Best Health and Fitness Certifications (My Favorites After 17+ Years in the Industry)

Sharing a roundup of my favorite reputable health and fitness certifications if you’re considering becoming a wellness professional. Check out all of the details below!

Hi friends! How are you? I hope that you’re having an amazing week so far! Mine is PACKED with client calls and podcast interviews, but I’m looking forward to a long, relaxing Easter weekend with the fam.

For today’s post, I wanted to talk a bit about health and wellness certifications, especially now that I’m working my way through two new ones: High Performance Health and Integrative Health Practitioner Level 3.

I LOVE to learn, and over the past 17 years in the wellness industry, I’ve completed quite a few health and fitness certifications. I won’t recap them all again here (they’re all on the About page!), but I definitely have some favorites.

I figured I’d share my top certification options if you’re considering expanding your knowledge in the health and wellness space, teaching fitness, or pursuing a new career.

Whether you want to coach clients, teach classes, dive into functional health, or simply deepen your own knowledge, there are so many incredible programs out there.

Best Health and Fitness Certifications

One of the biggest questions I get is: Where do I even start?

The answer really depends on your goals.

Do you want to:

Work 1:1 with clients?

Teach fitness classes?

Build an online wellness business?

Or simply learn more for yourself and your family?

I’ve broken this down into a few categories to help you find the best fit.

Health Coach / Functional Practitioner Certifications

If you want to help clients get to the root cause of health imbalances, functional lab testing is the BIGGEST gamechanger.

When you can run labs, analyze them, and recommend appropriate protocols, it’s such an incredible way to serve clients on a deeper level.

(Friendly reminder that we don’t diagnose, prescribe, cure, or treat. We’re looking for deficiencies and toxicities—and how we can support the body back into balance.)

Integrative Health Practitioner (IHP) Institute

This is by far my favorite certification.

I’ve completed Level 1 and Level 2, and I’m currently working through High Performance Health and Level 3. I’m not exaggerating when I say that IHP has completely changed my life.

It’s enabled me to help clients in a much deeper capacity, and I’ve also used the testing and protocols on myself and in our family. It was a huge part of my own healing journey.

What I love most about IHP:

It combines Eastern and Western approaches

You learn how to read and interpret functional lab testing

You’re given clear protocols you can actually implement

It’s extremely practical and actionable

If you’re interested in working with clients, running labs, or truly understanding root-cause health, this is the one I recommend again and again.

You can check it out here and use the code FITNESSISTA for a huge discount.

Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner (FDNP)

I don’t personally hold this certification, but I have many friends who have completed it and gone on to build thriving online practices.

From what I understand, it’s similar to IHP in that you’re learning how to become a “health detective” and look at patterns within the body using functional labs.

The curriculum and testing options are fairly similar, and the goal is the same: helping clients get to the root cause of what they’re experiencing instead of just managing symptoms. You can check out details here. 

Nutrition Coach Certifications

Please note that this is SO different from a Registered Dietitian.

Only a licensed RD can tell you exactly what to eat or prescribe a specific diet plan. A nutrition coach can provide guidance, education, macro support, and balanced recommendations based on your goals, but cannot prescribe individualized medical nutrition therapy.

Institute of Integrative Nutrition (IIN)

I do not hold this certification, but it’s one that I seriously considered.

One of the biggest perks is that you can specialize based on your interests, whether that’s plant-based nutrition, Paleo, hormone health, or other dietary approaches.

It’s a great option if you’re looking for a broad, holistic introduction to health coaching and want flexibility in how you apply it.

Precision Nutrition

I completed Precision Nutrition a handful of years ago and thought the curriculum was very straightforward and practical.

What I liked most:

Learning how to calculate macros based on individual goals

Understanding nutrient timing and fueling strategies

Diving deeper into specific goals like endurance training or fat loss

Coaching strategies and behavior change

This is a great option if you want a strong foundation in nutrition coaching, especially if your focus is fitness, body composition, or performance. You can learn more here.

Biohacking Certification

High Performance Health (HPH)

I’m currently working through this certification and LOVING it.

It covers topics like:

optimizing cardio capacity

brain health and cognitive function

advanced nutrition strategies

biohacking tools and stacks

taking an already healthy routine to the next level

This is a great option if you’re already in the wellness space and want to go deeper into optimization and performance. Learn more about HPH here.

