Confessions of a Group X Instructor

Ellen Elisabeth de Werd
  • 5.0 (40)
  • FITNESS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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 Revolution 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. 22H AGO

    My Go-To Mic for Group Fitness🎙️

    Today we’re taking a quick but valuable dive into one of the tools that makes or breaks a group fitness class: the microphone. As instructors, our voices are everything—we cue, motivate, and connect through sound. That’s why choosing the right mic matters so much. In this episode (#83) , I’ll share: 🎤 My personal favorite mic for teaching and why it stands out from the rest ⚡ The key features that make it reliable, comfortable, and clear If you’ve ever battled with muffled sound, feedback, or sore vocal cords, this mini dive will give you insight into a mic that’s been a total game-changer in my own teaching.

    18 min

  2. AUG 18

    The Ultimate "Pyramid" Scheme with Nicole Printon

    In this eye-opening episode, we unpack the history, politics, and science (or lack thereof) behind the original USDA Food Guide Pyramid. Once considered the gold standard for nutrition, this now-controversial chart may have done more harm than good. From the overemphasis on refined carbs to the demonization of fats, we explore how misguided guidelines influenced generations of eating habits—and what we should be doing differently today.

    1 hr

  3. AUG 11

    Breast Implants, Botox, Biceps and Beauty #81

    Getting older is a privilege—but let’s be real, it’s not always easy. In this candid conversation, Ellen de Werd dives into the complex feelings around aging, self-image, and the desire to keep looking her best. From embracing laugh lines as life’s souvenirs to wrestling with the temptation (or decision) to get Botox, we unpack the push and pull between self-acceptance and self-enhancement. Whether you’re proudly going au naturel or scheduling your next appointment with your injector, this episode is a judgment-free zone where we explore: The emotional side of noticing changes in your face and body Cultural and industry pressures to “stay young” How fitness and wellness professionals navigate appearance expectations Finding the balance between self-love and self-maintenance Why it’s okay to want both grace and great lighting Join us for a raw, relatable, and sometimes funny look at aging in a world that doesn’t make it easy. 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

    38 min

  4. AUG 4

    Stay in Your Lane 🏎️ When Club Owners Don’t Get GroupX

    What happens when people who’ve never taught a class—or even taken one—start calling the shots in your group fitness department? In this candid and fiery episode, Ellen de Werd dives into the disconnect between club owners and the world of GroupX. From misguided scheduling decisions to underestimating the role of instructors, we expose what goes wrong when leadership lacks firsthand experience in fitness programming—and how that impacts both staff and members. If you’ve ever felt frustrated by a decision that made zero sense from the studio floor, this one’s for you. The telltale signs that club leadership doesn’t understand GroupX How misreading data leads to damaging class cuts Why instructors are more than just “warm bodies on a mic” Real stories of poor scheduling, subbing nightmares, and broken trust The ripple effect on member experience and retention What great owners do differently—and how to build better communication How instructors can advocate for smarter, more respectful leadership 💥 What We Cover:

    29 min

  5. JUL 28

    I'm BAAAACK!!! Plus My IDEA Scoop 🍨

    In this solo episode, Ellen de Werd reflects on the whirlwind of the IDEA World Convention—from the high-energy WARRIOR sessions and unexpected conversations to the deeper takeaways that are fueling what’s next. Get a behind-the-scenes look at what went down in Sacramento, including what it felt like to NOT win the Group Fitness Instructor of the Year Award again. Whether you were at IDEA or following along online, this is your chance to hear the unfiltered reflection and momentum behind Ellen’s next moves.

    41 min

  6. JUN 30

    I got interviewed on My Own Show | Behind the Magic of CON⭐️CON

    I got interviewed on My Own Show 🎙️ Episode 78: Behind the Magic of CON⭐️CON with Diva & Ellen Theme: Vision, Vulnerability, and the Power of Community In this heartfelt episode, Ellen and Diva sit down to reflect on the birth, the beauty, and the behind-the-scenes truth of CON⭐️CON—WARRIOR’s first-ever instructor conference. 💫 From Idea to Reality Ellen shares when the idea first sparked—and whether she felt confident, crazy, scared, or all of the above.  🛠️ The Work, the Details, the Deep Dive From late nights to steep expenses, Ellen opens up about what it really took to bring CON⭐️CON to life. Every detail—from the keynote speaker to the welcome bag—was designed with intention and love. 🎁 Gratitude & Growth Ellen and Diva give a huge shoutout to the generous sponsors who helped make the welcome bags spectacular. Plus: lessons learned and plans for next years.

    43 min

  7. JUN 23

    Leveraging ChatGPT for Your Fitness Business with Dr. Ted Vickey

    🎙️ Episode 77: Leveraging ChatGPT for Your Fitness Business with Dr. Ted Vickey In this forward-thinking conversation, fitness tech expert Dr. Ted Vickey joins us to break down how artificial intelligence—especially ChatGPT—is transforming the way fitness professionals run their businesses. From writing class descriptions and social media posts to automating client communication and reducing burnout, AI is quickly becoming a must-have tool in every fitness pro’s toolbox. Whether you're a studio owner, group fitness instructor, or personal trainer, this episode offers practical tips, ethical considerations, and a glimpse into the future of fitness technology. Dr. Vickey shares his insights on where to start, how to overcome tech intimidation, and why paying for AI might be worth every penny. What You’ll Learn: Smart ways fitness pros can save time using AI Real-life examples of ChatGPT in action for content and admin tasks Creative uses for AI in marketing, emails, and programming Mindset tips for those nervous about trying AI tools The importance of using AI responsibly in fitness What the future holds for fitness and artificial intelligence Ready to explore the possibilities? Tune in and learn how to work smarter—not harder—with the power of AI. Dr. Ted Vickey is the Founder and CEO of FitWell LLC, a fitness and wellness disruptive health technology company serving clients worldwide. In addition, he is the Senior Advisor of Fitness Technologies at the American Council on Exercise and has held teaching positions at Point Loma University, the University of San Francisco, and Tulane. Referred to as "One of the most connected men in fitness," Vickey served as Executive Director of the White House Athletic Center under two Presidents. He was named the most influential fitness tech person in January 2021 and served as the fitness technology expert witness for the Meta vs. FTC federal court case in 2022. Dr. Vickey has a Ph.D. in Engineering and Data Analytics from the University of Galway, a Master's degree in International Business and Entrepreneurship from the University of Limerick, and a Bachelor's degree in Exercise and Sports Science from Penn State. www.tedvickey.com (download first chapter of book there) Workout Creator Tool (built on AI)  www.myfitnessprompt.com Ideal Client Builder:  https://tedv.link/IdealClient Free GPT tools:  https://tedv.link/FreeGPTs Blog:  www.tedv.link/blog _________________________________________________________ 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

    56 min

  8. JUN 9

    🎙️ Part 2: Money Mindset for Yoga Teachers & Fitness Instructors with Kate Lombardo

    🎙️ Part 2: Money Mindset for Yoga Teachers & Fitness InstructorsKate Lombardo, director at YOGARENEW, is baaaaack to talk about worth, pricing, and abundance in a service-oriented career. In this episode, we explore the delicate balance between purpose and prosperity. Many yoga teachers and fitness professionals enter the industry to help others—but struggle when it comes to pricing their services and valuing their work. We dig deep into the mindset shifts, personal stories, and practical tools that can help instructors break free from scarcity thinking and step confidently into abundance. Website: yogarenewteachertraining.com Insta: https://www.instagram.com/yogarenew/ https://www.instagram.com/kate.lombardo/

    25 min
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5
out of 5
40 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 Revolution 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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