We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Gina Caracci. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Gina below.

Alright, Gina thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?

At Sweating Together For A Cause, we are committed to igniting hope, raising awareness, and creating transformative change through powerful community partnerships. Our mission is to empower individuals and groups to take bold action, drive lasting impact, and build a united, resilient community where everyone has the opportunity to flourish. Together, we envision a future fueled by collaboration and innovation, where every voice is heard, valued, and uplifted. Our journey began with a simple yet profound statement my grandfather shared with me years ago: “Gina, when your needs are met, it will be your job to help other people do the same.” His wisdom has guided me through years of actively participating in charity events, serving on committees, and making it my personal mission to help at least one person every week in any way I can. At Sweating Together For A Cause, we believe that true change is born from each of us taking responsibility, supporting one another, and working hand-in-hand toward a future where we all thrive. We look forward to continuing to sweat, share, and build the world we dream of—together.

In 2023, I had an idea, “What if I could bring together my wellness community and highlight those who are doing the most for those in need…” A simple idea turned into our first event I hosted at Sparkman Wharf where we were able to raise thousands of dollars for the Metropolitan Ministries of Tampa. During that event, we brought together four local studios highlighting trainers who wanted to giveback with over 100 people in attendance. That event was the catalyst for me to realize what can happen when you pursue what sets your soul on fire and became my business Sweating Together For A Cause.

Since my first event, my focus is been on building partnerships, expanding our reach and learning more about local organizations that deserve recognition and support. I’ve spent significant time onsite volunteering, conducting interviews to highlight upcoming events and meeting with other community members to positively impact as many people as possible. As a result I’ve hosed a variety of charity drives and wellness events donating all proceeds to multiple charities. Also, I’ve been able to fund personal requests that have been forwarded to me when someone needs help.

When we move somewhere, I believe that it becomes our responsibility to give back to the communities we choose to be a part of and now that is my mission for expanding this organization. Our vision is to lead the charge in health and wellness, uniting communities through transformative events that inspire, uplift, and empower individuals to take charge of their well-being. We are dedicated to building a vibrant network of local organizations, fueling positive change, and raising critical funds to support the invaluable work they do. Together, we envision a society where health is not just a privilege but a right—where everyone has the resources, support, and opportunities they need to thrive. By coming together, we will create a future that is healthier, more connected, and resilient—one that empowers every individual to live their fullest, most vibrant life.

Gina, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Question 1: How I got into the industry:

I grew up in a small town where community meant everything. When someone was in need, everyone rallied together. This sense of support and collective strength shaped my core values and inspired my journey in the wellness industry. I always had a passion for fitness and was deeply involved in sports, but it wasn’t until college that I realized something crucial: I was working hard but not seeing the results I expected. That’s when I started to understand that wellness is more than just physical—it’s about cultivating a mindset that supports lasting change, nurturing your body with purpose, and healing your soul.

It was this realization that ignited my passion for transformative wellness—mind, body, and soul. I knew there was a deeper, more holistic approach to well-being, one that went beyond quick fixes or surface-level goals. I wanted to help others experience the kind of transformation that wasn’t just about getting “fit” but about evolving in every aspect of life.

As I stepped into the social media world, I realized that there was a major disconnect between what people were showing and what they were truly feeling. So much of the content was curated, filtered, and polished, but there was a lack of vulnerability and authenticity. I decided to step forward and share my personal journey, including my struggles with mental health, in the hopes of connecting with others who were also facing challenges. That’s when I created GinaMarieFit, LLC, my first company—an online health and wellness coaching service dedicated to mind, body, and soul transformations. It’s a space where people can break free from the surface-level trends and dive into meaningful, lasting change.

Over the past 10 years, my approach has continued to evolve. I expanded my work into in-person training, group personal training, and community classes—because I believe in the power of human connection and creating spaces where people feel safe to grow together. This led to the creation of my second company, Sweating Together For A Cause, a platform where I bring my passion for wellness and community together. Through this initiative, I collaborate with others to raise awareness for important causes, bring hope to those who need it most, and make a tangible difference in our communities by supporting those in need through our events.

The people we serve in my coaching business are those who are tired of the “one-size-fits-all” approach to fitness and wellness. They are individuals who are ready to take an honest look at themselves, confront their struggles, and commit to transforming their lives—not just physically, but mentally and emotionally. Whether they are seeking mental health support, breaking through limiting beliefs, or simply looking for a wellness routine that aligns with their true values, we are here to help guide them every step of the way.

At the heart of everything I do is a commitment to helping others rise, through being seen, heard and accepted. It’s about lifting each other up, embracing vulnerability, and finding strength in our shared experiences. That’s what makes this work so meaningful—the opportunity to empower people to create real, sustainable change while also making an impact on the world around us.