Little blast from the past from the Zumba days. Bring it baaaack!

Fitness Certifications

If you want to work in a gym, train clients, or teach classes, a fitness certification is essential.

NASM Personal Trainer

I’ve been a NASM-certified personal trainer for many years, and I really appreciated how in-depth and science-based the curriculum is.

It covers:

anatomy and physiology

program design

injury prevention

client assessment

I also have to maintain continuing education credits and CPR certification to stay current, which I think is so important.

This certification truly took my personal training to the next level.

AFAA Group Fitness

This is the group fitness certification I got years and years ago, and it’s the one I’d recommend if you’re considering teaching group fitness.

It focuses on:

class structure

cueing and coaching

safety and modifications

creating an engaging experience

If you love the energy of group classes, this is a great place to start.

Fitness Specialties

If you want to niche down or expand your offerings, specialty certifications can be a great addition.

Some of the ones I’ve completed:

NASM Corrective Exercise

NASM Women’s Fitness Specialist

NASM Weight Loss Specialist

BODYPUMP

These allow you to:

work with specific populations

address injuries or imbalances

create more customized programs

Yoga (RYT)

If you’re interested in teaching yoga, a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) certification is the standard.

Beyond teaching, it’s also an incredible personal development experience that deepens your understanding of movement, breath, and mindfulness. Your local yoga studio will likely offer 200 hour certification programs. Get certified at the studio you love!

Barre

Barre is a little different because there aren’t as many widely accepted universal certifications.

If you’re interested in teaching barre, I recommend reaching out to the specific studio where you’d like to teach. Many studios offer in-house training programs.

The best thing you can do is take as many classes there as possible, since each studio tends to have its own unique method and style.

If I could give one piece of advice, it would be this:

Start with something that genuinely excites you.

You don’t have to do everything at once. You don’t need 10 certifications to get started!

One certification can open the door, and you can build from there.

For me, continuing education has been one of the most rewarding parts of this career. It’s allowed me to grow, evolve, and serve others in a much deeper way.

If you’re thinking about diving into the wellness space, I’m cheering you on and if you have any questions about these certifications, I’m always happy to help!

xo

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3.28 Friday Faves

Hi friends! Happy weekend to ya! I’m here with Friday Faves on a Saturday. The Pilot was gone all week this week, so I was doing the solo parenting thing. Counting down the days until summer break! We got a little taste of it yesterday and I’m READY. Took the kiddos and some friends to the pool after school and it was perfection. I got pressured into riding the water slide and loved it lol.

The rest of the weekend plans include an epic brunch, watching the Wildcats tonight, and prepping for the week ahead. I hope you have a fun and relaxing weekend, too!

It’s time for the weekly Friday Faves roundup. I always love hearing about your faves from the week and around the web, so please shout out something you’re loving in the comments section below.

3.28 Friday Faves

Fashion, beauty, random:

These goggles. I’ve shared them before, but rx goggles allow me to be a fun mom at the pool lol. I can swim and drive, ride water slides, and still see what I’m going. I look absolutely ridiculous but I remind myself that the kids will probably only remember that I actually played with them in the water instead of the fact that I look like an insect.

This Target skirt. It’s super light and comfy; perfect for game day and pickleball.

Another shout out to my favorite “mom swimsuit.” The fabric is super light, it fits perfectly, and they have so many great colors. (I also covers your booty while you’re building sand castles or chasing the kiddos around.) I also wear and love this two piece.

Read, watch, listen:

Don’t miss this week’s podcast episode here. I loved this conversation and it’s so important to be aware of where your food is coming from.

Reading this and while I know it’s going to slowly break my heart, I’m 100% locked in.

Well, this is exciting.

What are your kids’ love languages?

Check this out if you’re looking for Easter basket ideas for teens and tweens this week.

Fitness, health, and good eats:

If you haven’t tried these Good Pop ice cream sandwiches, they are amaaaazing. Gluten-free, dairy-free, and the perfect little sweet bite!

High volume low calorie recipes. So many of these are light and fresh; perfect for hotter weather.

Definitely try this True Food kale salad copycat recipe.

