barbell type weight training with some lighter Crossfit style workouts on occasion. Now that I am pregnant I’m still lifting, just a little bit lighter weight and higher reps. I’m finding a new love for cardio though and doing circuit style training, spin bike, and rowing. I’m considering getting Insanity, P90x or something of the like as a way to mix it up because I am struggling to find the energy to write my own workouts like I used to do.
As a Momma, and someone who has tried a TON of different types of workouts, is there a series of Beach Body DVD’s that you would recommend over the others for someone who is pregnant (but still maintaining their workout routine)? I workout by myself in our basement gym so motivation is going to be something important. Would also be good to have something I can transition to post baby.
Thanks so much, hope you had a great Fourth of July!
congratulations to you, and thank you so much for reading for so long!
i’m trying to brainstorm for you, because it sounds like you are super fit and need a challenge, BUT going in to second trimester, you’ll be getting into some workouts that have exercises that aren’t super safe for second and third trimesters. i really loved the T25 workouts while i was pregnant. i modified a lot (especially towards the end and to minimize jumping) but they were pretty easy to modify since they have a low-impact modifier. i’d just make sure you can talk in sentences (so don’t take the intervals too hard). let me know if you need help modifying any of the exercises!
hope this helps a little. xoxo
Thanks for the recommendation! I just took a look at a sample workout for T25 and I think I will really like it. I like that there is a modifier in there. I did a sample of Charlene’s Lean Extreme this AM and liked that one too for days I want to do some weights, but I think T25 will be good when I am looking for shorter burner!
I’m already not loving the jumping, so the modifiers in both of those are perfect. Thanks Gina! Working out while pregnant feels like I am learning how to work out all over again, but it’s also a fun excuse to try some new (less intense…not adding intensity) things and just make it fun!
Hi, Gina, nice to find your blog here, I really love your story, your healthy recipe inspired me very much. As a fan of your blog, I have featured your blog as a top blogger here, http://www.10greatest.com/30-health-care-blogs-follow-2016/
Hi Gina! I love your blog. I’ve been reading for quite some time, mostly for the great fitness and nutrition information, but I’m also fascinated by your life as a military spouse – it’s always seemed like a bit of a crazy, stressful life that honestly never really appealed to me. And then, a few months ago, I met a guy in the army, and that totally changed my opinion (funny what love will do, huh?). Anyway, I sadly met him at the very end of his time at the base near where I live, and he’s moving to another country for the next year. We’ve decided to try keeping in touch and see where things go, but sadly, I think that’s going to be limited to email, hopefully snail mail, and maybe some Skype sessions. So, I was wondering, as a vet at this whole military spouse thing, any tips for helping us stay in touch and connected? Anything that they love to receive while they’re away, and anything that I should stay away from because it tends to make them homesick, etc? Thanks!
I’m looking at your detox diet. Are the recipes for one serving, or two? Same question for all your other recipes, such as the breakfast cookie. I want to make sure my portions are correct. Thanks
Hey Gina! Long time blog reader here 🙂 I’m sorry I”m writing in this space but I didn’t see a “Contact Me” spot anywhere 🙂 Just a quick question. I have not received a post of yours in over a month. I do get the Newsletters you do (the last one I got was December workouts)….do you know what’s happened? It’s so weird…i was getting them and then all the sudden not any more. Can you fix that? I miss having the come in my email inbox 🙂 Cindy
[…] Fitnessista is a blog created by Gina. She shares her daily life and has filled the blog with numerous workouts like ab burners, […]
Here at Common Thread Collective we are putting together a gift box for the holiday season that promotes celebrating healthy. We wanted to send one to Gina because of her place in the healthy community. There is no ask on our end, we just want Gina to have one! Let us know if there is a good address to send that to! We are looking to send out the boxes on (12/21) so would love to get one out to you all as soon as possible.