Question 2: What am I most proud of:
What I’m most proud of is my ability to overcome adversity, including job changes, the grief and loss I’ve experienced, as well as recovering from a traumatic brain injury (TBI) while continuing to evolve both personally and professionally. Through my businesses, podcast, and coaching, I’ve not only transformed my own life but have created a platform to help others do the same—finding strength, resilience, and purpose even through life’s toughest challenges. Navigating these experiences has deepened my commitment to supporting others, especially those who are seeking genuine, lasting change, and it has reinforced my belief in the power of community, vulnerability, and self-discovery. My journey is a testament to the fact that healing and growth are possible, no matter the obstacles we face.

Question 3: What sets me apart from others
What sets me apart is my deep, personal understanding of the challenges many face, drawn from my own experiences with adversity, grief, and recovery. I bring a relentless drive, strong work ethic, and unwavering commitment to making a meaningful impact, no matter where I am. I don’t just talk about transformation—I’ve lived it, and I know how to help others navigate their own journey. My ability to connect authentically, empathize deeply, and provide support with purpose sets me apart as someone who truly understands and cares about helping others create lasting, positive change.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

A lesson I had to unlearn was the idea that once you’re in a certain job or tax bracket, that’s where you’ll stay for the rest of your life. I started my career as a healthcare worker because all I ever wanted to do was help people and make a difference. I never dreamed of wealth or business ownership; I assumed I’d be an employee, working until retirement, never realizing there was more out there for me. As I traveled all over the East Coast working in physical therapy, I was exposed to a wide range of backgrounds, lifestyles, and realities—wealth, poverty, and everything in between. This opened my eyes to the fact that at any point, you can change your life and transform your reality.

I had to unlearn the belief that, because of the world I came from, I was somehow destined to struggle or limited in what I was capable of achieving. I had to let go of the notion that a degree or title defined my future. Instead, I realized that I had the power to change my circumstances. To make that shift, I invested in myself—learning new skills, earning certifications, attending conferences, and expanding my mindset. I surrounded myself with successful people and put myself in rooms that the old me didn’t think she even deserved to be in. It was through my relentless work ethic and a commitment to growth that I was able to transform every aspect of my life into something far beyond what I ever dreamed possible.

Have you ever had to pivot?

About a year ago, my mental health was at a low point. I was stagnant in both of my jobs—bored, unchallenged, and uninspired. There were no opportunities for growth, and I had lost the sense of purpose that once fueled my work. It was a time when I felt disconnected from everything I was doing, unsure of where I was heading or how to reignite my passion. Then, both of my jobs took drastic, unforeseen turns, and it was in that moment I realized something: I could no longer rely on external circumstances or others to determine my worth or value. I had to pivot, take charge of my own destiny, and stop waiting for opportunities to come to me. It was a wake-up call that I needed to reshape my path and reclaim control of my life.

Shortly after this realization, I was in a car accident and suffered a traumatic brain injury. My entire world was stripped away in an instant. I could barely recognize my life, and the future I had envisioned for myself felt impossibly far away. I didn’t know how I would survive, let alone continue to transform my life the way I knew in my heart I could. The reality of the severity of the injury set in, and I was faced with the harsh truth that my recovery would take longer than I could have imagined. But rather than seeing it as a setback, I decided to make this “second chance at life” worth living. It became my turning point.

I pivoted, both in my mindset and in my actions. I launched my podcast, The Unfiltered Trainer, on Apple, Spotify and YouTube with the goal of creating a space for honest, vulnerable conversations. I wanted to shine a light on the topics people often shy away from and create a safe space for others to share their own struggles and triumphs. I wanted to help others break free from the pressure to be perfect and embrace the power of authenticity by utilizing my platform to highlight others doing the most.

I also expanded Sweating Together For A Cause, which became more than just a fitness initiative—it became a community-driven platform. I began hosting wellness events, charity drives, and even personally assisting those in need. The focus wasn’t just on physical wellness anymore; it was about mental, emotional, and community wellness. It was a way to give back, heal, and build something that mattered.

And as if to prove to myself that there was no limit to growth, I accepted a new role as Head of Personal Training at a new company BFT Tampa. It was the kind of challenge I’d been craving—an opportunity to lead, grow, and continue making a difference.

This pivot, though born from hardship, taught me invaluable lessons. It reminded me that when life strips everything away, it’s still possible to pivot, rebuild, reshape, and rise. I didn’t just survive my challenges—I used them as fuel to transform my life, and I continue to do so every single day.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://ginamariefit.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ginamariefit
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sweatingtogetherforacause
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ginamariec/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ginamariefit
• Other: https://pillar.io/ginamariefit