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
Love your blog!
Hi Gina, I’ve nominated you for the Very Inspirational Blogger Award. I’ve really enjoyed reading your blog and think you totally deserve it! If you’re interested in participating, just visit my post and read the rules, I look forward to reading your post!! 🙂 http://asunshinyday.com/inspiring-blogger-award/
Hey Gina,
I’m just starting my blog ( with a two month old! What am I thinking!?). Any tips? You’ve got a great blog here and I see that you post very frequently and consistently. Thought you could give me some good advice!
Thanks!
i actually wrote an ebook with all of my best blogging tips. it should be out on the blog in the next month
congratulations on your baby, too!
Did I miss the e-book or is it still coming!?
Nope you didn’t miss it!
Got the finished version yesterday and planning to upload tonight 🙂
Can’t wait!!
So inspirational 🙂
Hi Gina-Is there a way to send you a PM? Today I saw a recipe that was so similar to your berry chia jam recipe that I wanted to be sure that you knew about it in case there was some un/intentional sabotage of the recipe. Thanks! Mary Beth
you can send me an email! fitnessista at gmail dot com 🙂
If anyone is going to the fitness conference in Anaheim, I’m looking for a roommate. Please let me know. Thanks!
Hi Gina — I was wondering if your AFAA group fitness certification is what allows you to be a spin instructor? I am interested in becoming certified to teach, but there is an overwhelming amount of stuff online and varying ways to be certified. It seems like AFAA would allow me to teach other classes, not just spin? Thanks for the info!
Hi Gina 🙂 I just wanted to say thanks so much for all the handy info in your recent ebook. I stumbled upon it initially through Erin Motz’s website as I haven’t had much time to catch up here in a while. I read through it last night and am finally more excited than daunted at the prospect of overhauling my own and perhaps most importantly, finally finding some time to get it and myself out there. Yours has always been a great inspiration to me! Congrats on all your success! You deserve it.
oh and the new look is fab:)
thank you so much, rebecca! i’m so thrilled you enjoyed it 🙂 thank you for the sweet comment and hope you have a lovely week! xoxo
Hey Gina,
Just wanted to tell you how much a loved your honesty about life as a new mom. I am a long time reader of your blog and a new mom to an almost 4 week old. I was just reading through your family page and it really hit home. Thank you for saying how HARD it is but also giving such great advice as to sllloooowwww down and enjoy it. I also have been reading Secrets of the Baby Whisper based on your recommendation to try and get some kind of structure in our day. Again, thank you! Its great to know I’m not as crazy as I feel.
Chrissy
thank you so much for reading, and congrats to you and your family!
being a mom is HARD, and you’re in one of the toughest parts. hang in there!! you are not crazy at all. almost all of my close mom friends felt the same way! hope you guys find a rhythm and routine <3 xoxo
Hi, I asked a question on the White Plum post about your black wedge boots but never received a reply. Would you kindly let me know where you got them? Thanks!
sorry i missed it! they’re from aldo, but about 4 years old
Hi Gina,
We are currently casting a new fitness show at Eyeworks TV. We are looking for people with unique and exciting workout programs or fitness inventions that they believe to be the next big thing in fitness! Please apply to fitnesshowcasting@gmail. or spread the word! Please feel free to call or email with an questions.
Thank you!
Michelle Ghossn
Casting Associate
Eyeworks USA
424-236-7500 Ext. 7630
These same people contacted me too… Curious if this is spam or not? Did you follow up with these casting people?
i followed on twitter but that’s it
Hi Gina –
I am Chris from the company Fitmoo, which is a large social media platform and e-commerce marketplace built entirely around fitness, health and wellness. We have identified you as a leading influencer in the fitness space and would like to get together to discuss a partnership with Fitmoo.
Let me know if you’d like to learn more about what how we can help promote your brand. I’m happy to explain everything in detail if we can set up a time to speak!