Cured sent me some of their Dream gummies to try and I took half of one last night and slept like a baby. Sleep had been hit or miss for me over the past few months – just a lot of stress about quite a few different things paired with a new puppy was a distaster – but their Serenity gummies have been a gamechanger for me. I take half a Serenity gummy if I feel wired before bed and feel instant calm, and don’t feel gross or groggy in the am. If you want to try any of these gummies, you can use GINAH for a discount here! (The Dream gummies won’t be officially released until Monday but you get early access, too!)

EquiLife birthday sale continues through tomorrow! If you’ve been wanting to try anything new or stock up on your faves, this is the chance.

Here are some of my top picks:

Daily Nutritional Support– they have a new Strawberry flavor too that is DELICIOUS. I have DNS in protein pudding every single day and I feel a difference in my energy when I skip it.

Full Spectrum Magnesium

Magnesium is one of the most common deficiencies I see, and it impacts so many systems in the body. I take this every night and also give it to the kiddos. I’ve tried many different magnesium brands and types and this by far my fave.

Melatonin can be a nice little boost if you’re having trouble sleeping or if you’re traveling. I take this whenever we travel and it’s how I can go to Spain with zero jet lag. I loooove it.

Adrenal Energy

I don’t drink regular caffeine, but my cortisol was low in the morning. I used this to rebalance my levels and still take it. It gives me energy without feeling jittery. It’s designed to support the body’s natural energy systems and adrenal function without creating a spike and crash effect.

Adrenal Soothe

On the opposite end of the spectrum, this is what I reach for during high-stress periods. It’s designed to calm the nervous system and support balanced cortisol levels, which can be especially helpful when you feel wired, anxious, or overstimulated. I use this to help me wind down before bed.

I also use and love the Universal Binder and the Omega 3 support (the liquid is so nice because you don’t have to swallow an extra capsule). We also have a group detox coming up in May if you’d like to get your kit now!

Lab testing!! If you’re curious about functional lab testing, if you order ANY lab before Monday, I will go over your results with you with zero coaching fee. You just pay for the lab, and I’ll go over the results with you and help you create an action plan based on your results. I recommend the Big 5 labs for the most comprehensive overview, but also use and run the Vita-Min Tox test, Stress Mood and Metabolism, and IgG food sensitvity tests every day in my wellness practice. Browse labs here and you decide to order, please email me to I can add you to my client portal (gina@fitnessista.com subject LABS)

Thank you so much for stopping by the blog today! Have an amazing weekend and I’ll see ya soon!

xoxo

Gina

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Most fitness advice assumes your life stays still.

It doesn’t. Flights, long dinners, hotel breakfast buffets, jet lag, two weeks in Hawaii, a trip to England where the scones are genuinely exceptional — and somewhere in all of that, you’re supposed to stay fit while traveling.

Diana had this problem for years. She’d start strong, something would come up, and the whole thing would fall apart. She’d tell herself she’d restart when things settled down. Things never settled down.

Then she built a system that didn’t care where she was.

Who Is Diana?

Diana is 62, a part-time consultant in accounting and finance who works from home. She and her husband love to travel and food is part of the experience for her. She looks forward to trying local spots, finding hidden gems, eating things you can only get in that place.

Before working with Born Fitness, she’d watched her parents struggle with the physical limitations that come with aging. She was starting to see the same patterns in her own generation. She didn’t want that future. She wanted to feel good, stay strong, keep doing the things she loved — for as long as possible.

When she came in, she had a straightforward goal: lose around 20 pounds and build habits that would actually last. What she got was something bigger than that.

The Real Goal Behind the Number

At her intake, Diana described her ideal outcome like this: 

“I would be more confident and eager to do new things. I would be more carefree and less worried about minor items. I would worry less about what other people think of me.”

The weight was the surface goal. Underneath it was something most of our clients share: they want to stop carrying the mental weight of feeling like they’re always behind and always starting over. 

She also came in with a healthy amount of self-awareness. Her biggest anticipated challenges? Losing motivation over time, giving in to instant gratification, and — this one matters — all-or-nothing thinking. Her words: “If I can’t do everything I should do today, why do anything at all.”

That awareness turned out to be a huge advantage.

Real Life Kept Happening (On Purpose)

Our nutrition approach was simple: ~1,700 calories a day, at least 100 grams of protein, flexible on carbs and fats. The goal was something Diana could run in the background of her actual life.

