Confessions of a Group X Instructor

Ellen Elisabeth de Werd
  • 4.9 (37)
  • FITNESS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
Confessions of a Group X Instructor

Confessions of a Group X instructor, a podcast for group exercise junkies, and any other oddballs. Meet your host Ellen de Werd, Creator of the group WARRIOR Rhythm, WARRIOR Strength, WARRIOR Combat, and WARRIOR Kids group fitness brands. Journey with us through thought-provoking, heartwarming, education and inspiration from badass fit pros in the field. Listen, learn, love, and above all laugh!!! HERE. we. grow.

  1. 1D AGO

    Putting Your Best Foot Forward with Dr. Emily Splichal

    Putting Your Best Foot Forward – A Deep Dive into Foot Health for Fitness Pros Your feet are your foundation—literally. In this episode with Dr. Emily Splichal, we’re stepping into the world of foot health and why it’s crucial for athletes, trainers, and fitness professionals alike. Whether you're leading group classes, training clients, or pounding the pavement, taking care of your feet isn’t optional—it’s essential. We’re covering common foot issues, injury prevention, smart footwear choices, and practical care tips to keep you moving pain-free and performing at your best. Topics Covered: 👣 General Foot Health Why foot health is a game-changer for fitness professionals The most common foot problems in active populations How ignoring your feet can derail performance and long-term health 🩹 Injury Prevention & Treatment Early warning signs of overuse injuries in the feet What to do about plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, and more 🦶 Footcare Tips for Active Lifestyles Daily habits to keep your feet strong and injury-free Simple mobility and stretching routines to support foot health Barefoot training and minimalist shoes—helpful trend or risky move? 🧘 Special Considerations Tailoring footcare for Yoga instructors, HIIT trainers, and runners Whether you're teaching back-to-back classes or just want to keep up with your own training, this episode is packed with practical advice you can apply right away. Dr. Emily Splichal, Podiatrist and Human Movement Specialist, is the mind behind Barefoot Strong, EBFA Global and Naboso Technology. With a spirit to challenge conformity, Dr. Splichal has taken her conventional Podiatric Medical degree and combined it with years of experience and expertise in human movement, functional medicine and sensory science. Dr. Splichal believes that our experiences in this world are built around sensory stimulation and our ability to process, perceive, and integrate this information effectively. Since 2012, Dr. Splichal has been traveling the world to share her unique approach to human movement, foot function, and barefoot science. Having taught in 40 countries and to over 25,000 professionals, Dr. Splichal has quickly become a global leader in barefoot training and sensory rehabilitation. Degrees/Certifications: Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM), Master's Human Movement (MS), NASM-CES, NASM-PES, NSCA-CPT @dremilydpm and @naboso_technology  Naboso's website is http://www.naboso.com This is Dr Emily's practice website: http://www.thefunctionalfootdoc.com This is Dr Emily's educational platform: http://www.ebfaglobal.com 🎁 SAVE 20% of with code: WARRIOR20

    56 min

  2. APR 7

    Powerful Partnerships: Thriving with Different Skills, Personalities & Perspectives with Diva Richards

    The Power of Partnerships – Navigating Conflict & Embracing DifferencesGreat partnerships aren’t about always agreeing—they’re about learning to work through differences and leverage each other’s strengths. In this episode, we dive into the art of conflict resolution, why opposing personalities can be a strength, and how diverse skill sets create powerful collaborations. Whether you’re in business, leadership, or creative partnerships, this conversation will help you navigate challenges and build stronger relationships. What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✔️ Why different personalities can create dynamic, well-rounded teams✔️ How to approach conflict as an opportunity for growth, not a roadblock✔️ The role of communication and trust in successful partnerships✔️ Strategies for balancing strengths and weaknesses effectively✔️ Real-life examples of partnerships that turned conflict into success💡 "Great partnerships are built on trust, respect, and a willingness to grow together."📌 Follow Diva on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/divarichards/ https://www.instagram.com/divarichardsfitness/ https://www.instagram.com/warriorcombat_official/ Follow Diva on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/divarichardsfitness Request Diva's Total Body Beatdown group https://www.facebook.com/groups/2286327804870570 🎙️ Tune in now and learn how to turn differences into your greatest advantage!

