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.
#AvantLink
Hi Gina,
I have been really inspired by your blog, ohsheglows, and the great balancing act…. to start my own…. I just don’t know how to get it out there for people to read and comment. I love the interactfullness of the blogging community… I think this interaction will help me direct my blog topics more as well. Any ideas?
Congrats on your anniversary as well!! Mine is next week!! August is such a great month to get married.
Thanks,
m
Hi Gina,
This is the first time I’ve seen your blog. You sound down to earth, so I figured I throw a fitness/nutrition questions at you. Here goes – I’m 58 yrs. young (really!), 5’7, 100lbs., small frame. I do weight training with a trainer 2x p/wk with a trainer. I’d been doing pilates for quite a while but then in October I got sick and had to put everything on hold. While my chest, bis/tris are good, my legs and gluts have never recovered the tone/muscle. Also, I have a terrible appetite and have a hard time gaining weight. Every DVD is geared towards losing weight. Can you recommend something to enhance my appetite and gain weight, tone and muscle.
Hoping to hear from you soon and thank you.
Kathy
Love your Blog!
Thank you for all of the fab recipes and workouts!
Awesome site. I love the humor and the pictures. 12 days into a new lifestyle of eating clean. I am loving it. Congrats on the new one that is on the way. It is a very demanding time, both physically and mentally.
I had a quick question, where can I get the serving size and calorie information for your recipes? They look very easy and yummy.
Shelly
Hi Gina,
I follow your blog to a point where it might be borderline obsessive. When you announced that you were pregnant – I actually was so excited for you I wanted to tell people around me at work, and then realized that they dont even know you, let alone the fact that I dont even know you, other than through your blog.
You are such a great inspiration and always have new and exciting things to try, whether it be food, receipes, or workouts! I love it all.
Anyways – I’m posting, and I never have before, but I’m wondering if you’ve looked in to getting an “App” made for your blog. So people with smart phones can download your “App” and have your blog right there on their phone. It came to my one night when I was about to make your breakfast cookie. I wanted to look up how to do it, and I googled it and went through all the steps to get to the receipe, but thought if there was an App, it would be so much easier…
Just a thought – and decided it was about time I mentioned how much I LOVE your blog. Congrats on your new house, and on your pregnancy. 🙂
-Ashley
you’re so sweet- thank you!!
i’ve actually been contacted about creating an app- now it’s just a matter of actually doing it 😉
xoxo
Hi!
I just wanted to say I absolutely love your blog! I just found it this past Sunday, so I’ve spent a few days trying to catch up on who you are and what all you do. So far I’ve come to realize that you are an inspiration to us all! I am really enjoying reading your posts. As a fellow Zumba addict, its great to both read AND see what you eat, what exercises you do, etc. Thanks for all that, and I look forward to more posts and inspiration!
thank you alycia! nice to meet you 🙂
Absolutely love your site! Been checking it out for about a while now. Would you consider doing an entry on protein powder – why to use it, your favorite brands, etc? As someone who’s not a big fan of processed foods, some of the protein powders I see in regular stores look like they have too many ingredients in them, so I wonder which kinds you like, which you recommend, etc. I use my Vitamix a lot and am just looking for ways to amp up the protein without adding anything weird. Thanks! 🙂
Can I ask where you work??? Is it a corporate fitness center??? I used o intern at USAA’s Fitness Center…Corporate Fitness is the Best, Job, Ever!!!
Hi Gina!
I have been a long-time “lurker” on your blog, and must admit that I am truly inspired by your enthusiasm for life! I am currently, ahem, between jobs, and after a good deal of soul searching have realized that a career in line with my political science/public administration degrees, really is not in line with my passions (which is probably why I am having difficulty “sealing the deal”). Long story short, I would love to get into the health/fitness field in some capacity or another. I guess what I’m asking is- how did you make the jump from a degree in Finance to becoming a personal trainer/group ex instructor?