Within a few weeks, she was already adapting. She found shake recipes she liked. She figured out how to hit her protein target without obsessing over every gram. Within a month, she was writing things like this:

“So far, it’s so much easier than balancing macros or figuring out how to spend ‘points.’ The simplicity of the plan is working for me.”

Then the trips started.

First up: a group trip in late March, about six weeks in. She packed fruit and high-protein snacks. She focused on eggs, yogurt, and turkey at breakfast. The breakfast buffet had churros. She passed on them.

Why? Because she’d already decided that the churros weren’t worth it — not when there might be something better later.

The ‘Worth It’ Rule

When her coach asked how this trip had felt different from previous travel, Diana gave one of the clearest descriptions of a real mindset shift we’ve heard:

“I gave myself permission to try a special bakery or restaurant, but the tradeoff was that I held back on ‘not so special’ things like churros on the breakfast buffet to leave space for something special later. I think previously I would have eaten everything that looks good without thinking.”

That’s a complete framework in four sentences. Enjoy what’s genuinely special to a place or experience. Pass on what isn’t. Leave space for the good stuff. Stop eating on autopilot.

She kept refining it. By the time she got to Hawaii seven months later, she had it dialed in:

“I plan to reasonably enjoy the foods and drinks that are ‘special’ to the area — like a sunset mai tai, or a local restaurant. I just need to not get into stuff like bags of chips or muffins that aren’t ‘special.'”

And when she got back from Hawaii, something unexpected happened. After two weeks of eating more freely — mindfully, but more freely — she came home and found herself craving her usual foods. The healthy defaults had become the thing she actually wanted.

England came next. The scones with cream were, by her own admission, enjoyed three times. The crisps were not. As she put it: 

“I seem to be doing well with judging when eating something is ‘worth it.’ I love scones with cream, and I’ll admit I enjoyed that 3 times in England. But I was mostly able to pass on temptations that weren’t really ‘worth it’ like chips (I mean crisps!).”

The Numbers

Over 13 months, Diana went from 182 pounds to 142.3 pounds. Nearly 40 pounds, well past the 20-pound goal she came in with. We never had to adjust her calorie target once. While that won’t be the case for everyone, it shows the power of not changing things until you have to. 

The other number worth mentioning: when she started, she could do a pushup only from a high incline on a kitchen counter. She can now do a full unassisted pushup on the ground. At 62.

Diana’s workout plan is its own story, but the short version: we built travel workouts around whatever equipment she had available. Some trips, the focus was simply consistent movement — walking, staying active.  

But here’s what Diana said at the eight-month mark, and it’s the result that matters most:

“After 8 months, I feel like this is a lifestyle I can follow — which is what I was hoping for.”

How to Stay Fit While Traveling: What This Means for You

Diana’s story isn’t about perfect discipline or a special gift for consistency. It’s about three things that anyone can apply.

The first is that simplicity is the whole game. A plan you can actually run — without counting every gram, without a spreadsheet, without pausing your life — beats the perfect plan you can’t sustain. 

The second is that all-or-nothing thinking is the enemy. Instead of fighting it with willpower, she replaced it with a decision-making framework: is this worth it? That question short-circuits the all-or-nothing spiral before it starts. 

The third is that the goal underneath the goal is the one that actually keeps you going. Diana came in wanting to lose 20 pounds. She stayed because she was building something bigger: the confidence that she could handle anything life threw at her. 

Diana didn’t wait for things to slow down. She didn’t pause her life to get healthy. She built a system that worked inside her actual life — with the travel, the food she loves, the places she wants to go.

That’s what we help with at Born Fitness Coaching. Not a program you follow until life gets busy, but a system that holds up when it does.

If that’s what you’re looking for, apply for coaching here. 

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202: Regenerative Farming 101 | What’s Really in Your Meat, Animal Welfare & Why It Matters with Jenni Harris of White Oak Pastures

Hi friends!

I have a brand new podcast episode live, and today I’m talking about something that is so close to my heart: Where our food actually comes from.

I’m joined by the incredible Jenni Harris, fifth-generation farmer and Director of Marketing at White Oak Pastures, a leading regenerative farm in Bluffton, Georgia. If you’ve ever stood in the grocery store aisle wondering what “regenerative” or “pasture-raised” actually means (and whether it’s worth it), this episode is going to answer ALL of that for you.

