Today I am celebrating the release of my good friend Gina’s book: HIIT IT! (Fitnessista’s Get More From Less Workout and Diet Plan to Lose Weight and Feel Great Fast).
Gina and I have gotten to hang out a handful of times, and she is super cool!
I had dinner at her house while we were in Tucson last year and her ‘clean eats’ were more than delicious. She made me a batch of the Cookie Dough Cereal that is in her book!
I also took her dance class, which rocked, and love her DVD Soli Beat.
All this is to say that Gina is an inspiration in many ways!
Her book is no less inspiring and is packed with both fitness and clean eating information (backed by our friend Anne the RD!)
I have heard a lot about HIIT – high intensity interval training – but had never had it spelled out to me like Gina does in the book. The good news is that I’m pretty sure some of the classes I go to during the week classify as HIIT. Or at least I’m sure Gina would give them a fitness thumbs up! I love that she advocates working out smarter not longer, so you get a really efficient workout for less time in the gym. I am all about that! And it makes such perfect sense. I probably could put a bit more oomph into my non-class gym workouts. *Raising hand for lazily reading magazines on the stairmaster – guilty as charged!* Reading her book has inspired me to make sure every workout I do is worth my time.
The book is packed with HIIT workouts Gina designed (she’s a certified personal trainer) that you can do anywhere – gym or no gym. They are perfect for moms, travelers or those without a gym membership, or you can use your gym’s equipment. There are photos throughout of the exercises so you can be sure your form is correct. When I was on my Dominican Republic trip I gave this one a try (using a pretend jump rope) and loved the bang-for-my-buck it gave me when I would rather have been at the beach! Gina gave me permission to share it with you.
Upper Body Jump + Burn Circuit
Warm-up: 5 minutes jump rope + 10 push-ups + 10 squats + 1 minute plank
Workout
Push-ups: 1 minute
Upright rows: 12 reps
Bicep curls: 12 reps
HIIT Jump Rope: 15 seconds hard // 15 seconds easy x 4
Bent over rows: 12 reps
Chest presses: 12 reps
Tricep dips: 1 minute
HIIT Jump Rope: 15 seconds hard // 15 seconds easy x 4
Cool down
As for the food part of the book, there are lots of recipes as well as tips on meal prep and eating style. I found all of the information in line with what I believe. There are several meal plans that put the recipes together as well. I’m eager to try her Nana’s Frijoles in my slow cooker!
I am totally embarrassed to say that I have never tried Gina’s famous breakfast cookie!! While the book is packed with new recipes, this is one that is famous from her blog. Since I love oats and breakfast, it seemed like a great dish to enjoy for today’s book tour. I made mine with Buddy’s Nut Butter, sliced almonds and chocolate chips!
The verdict? Delicious!! So fun to eat. Here’s the recipe if you want to give it a try (or maybe you did like 5 years ago 🙂 )
Happy HIITing!
Linda @ TheFitty says
I’ve. Never tried her breakfast cookie either but I’d love to. I follow her blog and she’s amazing. her little livi steals my heart!
Shana says
Did you make yours with protein powder? Is there anything to use in it’s place?
KathEats says
I actually just used a tablespoon of whole wheat pancake mix!
Shana says
Great idea. Thank you!
Kaila @healthyhelperblog! says
I already planned on getting Gina’s book but this makes me even more excited! I love seeing a little sneak peak before actually getting my own! Congrats again to Gina! 🙂
Amanda @ Life to Table says
Hi Kath, what a perfect post for me today. I was searching for workouts to do at home, when I saw your post on my rss feed! Totally going to check out her website and see what other workouts she has. Thanks!
Katie @ Peace Love & Oats says
Do you just do that circuit one time through? That looks pretty good to me! I love the idea of faster workouts – more time for other things!
KathEats says
Yes!
Winding Spiral Case says
I know what I’m having for breakfast tomorrow! Thanks for sharing the recipe (for those of us who missed the boat in 2008!) — a super way to mix up the oatmeal routine.
Amanda @ Slimplify Life says
I love Gina and her Breakfast Cookie ;). So awesome y’all are able to get together.
Christy @TheMuddyApron says
I need this after the baby. I’m really interested in HIIT workouts and can’t wait to start.
Maria says
I bought this (pre Ordered) as a Merry Christmas to me! It arrived at the end of last week and I love it!
Sam @ Grapefruit & Granola says
I agree that working out smarter instead of longer is the way to go!
gina (fitnessista) says
thank you so much for sharing the word about “hiit it!”
i hope we get to hang out again soon 🙂
xoxo
Alex @ True Femme says
So funny that you posted this today because I just wrote on Gina’s blog that I’m expecting my copy of her book in the mail today. I’m really hoping to incorporate a few HIIT workouts a week into my routine and get out of that “longer is better” mentality.
Hannah @ eat, drink and save money says
I did a HIIT class at my gym once and almost died. I’m a huge spinning fan and thought I could keep up, no way! It was so tough that I never went back. Maybe I should give it another try.
Leah (goodnight, cheese) says
That breakfast cookie looks GOOD.
I’m confused, is this a sponsored post? Did you get the book for free?
KathEats says
Not sponsored, but I got the review copy gratis.
Leah (goodnight, cheese) says
Oh, ok! Then it is my understanding that you need to disclose that on this post. I know you’d never deliberately mislead your readers, but I’m sure you’d want to make sure you’re keeping within the FTC rules.
Looks like a great book!
Blair @ The Seasoned Mom says
Looks great! I just bought her book, and I can’t wait to get it. I’ll be enjoying a breakfast cookie soon! 🙂
Mom says
Congratulations! Great cover!
Kristen @ Change of Pace says
I haven’t had a breakfast cookie in forever! I used to eat them all the time. She really is such an inspiration… As are you Kath! 🙂
Lindsay says
I am so excited to check out this book! I no longer have time for looong workouts, so this could help jump start my process on the making it count plan!
Lisa Nasch says
Loved this work out and can not wait to read and use the book.
Love your website!! Thank you so much for your beautiful
pictures and lovely way of sharing your life
Didi@ Get Slimmer Guide says
HIIT seems to be the “IT” workout at the moment. I love it because it helps you to accomplish more in less time. Really love the idea of breakfast cookies – sounds yummy 🙂