    1 hr

  3. MAR 31

    The Stuff Strong Women Are Made Of 💪🏼 with Amy Boone Thompson 

    Episode #69 Summary: In this episode, Amy Boone Thompson dives into what it truly means to be a leader, extrapolating gems of wisdom from a book she recently co-authored, “Lead Like a Woman”.  She explains that great leadership is not established through force, but by embodying gratitude and grace as the foundation. She explores how these qualities empower women to lead with authenticity, resilience, and purpose in any environment—whether in business, family, or personal growth. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✨ Why gratitude is a leadership superpower and how it shifts your mindset ✨ The role of grace in handling challenges, setbacks, and tough decisions ✨ How leading with gratitude and grace fosters stronger, more effective teams ✨ Actionable strategies to foster gratitude in your life Resources & Links: 📌IDEA Social Media Links: IDEA Health & Fitness Association LinkedIn - https://www.facebook.com/ideafit Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/ideafit FaceBook - https://www.facebook.com/ideafit 📌Amy’s Social Media Links: Amy Boone Thompson LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/amybthompson Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/amyboonethompson/ FaceBook - https://www.facebook.com/amy.b.thompson.31 📌 Lead Like A Woman: Grateful Book You can find the book and purchasing information here:Volume 1: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DXCQQH1P 📌 IDEA World Landing Page: https://www.ideafit.com/fitness-conferences/2025-idea-world/ Join the Conversation: 👉 Share your thoughts on Instagram: @confessionsofagroupxinstructor 👉 Tag us in your leadership journey with #LeadLikeAWoman  Subscribe & Review: If you loved this episode, please subscribe and leave a review! Your support helps us inspire more women to lead with gratitude and grace.

    54 min

  4. MAR 24

    Girl, Move On Stop ✋ Teaching That Format!

    🎙️ Episode #68 SummaryAre you stuck teaching the same old group fitness format, feeling uninspired and burnt out? It’s time to shake things up! In this episode, we dive into the power of evolving as a fitness instructor—embracing new formats, stepping out of your comfort zone, and reigniting your passion for teaching. 💡 What You'll Learn in This Episode:✅ Signs it’s time to move on from a format you’ve outgrown✅ The benefits of learning new styles and certifications✅ How to overcome the fear of change and try something new✅ Tips for keeping your fitness career fresh and fulfilling 🔥 Take Action:Don’t let routine hold you back! Challenge yourself to explore a new format, sign up for a new training, or consider a freestyle approach to spark fresh energy in your classes. 📢 Join the Conversation:Have you ever let go of a format that no longer served you? What new format are you excited to try? Share your thoughts with us on @confessionsofagroupxinstructor or email us at ellen@warriorinstructors.com. ✨ Subscribe & Review:If you loved this episode, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review! Your support helps us keep bringing you fresh, inspiring content. Thank you so much for listening! Please rate ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and share the show! Check out the WARRIOR formats: ⁠https://warriorinstructors.com/⁠ 🤘🏼 Follow Ellen on Social: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellendewerd⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/ellen.dewerd⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/ellendewerd/⁠⁠ 🏹 Follow WARRIOR on Facebook: ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/warriorrhythm⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/warriorstrengthofficial⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/WARRIORCombatOfficial⁠⁠ 🏹 Follow WARRIOR on Insta: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/warriorrhythm/⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/warriorstrength_official/⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/warriorcombat_official/⁠⁠ 🏹 Follow WARRIOR on YouTube & TikTok: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdA3cH7_JBKp30H5vwyVk7w⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@warriorinstructoracademy?lang=en⁠⁠