Best,
Chris
I know this is totally of topic. I have been following you for a year and half. I found you when I moved from Florida to Ft Lewis. I’m a veteran and Army wife. I’m also a newly former runner. My injuries sustistaned in oef 07 caused nerve death to lower organs and legs. I awaiting a tricycle from the veterans affairs (need that versus a rucumbant due to children stroller issues). Is there any way you can help me find a company that may lower the price of these bikes from the almost 300 to any lower for me? I m sorry to ask but you seem so good at it and I have no one else to turn to.
hey girl, thanks for reaching out to me, and thank you for your service. i always want the best for our military veterans. please send me an email and we could discuss this further: fitnessista at gmail
Hello Gina,
I’m Stacey and I’m writing on behalf of Insoles and Beyond, a family-owned small business based in North Carolina. We would like to offer you any item from our stock for your review. We could also arrange a giveaway and 15% off promo code for your readers.
We carry insoles, plantar fasciitis night splints and calf and foot compression garments.
Please let me know if you are interested.
http://www.insolesandbeyond.com
Thank You,
Stacey
Insoles and Beyond
Hi there! Love your blog… Just wanted to give you a heads up your blog is featured in one of our recent posts “15 Wellness Blogs to Follow in 2015”
http://blog.careatc.com/improving-health/15-wellness-blogs-to-follow-in-2015
thank you so much!
Hi Gina!
My name is Sarah and I’m the publicity assistant at Chronicle Books. Great to meet you!
We’d love to send you our forthcoming spring title, 7 Minutes to Fit. In this inspiring workout book, award-winning personal trainer Brett Klika provides 50 illustrated interval circuits that only require a chair and your body weight to complete.
If this is of interest to you, please send me the best shipping address for you and we’ll send over a copy right away!
[…] friend Gina and I decided to make a video together with all body-weight exercises so that you can do these […]
Hi Gina — I’m a huge fan of your site and workouts and wanted to reach out to you about a possible partnership (I run e-commerce for a premium denim brand).
I was looking for your email but wasn’t able to locate it, so I figured comment is the next best thing.
Hope to speak to you soon!
Kellie
Hey! Just wanted to say, you are an awesome blogger and I really appreciate all of the materials you provide for you readers! When I first moved to college, I was shy and didn’t have many friends. Your blog inspired me to be more active and reach out to people and now I am so much happier. So thank you, Gina! You may not know how many people you are able to influence by your posts, but you are really inspiring and I just wanted to let you know how much you are appreciated!
Thanks so much!!
that means to much to me. thank you so much for reading, ashley, and for the sweet comment!
Hi Gina,
Love your blog, approach to life and fitness (as well as your cute family). I’m helping my friend with some part-time BD and marketing and seeing you are into fitness, I was wondering if you may be interested in testing out his new product range – the CoreX and RipFit Trainer. CoreX is an improved version of the TRX (better price too) whilst the RipFit Trainer really helps with the abs and minimising those annoying muffin tops. Let me know and I can see if we can offer you a discount or something (if you are curious).
Thanks! Keep up the good work 🙂
Mish
Hi Gina-
Don’t forget to teach us how to read on the treadmill! I’m very interested as I struggle with that! Thank you – LOVE the blog!
i was reading your mind! wrote a post about it last week! 🙂
I am picking up your book soon. I also have a question. I am super interested in kettlebell workouts. Do you know any good videos/DVD’s for this? Or do you have a workout for kettlebells that you can suggest???
Thanks!
i haven’t tried these, but i love all of her other workouts: http://www.amazon.com/Zcut-Kettlebell-Start-DVD-Series/dp/B00IEALEQW
AWESOME BLOG! Had to retweet you!
Hi Gina
I love your blog and have been following you for a few years. I am currently almost 6 months pregnant and during my pregnancy I fell in love with Zumba. the session I am currently in is almost finished and i really want to sign up for the next session.
i wanted to ask you how far into your pregnancy were you doing Zumba? Do you think its ok to do it in the 3rd trimester ( i am pretty physically fit).
Any suggestions or thoughts would be very greatly appreciated!
thank you so much, aneta! 🙂
i did zumba until about 37 or 38 weeks. i would just modify; watch the twisting (avoid that) and any crazy jumping 🙂 i wore a belly support thing too that helped a lot
Hey Gina!
