About The Fitnessista
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.
About The Fitnessista
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. We travel and move fairly often and are currently stationed in San Diego, CA. Living here is absolutely dreamy, and we’re having fun exploring and living like tourists until our next move in 2016 or early 2017. So far, we’ve lived in Fayetteville, NC, Valdosta, GA, and Tucson, AZ. It’s been a fun and exciting adventure to see new parts of the world. Oh, and the honeymoon feeling? It never goes away.
We’ll be headed to Tucson for a few months this winter, then BACK to Valdosta Spring 2017.
-Our family. We started off as The Pilot (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.
In October 2015, we welcomed our second daughter, Penelope, into the world. Our family is complete with our two little ladies, and I feel so lucky to be their mama.
-My jobs. Since we move so frequently, I’ve changed jobs along with our location. I went from working in retail management to personal training and group fitness instruction, which is my passion. I’ve taught at a world-renowned health resort, private training studio, at brand events, and at local fitness clubs and studios. My #1 job is being a wife and mama, in addition to wrangling puppies and blogging my little heart out.
Certifications:
AFAA certified group fitness instructor
NASM certified personal trainer
NASM weight loss specialist
NASM Women’s Fitness Specialist
Precision Nutrition Level One Coach
Barre Body instructor
200-hour RYT yoga instructor
Zumba licensed, Aqua Zumba licensed and ZIN member (2008-2015)
Les Mills BODYPUMP certified instructor
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 Dietitian.
Occasionally I will do sponsored posts or giveaways on the blog if it’s a company/product I truly love. It helps me to support my family and cover the expenses to keep this blog running. If a post is sponsored, I will clearly label it. As always, all opinions are my own. You may see some Amazon affiliate links or ShopStyle links on the blog. These do not affect the purchase price and allow me to earn a very small commission. Thank you so much for supporting this awesome community <3
Interested in sponsoring or banner advertisements? Send me an email at fitnessistasponsor at gmail dot com for a media kit and current rates.
You can “Like” The Fitnessista on Facebook, or follow me on Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest for more updates and pictures. Snapchat: fitnessista
Also, check out my eBook here for all of my blog-related tips, + my first health and fitness book, “HIIT It!” (Demos Health 2015), available through Amazon and Barnes & Noble. My full postpartum fitness plan is available here.
Thank you so much for reading!
Disclaimer: I am not a medical doctor or Registered Dietitian. The information presented is purely to share my experience and for entertainment purposes. As always, check with a doctor before making any fitness or nutrition changes. The author and blog disclaim liability for any damage, mishap, or injury that may occur from engaging in any activities or ideas from this site.
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Hey Gina! My name is Sarah and im 24 and from Chicago…I love your blog and read it every day:). I was looking at yahoo today and there is an article about America’s best places to raise kids. They picked a winner for every state. For Georgia one of the runners up was Valdosta…just thought you would find that funny:). Hope you have a great day!
ahahah!
the thing is, it actually is a really great place to have a family. it’s safe and the schools are great.
now for college-aged people to mid twenties, it’s a horrible place to live 😉
Hi Gina-
I tried your breakfast cookie recipe last night. Wow, was it amazing!! I’m going to mention your awesome cookie & blog in my post this evening! Thanks for such a great recipe; I know I will be making it again and again.
Sara
hey sara!
thank you so much- i’m glad you liked it!
xoxo
hi gina, i know you like shiva rea’s daily energy dvd – have you ever tried shiva rea’s creative core & upper body dvd? i saw a clip & looks intense!
k
no i haven’t! off to check it out 🙂
My bro and sister in law live in Valdosta, he is an Air Force pilot. Funny…weird if you guys know each other, they are super athletic and go to the Valdosta crossfit.
haha does your bro go by the name of “metro” by any chance??
Hi Gina!
Love the blog! I know you’re big on all natural and organic and I was curious about your skincare and makeup routine. Which products do you use and recommend? Thanks!
hey krysten!
here’s a post on my favorite stuff: http://fitnessista.com/?p=3830
xoxo
For some reason I can’t see this page! Or the playlists page..
Hey Gina, I have a quick question about the sun warrior protein that I purchased on open sky when you published the deeal, I still didn’t get nothing in the mail, no protein, no tracking number 🙁 please let me know if you have any updates and when should I receive it? Thanks! 🙂
did you get an email from an opensky rep with your order number?? if so, let me know who your contact is and your order number and i’ll get things figured out asap. they have excellent customer service, so we’ll get this all worked out
I just barely read your blog today – and love it!
thank you!