Here’s what we chat about:

• What regenerative agriculture actually means and why it goes beyond “sustainable”
• The three shifts (industrialized, commoditized, centralized) that changed farming for the worse and how White Oak Pastures is swinging the pendulum back
• Why animal welfare is about more than just being “cage-free” and what it really looks like to let animals express their instinctive behaviors
• How soil health connects directly to the nutrient density of your food
• Why White Oak Pastures gave up pesticides and chemical fertilizers and the wild story of how they started using them in the first place
• How grazing multiple species of livestock actually works as a natural alternative to chemicals
• The case for regional food systems and why your local farmer matters more than a big national brand
• How YOU can support regenerative farmers beyond just voting with your dollar

And so much more!!

This episode is a friendly reminder that eating well isn’t just about macros and calories, it’s also about knowing and trusting where your food comes from.

202: Regenerative Farming 101 | What’s Really in Your Meat, Animal Welfare & Why It Matters with Jenni Harris of White Oak Pastures

Find White Oak Pastures here:

• Website Link: https://whiteoakpastures.com/

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whiteoakpastures/

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whiteoakpastures/

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/whiteoakpastures

• Blog: https://blog.whiteoakpastures.com/blog

Check out Lumebox here with a discount code just from me: https://thelumebox.com/pages/lb68/?_ef_transaction_id=&oid=3&affid=4001&discount=fitnessista

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For my free Autoimmune Healing ebook, click here.
Detailed show notes here: https://fitnessista.com/podcast

Partners:

Try out luxury handbags and jewelry from Vivrelle and use my code GINAHARNEY for your first month free!

Check out We Feed Raw! Maisey goes crazy for this! I use it as a topper for her kibble or mix it into her pup loaf. You can try the raw version, the raw dehydrated kibble, and they’ll help you customize a plan for your pup. Use FITNESSISTA40 for 40% off your Meal Plan Starter Box here!

Check out my new favorite red light device here, and use the code FITNESSISTA for a huge discount. 

I’ve been using Nutrisense on and off for a couple of years now. I love being able to see how my blood sugar responds to my diet and habits, and run experiments. You can try out Nutrisense here and use GINA30 for 30% off.

If any of my fellow health professional friends are looking for another way to help their clients, I highly recommend IHP. You can also use this information to heal yourself and then go one to heal others, which I think is a beautiful mission. You can absolutely join if you don’t currently work in the health or fitness industry; many IHPs don’t begin on this path. They’re friends who are passionate to learn more about health and wellness, and want to share this information with those they love. You can do this as a passion, or start an entirely new career.

You can use my referral link here and the code FITNESSISTA for up to $250 off the Integrative Health Practitioner program. I highly recommend it!

Thank you so much for listening and for all of your support with the podcast! Please be sure to subscribe, and leave a rating or review if you enjoyed this episode. If you leave a rating, head to this page and you’ll get a little “thank you” gift from me to you. https://ift.tt/eXWl73J

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Vivrelle Review: Is It Worth It? (My Honest Thoughts + How It Works)

Sharing a full review of Vivrelle and if I think it’s worth it. If you want to give it a try, you can use GINAHARNEY for your first month free here. 

Hi hi! How are you? I hope you’re having a lovely morning so far! I’m off to the kids’ school for a bit and have a podcast interview later today. I also have to stop by UPS to send back my latest Vivrelle bag; one of my faves I’ve borrowed so far!

For today’s post, I figured I’d share a full review of Vivrelle now that I’ve been using their service (and loooooving it) for the past few months.

If you’ve been wanting to try different designer bags and jewelry without the designer price tag, you’ve probably heard of Vivrelle.

It’s been around for a while, but I feel like it has surged in popularity recently. Today I figured I’d chat about what it costs, the brands they carry, and whether it’s actually worth it.

TLDR version: I LOVE IT, but it might not be for everyone. Let’s break it all down.

Vivrelle Review: Is It Worth It? (My Honest Thoughts + How It Works)

What is Vivrelle?

Vivrelle is a luxury accessories membership that gives you access to a shared closet of designer handbags, jewelry, watches, and more for a monthly fee.

Instead of buying a $2,500 bag, you can borrow it, wear it as long as you want, and then swap it for something new.

It’s pretty much like Rent the Runway, but for designer bags and jewelry. (My full review of Rent the Runway Unlimited is here!)