(PS I’m a military *soon to be* wife too!…your posts on deployments, relocations, etc. have helped me out tremendously!)
Hi Gina, I stumbled upon your blog a while ago and I really, really enjoy it! I was wondering if you have ever tried, or have an opinion about shakeology?? Thanks!
Gina – love your blog. question about pregnancy and additives in foods. i am a very healthy eater overall) and recently found out i am finally pregnant (yea!). I know the big things not to eat, but i’m curious about things like stevia and other additives that are somewhat contraversial. what are your thoughts and things you have learned from your research? i certainly don’t want to do anything to harm my developing child. thanks!
Hi Gina. My Mom, sister and myself all follow your blog. We did want to ask for your advice regarding the J Rob Whey protein that we use. We noticed that you are a big fan of Sun Warrior. The whey protein we use is not vegan and is not raw. From your knowledge, would you recommend that we switch to the Sun Warrior…is it a healthier option? Thank you for sharing your blog…we look forward to it each day.
Hi Gina!!
Meredith (a couple posts up) – Congrats on your pregnancy! I too just found out (yesterday) that I’m pregnant 🙂 Good question. I’m curious about this as well.
Gina, what is considered a “healthy” amount of exercise during the first trimester? I have those who tell me to just continue working out at my previous (before I found out i was pregnant) exercise level. Although, some tell me to take it easy to “let the baby attach.” Eh.. weird just thinking about that. I’ve always been a very active girl although my running is on hiatus right now due to a fractured leg. Before we knew about the pregnancy, my doctor said that I could get back into my running this week. Small amounts of course. Do you think starting to run again will be okay for the baby? What types of exercises should I stay away from? Thanks girl!
i’d go with whatever your doc says. my doc said to keep doing what i’d been doing, but all of the crazy HIIT and pounding movements didn’t seem like they’d be right to me. so i stopped doing bodyrock and HIIT – just kept with zumba, turbofire, walking/elliptical, weights. do whatever feels good to you- your body will tell you if it isn’t right
Hello!
I’ve recently came across your blog and I just wanted to let you know that I love it! I am also a military wife stationed in Tucson so it is nice to read about another wife’s life and journey throughout the military lifestyle. Take care!
even though it’s past halloween….and you’re having a girl….and you’ve probably already seen this…how cute?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=xQRsJNOVi_Q
i mean….i guess she could always fly in a pink flight suit right?
I am a senior Sociology major at Whitman College in Walla Walla, Washington. I am currently working on my thesis project, in which I am studying self-presentation in the blogosphere. I have selected five healthy living blogs to study, and yours happens to be one of them. My project is twofold in that I am going to do both a content analysis of the blogs I have selected, and I would like to interview each blogger. Would you be interested in participating in my study? Participation will require no more than an hour of your time, and interviews will be scheduled at a time that is convenient to you. Thank you in advance for your time!
Sincerely,
Alyssa Breetwor
Hi Gina!
I was doing some online research when I came across your wonderful blog! I thought to myself ” Oh my gosh, I went to school with her!” I am getting married in May and have been strength training since the engagement in April. Unfortunately, my biggest downfall is … food! I will definitely be an avid follower and attempting some of you wonderful recipes! **fingers crossed**
Do you have a Facebook fan page as well? I know many friend who are vegan and would love your site!
Jennifer
hey girl!
so crazy awesome to hear from you! hope you and your family are doing well. congrats on your engagement, too!
here’s the link to my facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/fitnessista
take care and hope to talk to you soon! <3
xoxo
Thank you! And congratulations to you on the pregnancy, you will have a beautiful family!
Is your husband stationed at DM or the Air Guard in Tucson? My fiance is a reserve flight surgeon at the 162nd for the F-16 pilots.
Happy holidays!