Love the blog! And you are super cute! I look forward to reading more!
thanks girl!
just discovered your blog and i’m so thrilled! love it! i actually recently moved to valdosta for graduate school and its been quite the adjustment. as i’m sure you’re all too familiar, it doesn’t offer all that much for a 23 year old :)i know you’re no longer there, but do you have any suggestions as to a particular workout facility? i LOVE taking classes, esp spin, but i haven’t heard of anywhere in vtown that offers classes. do you have any recommendations? thank you! can’t wait to continue reading!
hey em!
welcome to the little blog 🙂
in valdosta, i worked out at anytime fitness (5 points). i heard the campus rec has great fitness classes, but didn’t get the chance to take any while i was there! also dotti at the ymca has an amazing pilates class 🙂
xoxo
Hi Gina!
I have a question for you.
Do you have any recipes for those who can’t have any grains or sugar?
I am struggling to keep it creative and healthy at the same time!
Thanks!
by the way, LOVE the name!
you should be able to find quite a few in the cookbook section
also, try some greek style quinoa- quinoa cooked in veg broth, then add goat cheese crumbles, sliced grape tomatoes, kalamata olives, cucumber, oregano, salt and pepper
Hi Gina, I’ve been browsing your site for a couple of months now and thought I would say hello! I was so excited to see that two of your favourite workout buddies are Zuzana and Chalene who I too love workout with regularly! I am from Canada and also the wife of a military pilot – seems like we have a lot in common! Thanks for all of the nutrition information, something I’m constantly struggling with, its really been helpful! 🙂
Erika
we definitely have a lot in common!! thank you so much to you and your hubby for serving your country 🙂 hope to see you around here more often!
Hi Gina! My name is Jamie, and I’ve been reading your blog for a few months now and just wanted to tell you how much I love it! I love how personable it is!
I also have a question for you, one that you’ve probably gotten before, so sorry if I’m repeating an old one! The Pilot seems to have a completely different diet than you. I’ve been considering going vegetarian for a while now, but am a little nervous that when my (very picky) boyfriend and I get married I will have to start cooking two separate meals, which will obviously get pretty expensive and time-consuming. My boyfriend believes that it’s not a meal without meat. How do you get around that?
hey girl,
thanks so much for saying 🙂
i’ve written a post about it, but can’t seem to find it. the big thing is finding meals that can be easily suited for both of your tastes. i’ll usually make the meal until it’s time to add the meat and then separate a portion for me. good ideas are salads, pizzas, lasagna, enchiladas, pita sandwiches, etc.
good luck! it’s really not too bad, just takes a little extra planning
You’re awesome. Absolutely awesome 🙂
The new layout is genius! So clean & easy to navigate. Your blog continues to be my favorite 🙂
Love the new blog design!!!!!
I LOVE your blog and whoever has a problem with the layout BAH to them its amazing and I love the picture of you on the side!!!
Hi Gina! I’ve been lurking/reading for a while, but I just wanted to drop by and tell you how inspirational and helpful you’ve been to this college student trying to maintain her health. I’m incredibly impressed with the way you maintain your strength–emotional and otherwise–even with the emotional hurdles of the Pilot being gone. You’re such a role model, and reading your posts always makes me smile. Keep it up, girl! 🙂
Natalie
thank you so much for reading! 🙂 hope to see you around more often! i’m off to check out your blog 🙂
Gina –
I love your new ‘About Me’ page! I’ve been reading your blog for about six months now, and I relate to you and the Pilot’s system of eating compromise so much. I’m a vegetarian, who will eat fish every once in a rare while, and my fiancee is a full-blown carnivore who grew up on a cattle farm! We are complete opposites when it comes to food, but like you, we are finding a way to make it work. Thanks for showing others how well it can work out, too.
Cheers!
Madison
Hello Gina! I too have lived in some of the places that you mentioned. My husband is a Navy pilot and oh the joys of moving…lol. Actually, I am grateful for the moves as they keep me reminded of being resourceful : )
Love your blog, plan to follow!
I just let out a big sigh of relief that there is a military wife out there that makes fitness and good food a priority. I’m up here in good ole Fairbanks, AK curtousy of the Air Force and its a force to be reckoned with. Zero health food stores and a less than fit population. I’m pioneering a new path for myself though, getting started on a blog myself and just got certified to teach group fitness classes. Thanks for having a blog that gives me great ideas, and comfort that there are girls out there like me in this crazy military life. Enjoy some AZ sun for this AK girl.
thanks girl- so nie to *meet* you and thank you for your husband’s (and your!!!) service <3
it's always fun to hear from other military wives who know what it's like
xoxo
Hey Gina,
I love all your music selections for the playlists, but am just curious what downloading program you use. I recently tried Frostwire, but it’s givin’ me troubles….