How Vivrelle Works

The process is actually really simple:

Apply for a membership (they do a quick approval process. It doesn’t take long, I promise)

Choose your membership tier

Browse their collection and select an item

Your item ships to your door (shipping and returns are included)

Keep it as long as you want, then swap it out for something new

There’s also no strict return deadline. You can keep an item for a month or longer if you love it.

If you really fall in love with something, you can actually purchase it at a discounted member price, which is a huge perk.

Vivrelle Membership Cost

Vivrelle has multiple pricing tiers depending on what level of luxury you want access to.

Typical pricing looks like this:

Premier: around $45–$49/month (jewelry + select bags)

Classique: around $119–$139/month (bags up to ~$4,000 value)

Couture: around $219–$239/month (higher-end and rare pieces)

Couture+: around $309–$339/month (2 items at a time)

Each tier unlocks a different “closet,” and the higher you go, the more exclusive the pieces.

There is also usually a 3-month minimum commitment, which is something to keep in mind.

If you want to try it, you can use my code GINAHARNEY for your first month free.

Brands Available on Vivrelle

This is one of the biggest selling points.

Vivrelle carries real luxury brands. These aren’t dupes or lookalikes. Every item is authenticated by their team or third-party experts. Everything I’ve received has felt brand new. No signs of wear or use at all.

Some of the brands you’ll typically see include:

Chanel

Louis Vuitton

Gucci

Prada

Saint Laurent

Dior

Bottega Veneta

You can use this as a way to test-drive bags before committing to a purchase, which I think is genius. There have been bags I’ve wanted to purchase but I didn’t know how much I’d actually like them when it came down to everyday use. This sealed the deal for me. (It solidified the fact that yes, I do indeed want a Chanel caviar bag in tan. Pilot, are you reading?? Are you here?)

My Experience Using Vivrelle

For me, Vivrelle is one of those things that just makes getting dressed more fun. Also I think I have a problem. I love new things or new-to-me things. This is why Rent the Runway and Vivrelle give me an enormous dopamine hit without spending thousands of dollars.

I love that I can switch out bags based on:

season

travel

events

mood

It’s also perfect if you don’t want to commit to one expensive bag or you like variety without cluttering your closet.

And honestly, there’s something really fun about carrying a bag you wouldn’t normally buy, just to give it a lil test whirl.

Pros of Vivrelle

The biggest advantage is access.

You can wear luxury pieces without spending thousands of dollars upfront, which makes it feel way more approachable.

It’s also:

A great way to try before you buy

Perfect for special events or travel

Constantly refreshed with new inventory

Includes free shipping and returns

Lets you swap items as often as you want

Many users also love the flexibility and say it elevates their everyday outfits instantly.

Cons of Vivrelle

Like anything, there are a few downsides to consider.

The biggest one is cost over time. While the monthly fee is lower than buying a bag outright, it does add up if you stay subscribed long-term.

Availability can also be an issue. Popular items go quickly, so you might not always get your first choice right away. (Pro tip: I get on the waitlist for all of my faves so I’m notified when they’re back in stock.)

A few other things to keep in mind:

There’s a membership commitment (typically 3 months)

You don’t own the items (unless you purchase separately)

Inventory depends on demand

Is Vivrelle Worth It?

This really depends on your lifestyle.

Vivrelle is 100% worth it if:

You love designer bags but don’t want to commit to buying them

You like switching up your style frequently

You have events, travel, or content creation where accessories matter

You want to test bags before investing

It may not be worth it if:

You prefer to own and keep your items

You rarely switch bags

You’re trying to minimize monthly expenses

Vivrelle is one of those services that feels very “extra”… but in the best way.

It makes luxury more accessible, adds variety to your wardrobe, and honestly just makes getting dressed more fun.

For me, it’s been worth it for the flexibility, the experience, and the ability to try pieces I wouldn’t otherwise buy.

If you’ve been curious, it’s definitely something fun to try, especially since you can test it out with a free month! (Heads up they do have a minimum 3-month commitment.)

You can use code GINAHARNEY for your first month free.

I hope you love it as much as I do!

xo

Gina

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Easter basket ideas for teens and tweens

Sharing a roundup of Easter basket ideas for teens and tweens!