Jennifer
Hi! I was wondering if you had any links or info on good makeup that doesn’t have a ton of sketchy chemicals. I saw your post on Tarte eyeliner, went and picked some up, and now I’m hooked! I hate putting chemicals in my body, so I don’t really want to put them on my skin either. Thanks! Love your blog!
i really love the tarte products, and also use origins moisturizer and korres makeup products
Hi Gina,
I just wanted to let you know how thankful and appreciative I am of your blog. I started reading your blog about a year ago and absolutely love it. I also wanted to tell you how much I love the family section of your blog. I’m pregnant, due in April, and I find your family posts so helpful and reassuring. I don’t have any pregnant friends and being able to read about your pregnancy, the choices you have made, and all the knowledge you have gained has been extremely useful. Thanks so much for sharing your journey with us! Best of luck with everything and all the best to you and your family in this new year.
Hi! I just found your blog & love your approach to food and living a healthy lifestyle! I can’t wait to read more of your great ideas!
thank you, nicole! so lovely to meet you 🙂
I’m finding my Fitnessista by becoming Zumba certified this year! I can not WAIT to teach! Thanks so much for the inspiration and helpful tips!! I’m addicted to your blog! (:
yay!!! you’ll love it so much 🙂 who is leading the workshop??
thank you for reading <3
I love your blog and log in all the time, but would love a “sbuscribe” option. . . does this host site offer one? Your videos are fantastic, too. I think that it is hilarious that all of “The Wives” call our husbands “The Pilot.” 15 years, two kids and several deployments in. . .I know you can do it, girl!!
Thank you for sharing! I am looking forward to following you on FB and Blog-we too live in an area where organic/locally grown food is scarce….walmart, kroger, and one produce stand:) I NEED fitness in my life-I am a mother of two beautiful, spirited girls, oiy! –If for no other reason to buy as much organic as I can afford, hold off puberty!! yikes. Blessings on your pregnancy-prayers for a healthy baby and safe delivery** I am finishing nursing school in May, and I am struggling to encorporate my love for fitness and healthy eating with the medical viewpoint…I have been a stay-at-home-mommy up until this new journey. (another OIY!) Whose great idea was this nursing school thing??? Oh yeah, my DREAM. 🙂 I was totally excited when you expressed your love for Tubo Fire! MEEE TOO! Love it. I was a Turbo Jam fan before and received Turbo Fire for Christmas-FUN!! I teach a CardioKick that encorporates the HIIT idea interval training and I teach Pilates 2x week at our local YMCA. Enjoy the process of the birth of your baby, and of course meeting him/her!!
hahahah that is a GIGANTIC zucchini! love your blog!
Hey love your site…gonna check out some more. I once had a Zucchini that big from my garden..man those things can grow! Thanks for sharing some of your life with us. Looking forward to your updates.
Tracy
Hi Gina!
Congrats on your little one 🙂 I’ve been reading your blog for a while and value your opinion. I have had trouble losing the 15 pounds I put on last year (until last year I had maintained a 45 lbs weight loss for about 8 years) and it is scary. I worry I will wake up one day and realize I have put the entire 45 lbs back on. Anywho, I know 1 + 1 = 2 and I pretty much know how to get there. My question is: Do you have any books you recommend that focus on the last 10 or 15 lbs of a weight loss journey? Or maybe just extra inspirational books in general (mostly focused on diet)? Although I know what needs to be done, I always like reading an extra inspiring book to help give me that extra kick in the butt.
Ideas?
Thanks!
i wish i had some good resources for you :/
congratulations on your success and maintenance! i know how you feel about worrying about it creeping back on. just trust yourself and your body <3
as far as motivational stuff goes, i really like brian tracy - check out some of his books <3
xoxo
Hey Gina!
I absolutely love your blog. I love reading tips on nutrition and fitness. It really helps me with my fitness journey with P90X and my blog. Thanks for the inspiration 🙂 Will you be having any fitness events or projects coming up? Would love to attend.
Thanks,
Sharlene
Hi Gina,
Congratulations on your beautiful daughter.