    21 min

  5. MAR 17

    Beyond Recovery: How Rollga Transforms Group Fitness with Taggart Downare

    Beyond Recovery: How Rollga Transforms Group Fitness Guest: Taggart Downare, Founder & Inventor of Rollga Episode Overview:In episode 67 we’re joined by Taggart Downare, the visionary behind Rollga, the revolutionary tool that’s redefining movement, recovery, and training. Rollga is more than just a foam roller—it’s a versatile prop that enhances balance, proprioception, and deep muscle release. In this episode, we explore how Rollga is making waves in group fitness, personal training, and beyond! 🔹 The Rollga Origin Story Taggart’s journey into fitness and recovery.The “aha” moment that sparked the idea for Rollga.How Rollga evolved beyond traditional foam rolling.🔹 Why GX Instructors Should Care Rollga isn’t just for recovery—it’s a multi-functional tool that enhances workouts.How it supports mobility, balance, and fascia care.🔹 Practical Applications for Group Fitness Integrating Rollga into warm-ups and mobility drills.Using it to enhance core and balance training.Incorporating techniques for targeted muscle release.Boosting mind-body awareness in yoga, Pilates, and strength sessions.🔹 The Future of Movement & Fascia Care Why fascia health is key to longevity and injury prevention.How integrated movement tools like Rollga are game changers in fitness and rehab.🔹 Rollga in Group Fitness & Instructor Certification How GX instructors can incorporate Rollga into their classes.The Rollga Instructor Certification—what it covers and how to get certified.The impact of Rollga on performance, recovery, and injury prevention. Taggart Downare is a physicist, mathematician, research scientist, entrepreneur, and inventor who has always been driven by a deep curiosity about the world around him. He founded Rollga, a company known for innovative foam rollers that improve movement and recovery, and has also started several ventures in real estate development and business consulting. His love for problem-solving began during his studies in physics and mathematics, where he discovered the joy of finding elegant solutions to tough challenges. This passion has guided his research and led to multiple breakthroughs, while his practical approach has helped transform fresh ideas into successful businesses. Yet above all, Taggart values family and faith. He has been married to his wife, Tammie, for over 40 years, and together they have raised four children whom he calls “beautifully perfect.” Taggart credits his faith in God for every blessing in his life, believing that true success comes from gratitude, humility, and a desire to serve others. 🌍 Website: https://rollga.com/📲 Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/rollgahealth/ Thank you so much for listening! Please rate ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and share the show! ___________________________________________________________ Check out the WARRIOR formats: ⁠https://warriorinstructors.com/⁠ 🤘🏼 Follow Ellen on Social: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellendewerd⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/ellen.dewerd⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/ellendewerd/⁠⁠ 🏹 Follow WARRIOR on Facebook: ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/warriorrhythm⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/warriorstrengthofficial⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/WARRIORCombatOfficial⁠⁠ 🏹 Follow WARRIOR on Insta: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/warriorrhythm/⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/warriorstrength_official/⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/warriorcombat_official/⁠⁠ 🏹 Follow WARRIOR on YouTube & TikTok: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdA3cH7_JBKp30H5vwyVk7w⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@warriorinstructoracademy?lang=en⁠⁠

    52 min

  6. MAR 10

    Protein and Pumping Iron with Kam Niskach 💪🏼

    Kam Niskach is BACK for part 2! This time she speaks to WOMEN about why it is so important to lift weights. She shares with us her secrets to success and gives us the inside scoop on HOW she trains and WHY she trains the way she does. We talk about her supplement company K-Pow Nutrition and her group fitness format MetKon RX! Kam Niskach, DPT, is a fitness trainer, educator, sports performance coach, and entrepreneur with over 15 years of experience in the health and fitness industry. After transitioning from physical therapy, she dedicated herself to building a community for fitness enthusiasts and athletes of all ages and abilities. As a former P90X LIVE Format Expert and Beachbody LIVE Master Trainer of the Year, Kam played an integral role in developing and delivering content for Beachbody LIVE instructors. Building on that success, she founded MetKon Rx—a functional strength and conditioning program that complements her work with youth and high school sports teams. As the owner and co-founder of K-POW Nutrition, Kam is committed to educating and supporting others in optimizing their health and performance with high-quality supplements. Socials: Instagram NEW @kamfitdpt formerly @kamjamz Facebook Kam Jamz Fitness Facebook community K-POW Nutrition K-POW Nutrition 10% off the site: discount code: GROUPX Train with Kam Try a LIVE class for FREE: discount code: GROUPX ________________________________________________ Thank you so much for listening! Please rate ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and share the show! Check out the WARRIOR formats: ⁠https://warriorinstructors.com/⁠ 🤘🏼 Follow Ellen on Social: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellendewerd⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/ellen.dewerd⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/ellendewerd/⁠⁠ 🏹 Follow WARRIOR on Facebook: ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/warriorrhythm⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/warriorstrengthofficial⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/WARRIORCombatOfficial⁠⁠ 🏹 Follow WARRIOR on Insta: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/warriorrhythm/⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/warriorstrength_official/⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/warriorcombat_official/⁠⁠ 🏹 Follow WARRIOR on YouTube & TikTok: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdA3cH7_JBKp30H5vwyVk7w⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@warriorinstructoracademy?lang=en⁠⁠