I don’t know how I’ve missed this blog the past few years! You have such a great lifestyle, and fabulous recipes! I love that you make some gluten free recipes too – many people are “afraid” of gluten free! I’m a fellow gluten-free baker, and have recently started to do some weight training to build myself some muscle (I’m too scrawny!).
Love the site – will definitely be following!
Just thought I’d share the love 🙂
Best Wishes
Michelle
thank you so much, michelle!!
[…] for “Make Moves Monday” goes, today we are completing my friend Gina, The Fitnessista‘s week 3 Barre workout from this year’s Winter Shape […]
Hi Gina! I’ve loved following along with your inspiring posts. Thanks for always bringing honesty + humor + energy to this little fitness blog world of ours! I’d love to add your San Diego fitness class reviews (Focus On column) to my worldwide map of fitness class reviews. They’d be a fantastic addition for anyone visiting San Diego and needing a little “where to sweat” help! Thanks and keep up the great work!
http://thefitcrasher.com/fit-crasher-map/
Hey Gina! Just found your blog! Love the well-roundedness of it…especially how your family is involved. That’s the direction my blog is moving in, so it’s nice to see others having success!
Check out my 3 year old race report from her fun run! Written from my pov of course! http://fruitionfitness.com/fun-run-race-report/
Gina, I have been looking through your older posts about conceiving and what helped you and am very interested in the doctor that helped you get pregnant with Liv. Would you be able to give me his name and #? My email is above. Love your blog!
Thanks! Grace
What would be your best advice for someone who majorly fell off the workout wagon about 2 years ago when I was pregnant with my son. I keep saying basically everyday, tomorrow, tomorrow, tomorrow I’ll go to the gym. I go one day and lose motivation. I see a really strong fit person about 20 pounds away, but am just really struggling with getting my bum in gear. My main “excuses” have been being too tired from working full time and not wanting to miss out on time with my son during my free time. Do you have any posts about starting over? I used to be in fairly good shape! Help! PLEASE!
[…] chibi art piece inspired by Gina‘s picture, the blogger […]
Hi Gina! I hope all is well! I was wondering if you still have a PO box that readers can send mail to?
Definitely believe that that you said. Your favorite reason appeared to be at the net the simplest thing to bear in mind of.
I say to you, I certainly get irked even as folks consider concerns that they plainly don’t realize
about. You managed to hit the nail upon the top and outlined out the
whole thing without having side effect , other
folks could take a signal. Will likely be back to get more.
Thanks
Hi, I found your blog though a mutual friend and I would love the opportunity to get my new Christan workout line featured on your blog. Thanks so much for the opportunity.
New to the blogging world and LOVE your blog! Thanks for sharing!!!
Ok can I be your bestie?? I stumbled across your site and I feel like you are my sista from another mister 😉 Is that creepy of me?
Love everything about your site. I’m also a military spouse that is now a new mom, transitioning career paths (I totally understand the whole ‘moving all the time’ thing – now working on blogging about health/fitness/recipes and starting my new gig as a barre instructor), etc etc.
You are such an inspiration!!
ahhh so awesome! nice to meet you and thank you for checking out the blog! it definitely sounds like we have a lot in common 🙂
Hi Gina,
I have been religiously following your blog for 3 years now. Its been so inspirational that I finally got around to starting a blog of my own! I have tried so many or your recipes and I must say they are not only healthy but also delicious. Keep up the good work and thanks for being an inspiration.
Hey! I absolutely LOVE your blog! I’ve been working on a blog myself and was wondering if you had any tips to help me expand? Thank you 🙂
Hey! I am loving your blog. I am currently looking into becoming a barre instructor, as well as getting my certificate for group exercise. I was wondering if you could possibly give me some ideas on what happens during a Barre Instructor Audition? I would be really grateful for any help, advice.