I thought of you today when my gym bag broke. I remembered you did a post about your favorite gym bag. instead of going through all your post (which I love, esp.. the roons) Can you remind me which post that was again. Thanks.
Again, Your daughter is beautiful and I cant wait to see her grow.
Lisa
Thank you so much for such an inspirational blog…As you I have a husband who is a meat eater and I’m vegetarian, and we have a one year old boy who’s eating meat too, so I’m constantly searching for recipes to suit us all. And I love cooking too, and love fitness- I do yoga, and dance. First I discovered you on you tube-I’m currently at work and just excersised a bit with your videos-such a great start to the day ahead me. And then I found out your blog and it’s absolutely brimming with positivity. Thank you so much, and wish you and your little family all the luck and happiness. Greetings from Croatia :)))
I love your blog! I was looking at switching from quick oats to steel cut and saw that you have a rice cooker…what brand do you have? Size? Any advice would be great…I really want to make oatmeal in mine, but also try to make other stuff too! Thanks 🙂
Hey Gina,
We love your blog, and we want to know if you are interested in coming on our show!? Let us know!
I just found your blog and am loving it. I look forward to reading more! 🙂
thank you, amber! nice to meet you 🙂
Gina!
You inspire me to be better!
Let’s connect!!
-Susy
ps we might have been separated at birth;)
I’ve been searching everywhere, but can’t find the place to subscribe to your blog! Any advice?
on the right hand side, there should be a feed button next to the pinterest button
Hi Gina, first, I love your blog and I have read your post about tips for fitness job interviews but I was wondering if, as a trainer, you had any tips for someone interviewing for an Office Manager at a personal training facility and school. I have an interview tomorrow! thanks so much!
xx
Katherine
oohhh that’s a good one- good luck!
i just think as long as you combine your passion, professional demeanor and organization, you’ll be great.
let me know how it goes <3
Gina,
I was wondering if you would take a second out of your busy schedule to help me with a running question, I’ve gotten really busy as a teacher and didn’t train for my half marathon for an entire week! I did some exercise but was too tired to do any kind of long distance! What should I do? I’m 4 weeks out from my half marathon and have 6 more weeks left on my training schedule. Should I advance to where I should be or go back to where I was, I really feel like quitting but I hate that word! I’ve never been a real runner 🙁 HOWEVER i love to workout!
hey girl!
don’t stress- things like that happen. i’d just go back to where you were, and maybe make the long runs for the next 4 weeks slightly longer? if not, from what i hear, you can run max 8 miles and still be able to finish a half marathon (but i would recommend at least 10 beforehand)
good luck!
Gina! I have taken your Zumba classes on base at Moody and fell in LOVE with Zumba because of your classes! I just got my Instructor Certification 2 weeks ago and will be doing classes at Anytime Fitness in Nashville, GA. I love this website, it has everything I need, including tips for teaching Zumba!! Hope all is well!!
Hi Gina!
I just discovered your blog and am loving it. I am passionate about cooking and food, especially those that fuel your body. I love to exercise and face a similar dilemma of a husband that eats what I put in front of him but comes home with a empty Hardees bags (blah!). I look forward to reading more.
thank you, danielle! and welcome to the blog 🙂
Hello Gina!! I have been reading your blog for months and have thoroughly enjoyed it! I really appreciate the time you put into adding great workout ideas and awesome vegetarian recipes. I too am a fitness fanatic and I love experimenting with food even though my husband is a meat and potatoes kind of guy and just shakes his head at my deliciously prepared tofu stirfry. 🙂 I look forward to reading more posts from you. Oh, and congrats on your sweet baby girl…she’s gorgeous!
thank you, joy!
Is there a link on your site for your store??? Thanks!