Hi friends! I hope that you’re having a wonderful morning! I have a couple of appointments today and looking forward to tacos and pool time later tonight. We officially skipped spring here in Tucson and headed straight to summer. While I don’t *love* that I need to start waking up earlier to walk the dogs, I’m kind of loving the fact that pool season is here early.

Spring is always chaos – I feel like it’s pure insanity until Maycember and the end of school- and I can’t believe that March is almost over!!! Easter is totally sneaking up on us, so I figured I’d share a roundup of Easter basket ideas for teens and tweens if you’re planning and getting things ready this week like yours truly.

Please note that affiliate links are included below. Thank you so so much to those of you who support the blog by purchasing through my links!

 

Easter basket ideas for teens and tweens

TBH I don’t go wild for Easter. I see some elaborate basket ideas and while I applaud and cheer for it, it’s not for me lol. I keep things pretty simple: usually some summer-y things like a pair of cute sandals, a swimsuit or two, candy, and some fun stuff mixed in. I’m including tons of ideas below but please know our children are not getting all of these things!

Here’s a previous Easter basket (this one is from a couple of years ago! Also it was wild to read this 2020 Easter recap.)

While they’ve definitely moved up from LOL dolls lol, the basic framework is the same.

Here are some of the things that would be cute for this year.

Swimsuits and sandals:

Maaji is my go-to brand for P. They make the best rash guard swimsuits and they last all summer. I usually get her one or two more expensive suits and the rest from Target.

Liv loves Target and Amazon swimsuits.

Rashguards.

Birks

Cute dressier sandals

Summer things:

Coverups

Beach towels

Goggles

Mini bluetooth speaker

Fun extras:

Lip glosses

I’m going to order one of these lip butter sets and break them up (one for each of them and one for me!)

Sheet masks

Skincare

SQUISHIES. Squishies and Nee-doh is all the rage right now. I just ordered some of these.

Little Jellycats

Keychains

Sunglasses

Small coloring books with gel pens or watercolor book

Woobles set. There are so many cute ones! Love these embroidery kits, too.

Gift cards to spots they love: boba, Starbucks, etc.

Ok friends: any fun Easter basket ideas? Any traditions you love? Please share!

Here are 10 healthy Easter recipes, too.

xo

Gina

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the exact EquiLife supplements and tools I recommend

Sharing the details on Dr. Cabral’s birthday sale and my favorite products! If you’ve been considering functional lab testing, I have something for you here, too. Check out the details below!

If you’ve been thinking about running functional labs or restocking some of your wellness staples, this is one of the best times of the year to do it.

EquiLife is celebrating Dr. Cabral’s birthday with a major sale, and it includes some of the exact tools I use personally and with clients:

March 23 – 29

40% off The Big 5 Labs + Vita-Min Tox Test

33% off select supplements

Functional lab testing can feel a little overwhelming at first, so I wanted to offer something special for ya:

If you purchase ANY lab during the sale, I’ll personally review your results with you at no cost. No coaching fee; just a chance for us to walk through everything together and create a clear, simple plan.

Testing is so powerful, but it helps to have an expert guide you through the results and figure out an action plan based on your unique deficiencies and toxicities. If you purchase any lab this week, please lmk gina@fitnessista.com and I’ll make sure the results are tracked to me so we can go through them together.

the exact EquiLife supplements and tools I recommend

When everything looks “normal”… but you still don’t feel like yourself

One of the most common things I hear from clients is that they’ve been told everything looks fine, but they still feel off. Low energy, stubborn weight, hormone symptoms, and gut issues are all signs from the body that there’s an imbalance.

This is where functional testing can make such a difference.

Instead of asking, “Are you sick or not?” it looks at how your body is actually functioning day to day. It helps us identify imbalances in areas like nutrient status, stress response, detox pathways, and gut health; often long before they show up on conventional labs.

Rather than guessing and trying random supplements, we can get super specific.

The Big 5 Labs

If you’re ready to take a comprehensive look at your health, The Big 5 is the most complete option.

It combines five functional tests to give a detailed picture of what’s happening behind the scenes. I often describe it as a roadmap; it shows us not just what’s off, but WHY.

This is the option I typically recommend for clients who are dealing with ongoing symptoms or who feel like they’ve tried everything and are still not seeing progress.