Hi! A friend recently introduced me to your site, and I’m enjoying looking around! I’m hoping to get pregnant again sometime this year, and am interested in trying your PBB program after. I’ve lost almost 40 lbs in the past year or so with Beachbody programs, and want to continue that after baby, but want to do so safely (Beachbody never talks about or considers core issues in postpartum mamas … it frustrates me).
We recently moved to Valdosta ourselves (we’re clergy, not military), and I totally relate to going on “vacations” to Whole Foods! We moved from Atlanta, and I SO miss WF, Trader Joe’s, Earth Fare, and all the restaurants! We make trips to Jacksonville regularly to get our fixes. 🙂 Anyway, hope to run into you when you’re back in Valdosta!
Wow these new photos don’t even look like you! Are they photoshopped?
probably- most photographers edit their photos in photoshop.
Hi Gina! I love your blog and have been a reader for a long time. 🙂 I recently had a baby and have had a rough time breastfeeding for various reasons and am moving toward mostly pumping. Have read your postpartum posts and would love to email you about your experience with finally taking some medication for postpartum anxiety/depression – I have always been against meds and like to do things as naturally as possible so would love your take on things since it seems like you have a similar philosophy. Would love to ask you a couple questions via email for advice – thank you!!
Hi Gina, Inspired by your blog every single day!! So much of useful and helpful information, thank you very much for creating such an informative source and sharing it with us!!! I would be extremely happy to collaborate with you, please let me know if it is possible. Will be waiting for your response and continuing to admire your blog ^_^ have a good day 🙂
Hi Gina,
I have been following your website for many years. My passion is health and fitness and have some questions re: your certifications and what you think are best for someone wanting to make a career of it. Not full-time but part-time.
Thank you if you could take the time and email me with some words of wisdom.
Tammy
thank you so much for following for so long! what are your favorites? i can give you some certification ideas if you let me know hat you want to teach!
I would love to teach the most sought after and upcoming class in your opinion. I want to get certified in classes that your able to find employment if that makes sense? What is your experience and opinion of what gyms or fitness enthusiasts are looking for?
Thanks for your input Gina! 🙂
i really think you should get certified to teach in something YOU love and want to share with others!
boutique studios are hot right now and don’t seem to be going anywhere: orangetheory, soul cycle (or any boutique cycling studio), yoga, pilates, barre
Thanks Gina,
I think I would like to start with yoga although running is a passion of mine. What certification do you recommend if I want to teach yoga?
Thanks,
Tammy
Gina – can I make your Morning Detox Drink in a batch leave it in fridge and just warm it up every morning?
totally!!
Hi Gina,
I know you teach a lot of different classes and just curious, and have a couple questions, but don’t want to post them here.
Do you have a blog email address I can send my questions to?
Thanks,
Tammy
yes! fitnessista@gmail.com <3
Hi Gina,
I love your blog! Can you recommend any resorts or all inclusive’s to travel to with children? There would be 3 kids under 3.
Thanks!
i wish i had a tip for you, but i’m just starting to research and explore this! i have a friend that’s an amazing travel agent if you want to go that route- i’d be happy to pass along her info <3
The DEA is imposing regulations that will make hemp impossible to grow, and the public comment period is open right now if you dont want to see CBD as we know it go away.
Please google hemp DEA farmer’s act public comment period to leave yours! Thank you! Or just look for me on Facebook!
Hi! I am trying to figure out what shoes I should be wearing for my HIIT workouts. I love your black Nikes! What are your favorite Nikes? There are so many versions of Nike. Thanks!
Hi! I have been a loyal reader of your blog for 8 years already!!! Have not been here for a bit and glad to be back! I love your organized approach to everything, I feel so comfy and cozy on your blog.