Hi Gina: I have been reading your blog for a few years now and really enjoy it. I appreciate your sensible approach to fitness and food as well. I also purchased your book and refer to the recipes in it all the time. I have a question and am looking for some quick advice. I know you mentioned that you are a Beach Body Coach. I work with a different direct sales company (organic skin care) and am not so much interested in growing a “team” at this time (or at all? not sure yet . . . ). I love the company, products, education though and am going to start a blog of my own. I was thinking that I could provide information about the products I love on my Blog and “weave” it into my other interests. In a way, I think you have done this successfully with Beach Body. My question is, how did you decide that you weren’t going to build a team with Beach Body and is that OK with the company? How did you navigate that decision? I’m just curious because I respect the way in which you’ve handled it and I appreciate the fact that you’re about much more than that brand, but that you refer to it occasionally. Without building a team, do you feel as if you are missing out on a income opportunity? I’m just curious about your approach and was looking for some support in what I see as a rather unchartered area (offering a direct sales product on a web site minus team building). I hope you have an easy and beautiful birth. Wishing you all the best and thanks so much for the hard work you put into your blog every day! Amy
Hi Gina!
My name is Christina Shaffer and I’m a long-time follower of your blog. I love your recipes! I’m just starting a blog myself (a general lifestyle blog) and wanted to include links to some of your recipes and possibly a photo with your watermark. Since I’m new at blogging I’m not sure of the rules but would love to feature some of your recipes in relevant posts!
Thanks so much!
Christina
love-christina.com
hi christina!
links to recipes are totally fine! happy new blog to you!
xoxo
Hi Gina,
I just came across your prenatal barre workout on YouTube today. I absolutely loved it. I am 28 weeks and I am trying to stay in shape this time around during pregnancy. I think by finding your website and YouTube channel it will definitely keep me motivated to do so.
I look forward to looking at your resources in more depth as I have more time to look at your site.
Congrats on your pregnancy!
Natasha.
Hi Gina,
I’m just getting back into the habit of working out regularly and am having trouble with my diet. The thing is, I like southern food and junk food. A lot. Pretty much if it’s bad for me, I want it. I don’t have a whole lot of recipes that are healthy and the idea emptying my fridge and pantry and starting over is overwhelming, as is making a life change. Which pretty much is what I need to do. Any ideas for getting over the mind hump?
Thanks,
Jennifer
Hi Gina, I find your blog very informative and helpful. It is also very relatable. I like that it’s easy to find old posts on topics too. Your blog is one of the best fitness ones I’ve encountered. Thank you!
thank you tanna. i appreciate it so much <3
I live in Tucson and was wondering which chiropractor you used during pregnancy. I’m currently 36 weeks and I hope it’s not too late to get in for an adjustment as I feel my hips are out of line. Also I wanted to do placenta encapsulation and I have found a few different people, but I would feel better going with someone that came recommended as opposed to one I found through googling alone. I understand if you cannot give out this information and also appreciate your time as you are learning your new normal. Thanks!!!
dr michelle switzer at swather family chiropractic. she also adjusted liv when she was an itty baby, and is AWESOME (so gentle)
our doula did my placenta in tucson, but she is a midwife now and not doing placentas. i wish i had another rec for you!
xoxo
Hi…in your recipes with almond meal, is that almond meal or almond meal flour? Thanks!
almond meal 🙂
Hi Gina! I am thinking about getting my CPT and am torn on who to go through. Would you recommend NASM after getting your certification through them? I’m not 100% sure what I want to do after, so I’m also not sure if I should go for my CSCS or CPT. Any tips would be appreciated! Thanks!
i’ve heard great things about both. i had a great experience with NASM and highly recommend them. the training is very thorough and very applicable to what you’d experience with clients
How did you decide which certification to get? I have been looking at different certifications for Health Coach and was interested in ACE, but notice you went with NASM for fitness and for weight loss. Any advice on how to choose?
Hi Gina,
We are looking for a blogger to help our client with monthly posts. Our client is looking for something specific in their writers and it appears you have a lot of what they are looking for. These posts would be written exclusively for them and of course we would pay. Thank you!
[…] 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 […]