It can help uncover:

Root causes of fatigue and low energy

Hormone imbalances and cortisol patterns

Gut dysfunction, including bacteria and yeast overgrowth

Nutrient deficiencies and mitochondrial function

Food sensitivities that may be driving inflammation

At 40% off, this is one of the best opportunities to run these labs at a significantly reduced cost. Get your Big 5 labs here.

The Starter Kit: the most approachable way to begin functional lab testing

If you’re not quite ready to go all in with The Big 5, the Starter Kit is an excellent entry point.

It includes the Organic Acids Test (OAT) and Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA), which together provide a surprising amount of insight. These two tests alone can help us understand how your body is producing energy, how well you’re detoxifying, and whether there are underlying imbalances contributing to your symptoms.

This is a great option if you’re in that place of knowing something isn’t quite right but wanting a more approachable first step.

It can reveal:

Vitamin and mineral deficiencies

Detox pathway efficiency

Mitochondrial (energy) function

Gut markers related to yeast and bacteria

Even with just these two tests, we’re able to create a very targeted plan. It’s at an awesome price right now, too. Check it out here.

While testing gives us the data, there are also a few foundational supplements that I consistently use and recommend because they support the body in a simple, effective way.

My go-to EquiLife supplements

Daily Nutritional Support

This is one of the easiest ways to cover your bases nutritionally, especially during busy seasons.

It’s a comprehensive shake that provides protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals, greens, and digestive enzymes in one place. I often use it as a quick breakfast or an easy option on days when meals are more rushed.

It supports:

Balanced blood sugar

Sustained energy throughout the day

Nutrient intake without overcomplicating things

Digestive support through added enzymes

Get your DNS here – they have a new Strawberry flavor too that is DELICIOUS.

Full Spectrum Magnesium

Magnesium is one of the most common deficiencies I see, and it impacts so many systems in the body.

This blend is designed to support multiple functions at once, making it more effective than a single form.

It can help with:

Sleep quality and relaxation

Muscle recovery and tension

Nervous system regulation

Stress resilience

Melatonin

Melatonin can be a helpful tool when sleep is disrupted, whether from stress, travel, or changes in routine.

I tend to use it more strategically rather than as a long-term nightly habit, especially during seasons when sleep needs extra support.

It supports:

Falling asleep more easily

Circadian rhythm regulation

Deeper, more restorative sleep

Adrenal Energy

For days when energy feels low, this is a great alternative to relying on caffeine.

It’s designed to support the body’s natural energy systems and adrenal function without creating a spike and crash effect.

It can help with:

Energy production

Mental clarity and focus

Supporting adrenal function during fatigue

I loooooove this.

Adrenal Soothe

On the opposite end of the spectrum, this is what I reach for during high-stress periods.

It’s designed to calm the nervous system and support balanced cortisol levels, which can be especially helpful when you feel wired, anxious, or overstimulated.

It supports:

A calmer stress response

Nervous system regulation

Balanced cortisol levels

A greater sense of calm during busy or overwhelming seasons

You can check it out here.

I also use and love the Universal Binder and the Omega 3 support (the liquid is so nice because you don’t have to swallow an extra capsule). We also have a group detox coming up in May if you’d like to get your kit now!

Why testing changes everything

Supplements can absolutely be helpful, but reality is that if you’re taking supplements without testing, you could just be making expesive guesses.

Testing allows you to stop guessing and start working with your body in a much more intentional way. Instead of trying a little bit of everything, you can focus on exactly what will move the needle. (And usually this means you can take LESS than what you’re currently taking!) This is when you can start to see huge, meaningful changes in your energy levels, digestion, sleep, and how you feel througout the day.

My bonus this week

If you decide to run any lab during the sale, I’d love to support you in making sense of your results.

I’ll personally review everything with you and help you understand what it means, what’s out of balance, and what your next steps can look like.

There’s no additional fee for this; it’s a little something I’d love to do to support my friends and help you understand your unique imabalances and what we can do about it! If you purchase a lab, just send me a copy of your confirmation to gina@fitnessista.com and I’ll add you to my client portal so we can go through these together.

Functional testing has been one of the most impactful tools in my own health journey and in my work with clients. It’s changed my life and it’s been such an amazing gift to share it with others.

If you have questions or want help deciding which option makes the most sense for you, I’m always here to help.

Have an amazing day and I’ll see you soon!

xo

Gina

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