B
So I came across your website a while ago and figured out you live where I grew up! I thought I knew the ins and outs of tucson but you have shared so many different places to me. I do not live there anymore but my parents do. I am now married living in Utah. I cannot wait to go back home and go to the places you suggest! thank you and thank you for all your great recipes and workouts!
have you ever had aproblem with bad body image or emotional eating/binging?
just stumbled across your blog! it looks awesome…everything i love! can’t wait to keep reading 🙂 🙂
thank you! hi 🙂
I just stumbled across your blog from reading Vitamin G, and have to say you are awesome! I’m about the same age as you, military wife, and also living in AZ. We just moved here last year, and I’ve been taking all your tucson tips into account and making a list of places to go when we make it up there. I took some time off from a seriously fit life after an injury and hectic military life and am just getting my love for fitness and health back. I LOVE the fitness ideas and meal planning for a veggie/carnivore household. It’s just the inspiration I needed to make it work in a little town and having a husband who is (sometimes) gone. 🙂 You are great!!!
so awesome!! nice to *meet* you <3
hi!
I was just wondering which of the BeachBody workouts you do?
i’m not doing any right now, but have done and absolutely LOVED insanity and turbofire
I absolutely love your blog! I read it every day and have done several of your workouts! You are such an inspiration! Also, I have tried the Breakfast Cookie as well as the Breakfast Cookie Dough Cereal and I am obsessed with both! Yum! Thanks so much! And congratulations on the pregnancy, that is sooooo exciting!!!! =] =]
Hi again!
So-I tride your breakfast cookie – and it was sooo good (albeit – I had it for lunch…)
Anways – thank you for that awesome recipe.
I have a question for you about working out and protein (smoothies).
Do you have to have protein after every work-out? I work out every morning at 6am for about 30-50 minutes and then have breakfast at 8am. My workouts are cardio-weight training. I have heard you should have protein (shakes) within 30 minutes of working out. Is that true? Thank you so much.
you should but don’t have to 🙂
so, i just came across your blog and it is incredibly thorough in regards to having a healthy lifestyle. i’m a former vegetarian, slowly making my way back. i was more of a carbetarian and wasn’t nearly educated enough as i needed to be in regards to being a healthy vegetarian. my goal, however, is to remove processed foods from my diet. anyway, i think your blog is going to help me in making better food and fitness decisions.
you mentioned that you lost 40lbs and kept it off for 7 years, can you share a little about that journey (emotional, physical and lifestyle changes)? i know this isn’t a weightloss blog, but i’d love to hear about it since you do mention it.
for sure- i have a post about it, but let me see if i can track it down for you 🙂
Hi Gina,
I recently found your blog and really like it. Congratulations on the baby : )
Quick question-Do you have a post about how you lost weight and what motivated you to do it? I’ve looked, but couldn’t find anything on your blog. Thank you.
yes, it used to be a page but when i did the blog facelift, it got de-activated. let me see if i can get it back! 🙂
Thank you. I really want to lose 40-50 pounds and I’d love to see how you did it. I know everyone is different, but…
Congratulations on your new addition. I was wondering if you can refer me to the post of your skin product post or let me know of that…I plan on changing things up a bit but I do use Dermalogica products now and happy with it just need to research a little more regarding chemicals etc…Have you also changed your cleaning products…I mean to be more ‘green’, more safe? Always look forward to your posts. You are an inspiration to many…me included!! 🙂
Sharon
thank you!
http://fitnessista.com/2009/12/readers-request-skincare/
i need to do an update post because i’ve been using different products.
for cleaning products, i like the greenworks brand. i tried making my own but it felt like a hassle and they didn’t work as well
Hey Gina! Really glad to have found you! Congratulations on your new arrival! 🙂 I also live in a tiny village in Cyprus where there is NOTHING even remotely resembling a whole foods. It’s difficult sometimes especially with the language barrier but thanks to online shopping and the inspiration from blogs like yours healthy eating becomes a whole lot easier! Looking forward to reading more! 🙂
Hi Gina, It’s been about a year that I’m reading your amazing blog, it’s so inspiring and motivating!
thanks for this lovely blog <3
thank you for reading, halat! 🙂
Hi Gina
I was wondering if you could email me the recent family post regarding your methods and journey to pregnancy. I missed it while it was posted, and am genuinely interested as we are about to start fertility treatments. I’m curious to try anything that has worked for people or see if there is something I’m missing.
Thanks
sure- just send me an email. i have a ton to send out so it’s easier that way 🙂
thank you!
Love your blog! Read your about me page and you are an inspiration to keep following my dream of staying for for me and to help others eventually. I love to teach like you do!
Hi Gina! I haven’t had much time to really sit and read through more of your blog yet, but I was so excited when I found it that I had to drop a hello right away 🙂 I’m new to the whole blog thing…I created mine to keep family and friends updated on my life being that my husband is in the military and we are not always living close to home, Now that I’ve browsed around, I’ve added a lot of lifestyle elements to my blog as well and got on the recipe train, fitness logging, and story sharing 🙂 I found your blog while clicking through some favorites of mine and I can already tell yours will be a new favorite and we probably have a lot in common!