Thank you for sharing with us your story. It’s very motivating! I just want to workout now! =]
Hey Gina! How long have you been a group fitness instructor? Do you have any tips for newbies? I just got certified for Turbo Kick and PiYo! 🙂
Hi Gina! I just found your blog and absolutely love the balance you provide of fun/family/fitness/nutrition, etc. Congrats on your beautiful little girl! I am really interested in your transition from what appears to be a mostly raw/vegan lifestyle (which maybe I am getting wrong, but seems thats the way you ate in some of the earlier posts) to how you eat now, which seems to include a lot more animal protein (chicken, fish, etc). What was the switch, and how does it make you feel? Thanks for any input!
thank you!
i was eating too much fat and sugar when i was mostly raw, so i started to add back in more protein, and a year ago, chicken again (i ate fish and eggs before, but you can only eat so much fish and eggs, ya know?)
i feel MUCH better, especially with the pregnancy and my teaching schedule. a lot more energy, and my body fat went down when i switched back
hope this helps a little!
Hi Gina,
First I wanted to say Congrats on your new baby! She’s truly precious and cherish every moment. I also wanted to tell you that I love your blog and think you are a true inspiration. Your journey to health and wellness is amazing, and inspires others to make great choices even when they are short on time. I follow your blog and facebook page and think you provide really valuable information and it motivates me to stay in shape too.
This probably already sounds spammish, but I’m not trying to be. I just love the information you post and your outreach, that I was looking for your advice as well. I am new to blogging and hope that since I am still trying to get my feet wet if you wouldn’t mind checking out my page/website to see if there is any where I can improve. I know you are probably really busy, I just wanted to get my name out there and inspire others to make healthy choices…
Thanks so much!!
http://www.fitnesswithspice.com
http://www.facebook.com/FitnessWithSpice
Hi Gina,
I’ve been a longtime reader and fan of your blog,however this is my first time commenting.
I want to say first of all that you have inspired me to eat better and exercise more-in fact I discovered Zumba through your
blog and am now addicted,so thank you!
I also love Turbo Fire,however I’m getting sick of listening to the same songs over and over again (I can only hear ‘Boom I’ve got your boyfriend’ so many times. lol.
Anyways,I was listening to the new Katy Perry single the other day and thought that it would go great with some of the Turbo Fire routines,and it got me thinking…
Have you ever used your own custom playlist while using workout dvds,and how would you match it to the
choreography?
Any advice you could give would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks. 🙂
i’ve been wanting to put together a playlist for it (i’m sick of the songs, too) but haven’t had time to get around to it. if i do, i’ll post it! xoxo
I’m addicted to your blog! Love it! 🙂
I was wondering if you know anything about the Body By Vi? I have friends doing it and wondered what your perspective is?
Thanks for your great posts! I always look forward to reading your blog
C
i’ve heard of it, but don’t know the details. one of my friends is always pimping body by vi on facebook 🙂 maybe it will be a good focus on post?
Hi Gina. I read your blog every day and love it! I have a question… you mentioned in a post several months ago that you loved a certain brand of face soap/lotion products. Which product was it? Thanks.
i use juice beauty spf moisturizer for day and always change up my face soap and night moisturizer. right now it’s kiss my face soap and korres wild rose moisturizer (which is AMAZING)
xoxo
Hi Gina!
I’ve really enjoyed reading you blog since I discovered it a few weeks ago. I’m in the process of changing careers – high school teacher to fitness instructor. I passed my CPT exam (NASM) and I’m not sure how to get started. I love one on one training and group classes. How did you get started? Any advice would be super appreciated!!
here ya go! http://fitnessista.com/about/why-im-a-personal-trainer/
let me know if you have any more questions after reading it!
sending lots of luck and love to you!
I just got hired as an instructor at an amazing Pilates studio! Thank you so so much for inspiring me to follow my dreams!!
that’s wonderful news! congratulations!
Hello 🙂 Do you offer giveaways? I would love to work with you on one! I sell cute girly fun workout tanks 🙂 http://www.etsy.com/shop/ruffleswithlove