    22 min

  7. MAR 3

    The Beachbody Scoop 🍨: Gossip, Gratitude, and Rising from the Ashes with Kam Niskach

    Episode 65 is a juicy dish! Tune in to Ellen and Kam, “east coast-west coast besties” and former colleagues talk openly and honestly about their experiences with Beachbody and how they rose from the ashes.  Kam Niskach, DPT, is a fitness trainer, educator, sports performance coach, and entrepreneur with over 15 years of experience in the health and fitness industry. After transitioning from physical therapy, she dedicated herself to building a community for fitness enthusiasts and athletes of all ages and abilities. As a former P90X LIVE Format Expert and Beachbody LIVE Master Trainer of the Year, Kam played an integral role in developing and delivering content for Beachbody LIVE instructors. Building on that success, she founded MetKon Rx—a functional strength and conditioning program that complements her work with youth and high school sports teams. As the owner and co-founder of K-POW Nutrition, Kam is committed to educating and supporting others in optimizing their health and performance with high-quality supplements. Social Instagram NEW @kamfitdpt formerly @kamjamz facebook Kam Jamz Fitness Facebook community K-POW Nutrition K-POW Nutrition 10% off the site: discount code: GROUPX Train with Kam Try a LIVE class for FREE: discount code: GROUPX

    57 min
  8. Mastering Your Metabolism

    FEB 24

    Mastering Your Metabolism

    Mastering Your Metabolism In this episode, Nicole Printon and Ellen de Werd dive deep into the world of blood sugar—what it is, why it matters, and how you can take control of it to optimize your metabolism and overall health. Nicole explores the key factors that influence blood sugar, the consequences of imbalances, and how cutting-edge tools like Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) can help you make smarter lifestyle choices. 🩸 Segment 1: What is Blood Sugar? The role of glucose in the body How our body regulates blood sugar Why keeping blood sugar stable is essential for energy, focus, and long-term health🍽️ Segment 2: What Factors Influence Blood Sugar? Diet: The impact of carbs, protein, fat, and fiber Exercise: How movement helps regulate glucose Stress: The hidden connection between cortisol and blood sugar Sleep: Why poor rest can lead to blood sugar spikes⚠️ Segment 3: Consequences of Blood Sugar Imbalances Short-term effects: Energy crashes, cravings, mood swings Long-term risks: Insulin resistance, diabetes, weight gain, inflammation📊 Segment 4: What is Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM)? How CGM devices work The benefits of real-time blood sugar tracking How CGMs can help you personalize your diet and lifestyle for better metabolic healthResources & Links Mention “CGX” to get 20% off Nicole’s Services  Website: https://www.nicoleprinton.com/ FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/386222051529897 IG: https://www.instagram.com/nicoleprinton/ 🎧 Tune in now and take control of your blood sugar for a healthier, more energized you!

    54 min
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4.9
out of 5
37 Ratings

About

Confessions of a Group X instructor, a podcast for group exercise junkies, and any other oddballs. Meet your host Ellen de Werd, Creator of the group WARRIOR Rhythm, WARRIOR Strength, WARRIOR Combat, and WARRIOR Kids group fitness brands. Journey with us through thought-provoking, heartwarming, education and inspiration from badass fit pros in the field. Listen, learn, love, and above all laugh!!! HERE. we. grow.

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