Anyway, I just wanted to say hello and that I look forward to following!
Molly
thanks for saying hi!! nice to meet you 🙂
Hey Gina!! I’ve been reading your blog for a while and I remember you used to have that you got a Fitness Trainer certification or something like that, and I was wondering if you could help me; I want to get a similar certification but I’m clueless!! help me please!
Lola
personal trainer or group fitness?
I don’tremember, which certification do you have? I’d do with any of those, really haha
I’m about to start South Beach Diet. I know you mentioned it in your older blogs and I was hoping to get feedback on how this lifestyle is for you now?
Thanks
Carole
Hey Gina!
Just have to say I love your blog, and we have a lot in common! I am a dance teacher, personal trainer, group fitness instructor (and licensed Zumba instructor) and I enjoy reading about your daily shenanigans (and can so relate to all of it! 🙂 Best wishes to you and your growing family! – Julie
thank you, julie!
hi gina! i love your blog and read it daily 🙂 my best friend and i both actually read it (independently we both started to just by coincidence!) and discuss your posts sometimes, and noticed in our conversation today that we both say your blog name differently! she interpreted it like fitness sista (sister) and i was saying it fitnessEEsta. we were laughing and both agreed that the other person’s interpretation made sense, but i’d love to know what the intended pronunciation was, and where you got the name idea from!
that’s so cute!
i intended it to be fitness eesta (like fashionista) but have heard it said both ways 🙂
I’d love to chat with you about your site and how fabulous you are!
Hey Gina, I won the blog anniversary giveaway last month and tried contacting you several times via email with my information and never received a response. I was looking forward to trying some of your delicious macaroons!
Thanks.
hey girl! your email must have gone to spam because i never received it- just went back to double-check. i’ll send you an email tonight and we’ll get your prize on the way 🙂
I don’t remember quite well how I ran into your blog, but I just want to say that I really enjoy reading your blog. It is very humble, sweet, and exciting! I just wanted to let you know that your blog is a daily read for me, as I’m a newcomer onto the site, but I’m inspired every minute of it 🙂
thank you, steph! nice to meet you 🙂
Gina, you are such an inspiration!
I am 32, a health nut, co-op employee, massage therapist, bike commuter, raw food lovin gal…
now, all of those things are great – but sometimes it get’s a *bit* hard to “kick it” after working all day & dealing with all sorts of people. it makes me want to eat. things like chips. cheese. bread. I want to commit carbo-side as I write!LOL
BUT, by serendipity I found you instead of my hand finding a bag of chips!
-AND, after watching your 5 min cardio video I have to say, you’ve got some great arms!
KEEP IT PUMPIN FOR ALL US SISTAS!
thanks girl! so glad you stopped by and said hello 🙂
I love your blog & love your energy and enthusiasm…you are supercool!
I have just started my own weight-loss blog, have emailed you about it.
If you get sometime, please have a look and let me know wht you think!!
thanks,
Gina, I’ve been following your blog for a couple years now and I love it. I started reading yours in addition to many of the other big name healthy living blogs and I find now that I’ve tired of those ones, but this one still holds my interest. So thanks for keeping it real and interesting. Anyway, my question is I’ve been doing weight-lifting and other high intensity workouts all of my life and I’m finding that my body is needing something a little more low impact so I’m considering yoga, but I don’t know where to start. I can’t afford a studio right now. The best I can do is purchase some DVDs and workout from home. I want to be able to do yoga and not just feel like I’ve had a really good stretch. I want to feel like I’ve worked really hard–like the equivalent of a Fitnessista strength training workout intensity! What DVDs or type of practice would you recommend for that? Thanks for your time.
thanks girl!! that’s such a wonderful compliment <3
check out the podcasts on yogadownload.com
the 20-minute ones are free and the longer ones are available at a very low price. i love all of the power yoga ones!! you can also try the shiva rea dvds (not quite as challenging) and eon finn (i think i spelled his name wrong?) – he's also fantastic and a little more challenging
Thank-you so much!!
Just came across your blog today and I love it! I was just diagnosed with Celiac Disease a month ago. I am 20 years old and in college. Your blog has some great recipes that I can’t wait to try! Now that I’ve had to change my entire diet, I’ve became very interested in fitness and nutrition and just overall leading a healthier lifestyle. Your blog is an inspiration and makes me believe that changing my lifestyle will be easier than I thought. 🙂
I just came across your blog recently and I absolutely love it! Thanks for the great ideas for “meaties and veggies” in the same household! It’s really inspiring that you’ve been able to move around and still maintain a healthy lifestyle. Looking forward to reading more!