I would love to know where you got the quilted tote bag on your homepage picture from (where you are sitting in a pink dress and the bag is on the floor nearby). It looks soooo perfect for juggling my studies and work! Thanks in advance!!! xoxo
thank you so much for reading for so long! it means so much to me <3
it's an older marc by marc jacobs tote. here's the link to one: http://rstyle.me/n/ctjg9qb5i37
i used to use it like a diaper bag, and now it’s just a fun tote. it would be perfect for work and school stuff!
Hi! I love your blog and have been reading for awhile. I am interested in your Post Baby Bod plan (currently 4 weeks postpartum) but haven’t really worked out in a few years. I’m wondering if this plan will work for me or be too advanced. Thank you!!
congratulations to you!! yes, it would be a great way to ease back into it (when doc says it’s ok and all that good stuff)
Just bumped into your blog googling about breast implant removal. I actually joined that same group about four days ago. Still trying to gain courage to remove mine. I have only had mine for 2 and a half years, and I believe to have a capsular contracture :/
Thanks for your positive words, I enjoyed reading your post.
thank you for checking out the blog. i’m so glad i did it! sending you lots of love and good vibes as you make your decision <3 hang in there
Thanks so much! I am glad I am not the only one who gets freaked out by going under anesthesia, think that is what scares me the most haha
Thanks for all the love and good vibes <3
I’ve seen you use Moon dust/beauty dust everyonce in a while. Can you tell me your thoughts on it? Do you notice a difference when you take it? What are the benefits? Any other thoughts on this product? Thanks for your help!
i definitely feel a little bit of an energy boost! it’s a blend of herbs that my naturopath had me taking anyway. it’s good stuff!
Please share the details about the charm bracelet shown on the July 3rd post where you’re wearing the embroidered shorts. It would be a lovely gift for my dear friend. Thank you!
Have you ever done a post about the name Fitnessista? Embarrassingly, I only learned to pronounce it properly through your podcast! I generally consider myself well read, but had to look up the suffix “ista” and am curious if you intended that meaning or another. 🙂 Have loved the blog for years and am really enjoying the podcast!
Your search feature doesn’t work. It will pull up the first page of tags but if you try to go to another page, it says nothing is found (even if the first page shoes multiple pages of search results). It’s annoying, thought you should know.
thank you for letting me know. my developer is working on getting it fixed!
Hey Gina – I’ve been following you FOREVER…. our kids are both the same age and my second had severe reflux the same time as P so I felt like I had someone going through all my mom struggles in a parallel universe ;c).
Now that I’m done with kiddos I’m reallllly debating a tummy tuck for diastasis repair and having my implants removed and a lift. I’m pretty fit and at my ideal weight. Just wondering how your experience has been since the 15 week update? Swelling, weight, workouts, scarring… I’m just wondering if it’s really worth it or if I should just deal with that pooch after dinner and try to suck it in or if I’d be upset if I had some swelling for a year after the surgery…. Will I be able to do crunches? I have SO many questions and I think I really want one, but hubby questions how extensive the surgery and recovery is just so I don’t have a pooch at the end of date night. Any info, advice is so appreciated! I feel like you are so down to earth and give it straight up which is what I need from someone who is also into fitness. THANK YOU!
Lauren
hey girl,
thank you so much for following for so long!! i’m sorry you went through the whole reflux thing, too. so glad we’re out of the woods with that!
honestly, i would do it all over again tomorrow. i’m SO happy i did it, even though recovery is really rough, especially the first 2 weeks. it feels so amazing to have everything back together, and my loose skin wasn’t going anywhere with diet and exercise. the scar is also intense but the embrace strips helped a ton. it was all so worth it. i still swell if i eat a lot of salt, but it’s nothing compared to the severe bloating i had before surgery. i can’t do crunches, but i couldn’t do the with my DR anyway. also, i don’t really want to do crunches anymore if that makes sense? i just do safe ab modifications for the most part and finally feel comfortable planking and doing more intense ab work. it really takes a year until you feel 100% yourself again.
i hope this helps a little! please let me know if you have any more questions.
xo
thanks Gina! everything makes sense. if i have anymore questions I’ll definitely reach out. you are so sweet to respond so quickly!
Lauren
Hi Gina,
I love your posts about family and life with kids and trying to make everything work. I would love if you did a post on school life with your children. Experiences of adjusting to new teachers, any rough patches in handling school issues etc. and how you handled it. My son is having a rough time with his teacher this year, and I would love to know of your experiences so far with your children and schooling. Thanks so much!
Hi Gina, can you give me the name of the Atlanta surgeon who performed your explants? I am seriously thinking about this. It is time. Thank you.
dr Ghazi. He’s amazing!
Hi Gina! I hope all is well. I tried emailing you, but it came back as “undeliverable” to your email address 🙁 Just wanted to say that, I’m listening to your latest podcast episode right now (with Bethann), and I just heard you read my review of your podcast! I’m BlondieSugar, haha 🙂
Xo!
Hi Gina,
This is an odd question, but did you request to be connected to me on LinkedIn? I’m asking before I accept your invitation because the internet is a weird place and I wasn’t sure if it was really you.
Thanks 🙂
Hi! I was hoping you could share the certifications or resources you used for any pre/postnatal fitness education. I’m looking to get a certification for that, but was wondering if you had a recommendation for which resources to use.
Thanks!
Do you have any experience with fasting especially when you are physically fit ?
Hi! I’ve been reading and taking notes about your breast/tummy surgery, and am so grateful for your tips and honesty about the process. It is so helpful. I am scheduled for the same surgery in a month, and am absolutely scared out of my mind…but really want to do it at the same time. My question for you is…are you glad you did it, and would you do it at age 55? (I am in good health, and exercise regularly…but still am not completely satisfied with my body. I am doing the explant, and thought I’d add the TT since I’ll already be on the table) I am in Atlanta, GA…
Hi Gina, I’m an RD/foodie/wine-o looking to start an online practice to help women like myself lose weight and keep it off without restrictive dieting or hours in the gym…… Do you accept any guests contributing to your blog or podcasts? If not, any advice you could give me would be greatly appreciated! I’m not the most social media savvy and struggle with reaching people who I want to see what I have to offer.
You have a wonderful family. If you need a VA, just let me know. Thanks
I came upon your article when searching for breast implant removal. I’d only been a member of that group for about four days.
Thank you for your kind thoughts; this was a truly wonderful post.
Love your website Gina and wishing you continued success in 2023 with your blog. Always enjoy seeing someone that is a professional and helps others live a happier and healthier lifestyle. Giving back is one of the very best things we can do in this life.
I want my subscription cancelled and a refund of my $189.00
Hi, I don’t see any purchases from this name or email address. Is there something else I can search?
you are charging me $189.89 and I did not sign up with this How do I cancel this asap.
I don’t have any payments from this email address or name – is there another email address that you would have used? none of my products are 189, either…
there is a company that was using the fitnessista name out of the UK years ago that was charging people for something else
Hello first time reading on your website. I found it while looking up Danger Coffee. I was wondering if you had any thoughts on Hydrogen water bottles. If they are worth the money and if so, your recommended brand. Thank you.
yes, danger coffee is amazing!! I haven’t found a hydrogen water bottle but if I do, I’ll post about it here. everyone I know raves about kangen but I hi think I’m going to be ordering this one because it’s less expensive and has great reviews: https://shop.holyhydrogen.com/FITNESSISTA
Thank you so much for responding, I really appreciate it. Do you think that hydrogen water does have benefit?
Thank you for the quick response. Excited to have found your website and newsletter. Do you think there is a difference in hydrogen water? David Asprey recommends a portable one. I was wondering if you had any thoughts.
yes there are portable ones. I haven’t tried any of them, though. if you do, please report back! some girls at the reimagining health summit had some cool-looking portable bottles. knowing my luck, I’d drop it lol
I will get back to you after I try one.
Thank you for answering..