Confessions of a Group X Instructor

🎙️ #95 with special guest Cassie MazieWe live in a culture obsessed with optimization—biohacking, productivity, and constantly doing more. In this episode, we explore when the pursuit of self-optimization shifts from supportive to harmful, and Cassie talks about how pushing harder isn’t always the answer. We also unpack what self-kindness truly means and how it differs from the version of “self-care” that’s often marketed to us.Through the lens of the fitness industry, we examine the unspoken expectations to override the body, suppress emotions, or ignore intuition in order to meet external standards. This conversation invites honest reflection on how often those pressures show up—and what they cost us over time.We also dive into the idea of success and worth, questioning how productivity, physical appearance, and performance became measures of value in the first place. What does it look like to begin separating who we are from what we produce or how we perform?From there, we bring the conversation into practical, everyday life. We discuss one small but radical act of self-kindness listeners can practice this week—something simple, accessible, and deeply human.Finally, we talk about leadership, boundaries, and permission. We share the boundaries that help protect the nervous system, creativity, and joy, and explore how leaders can offer themselves the same grace, compassion, and understanding they so freely give to the communities they serve.www.biablends.comwww.instagram.com/biablendsBIA’s Newsletter!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.instagram.com/ellendewerd/⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellendewerd⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/ellen.dewerd🏹 Follow WARRIOR on Insta:https://www.instagram.com/warrior_group_fitness_/🏹 Follow WARRIOR on YouTube & TikTok:⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdA3cH7_JBKp30H5vwyVk7w⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@warriorinstructoracademy?lang=en⁠⁠

Pelvic floor health is one of the most overlooked — and most essential — pieces of whole-body wellness. In this episode #94, we’re breaking the silence, removing the shame, and empowering instructors and everyday movers with knowledge they should have learned years ago.Paige shares practical education, compassionate insight, and actionable tools to help you better understand the pelvic floor, cue it safely in group fitness settings, and support participants without stepping outside your scope of practice.Whether you’re an instructor, an athlete, or simply someone who wants to feel more confident and connected in your body, this conversation is for you.What the pelvic floor actually isWe start with the basics: what the pelvic floor is, what it does, and why everyone — regardless of gender or age — should care about it.The pelvic floor’s role in whole-body healthLearn how the pelvic floor impacts posture, breathing, strength, stability, and movement efficiency — especially for those who move frequently or teach fitness.Cueing the pelvic floor in group fitnessPractical, safe ways instructors can begin bringing pelvic floor awareness into class without fear, confusion, or over-cueing.When to refer outRed flags and symptoms that signal it’s time to see a pelvic floor specialist or physical therapist instead of trying to “fix it” alone.Breaking shame & stigmaHow instructors can normalize pelvic floor conversations and help participants understand they’re not broken — these are muscles that can be strengthened, relaxed, and retrained.Personal journeysEllen and Paige both open up about their own pelvic floor experiences.One thing instructors can do right nowA simple, actionable takeaway for creating more pelvic floor confidence in your classes — while staying well within your scope of practice.30 Day Kickstart ProgramWe dive into her 30 Day Kickstart Program: who it’s for, what it includes, and how it helps people reconnect with their pelvic floor in a supportive, approachable way.Pelvic floor education shouldn’t be taboo, confusing, or reserved for crisis moments. This episode empowers instructors to lead with confidence, compassion, and clarity — and helps participants feel safer, stronger, and more informed in their bodies.Paige RobinsonPaige Pilates www.paigepilates.comInstagram and YouTube: @PaigePilates Credentials: Nationally certified Pilates InstructorPre/postnatal certified through Girls Gone Strong, Pilates 4 Parkinson's certified instructor.Pelvic Floor Balance Program: 30 day kickstart to care for your pelvic floor https://www.paigepilates.com/pelvic-floor-balanceThank 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.instagram.com/ellendewerd/⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellendewerd⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/ellen.dewerd🏹 Follow WARRIOR on Insta:https://www.instagram.com/warrior_group_fitness_/🏹 Follow WARRIOR on YouTube & TikTok:⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdA3cH7_JBKp30H5vwyVk7w⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@warriorinstructoracademy?lang=en⁠⁠

In this episode #93, we explore what it truly takes to design, host, and lead a retreat that changes people from the inside out. Sabrina shares the heart and history behind Camp Be Here Now, the wisdom she’s gained as a retreat creator, and the magic that keeps her coming back year after year.We open the conversation by exploring Sabrina’s personal definition of a retreat: what it represents, why it matters, and how stepping away from daily life can create space for deep healing and connection.Sabrina takes us back to the moment the idea formed.When did Camp Be Here Now begin?What inspired her to create it?How did she bring her vision to life?And did the retreat unfold the way she imagined—or did it evolve into something even more powerful?We dive into the art and heart of retreat design:The key elements that make a retreat meaningful, safe, and memorableHow to cultivate community among strangersThe balance between structure and spaciousness so participants can grow without feeling rushedSabrina shares the real behind-the-scenes:The most significant challenges she’s faced as a retreat hostWhat she wishes she knew before her first retreatHow each challenge shaped her approach moving forwardNo retreat is complete without the magic. Sabrina reflects on her favorite moments—the ones that remind her exactly why this work is worth it.Whether you're a fitness professional, wellness coach, or someone dreaming of hosting your first retreat, Sabrina offers grounded, heartfelt guidance on how to begin.Sabrina's Instagram https://www.instagram.com/joyfulmetamorphosis_/https://www.instagram.com/campbeherenow/https://www.facebook.com/share/1BjKSHWNuF/?mibextid=wwXIfrSabrina's Private group for Virtual Retreat:https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CrwQWWCXU/?mibextid=wwXIfrThank 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.instagram.com/ellendewerd/⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellendewerd⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/ellen.dewerd🏹 Follow WARRIOR on Insta:https://www.instagram.com/warrior_group_fitness_/🏹 Follow WARRIOR on YouTube & TikTok:⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdA3cH7_JBKp30H5vwyVk7w⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@warriorinstructoracademy?lang=en⁠⁠

In Episode 92, Ellende Werd sits down with the Nicole Printon for an honest, empowering, and deeply informative conversation about perimenopause—a transition nearly every woman experiences, yet few feel prepared for. Nicole opens up about her personal journey, the science behind the symptoms, and the lifestyle shifts that help women thrive during this season of change.Nicole and Ellen share about their personal experience(s) with hormonal havoc. Together, we break down what perimenopause really is:How it differs from menopauseThe most common symptoms women experienceWhy it remains misunderstood and often underdiagnosed, even by healthcare providersNicole offers powerful insight into how hormonal shifts affect active women:Energy, recovery, and muscle-building changesWeight fluctuations, sleep disruptions, and stress responsesHow to adapt fitness routines to feel strong and supportedThe types of movement that tend to be especially helpful during perimenopauseWe unpack the emotional side of the transition, including:What’s happening hormonally when women feel anxious, moody, or “not themselves”How to maintain confidence and self-compassionWays to stay grounded when identity feels challengedNicole explains what women should look for in a provider who truly understands perimenopause and discusses:When hormone therapy or medical interventions may be appropriateThe labs or assessments women should request when symptoms don’t make senseWe wrap up with practical takeaways women can implement immediately:Nutrition and supplement strategies that support hormonal balanceSleep habits that actually help during perimenopauseStress management tools that make a meaningful differenceMention “CGX” to get 20% off Nicole’s Services Nicole's Website: https://www.nicoleprinton.com/Nicole's FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/386222051529897Nicole's IG: https://www.instagram.com/nicoleprinton/Peltz podcast, testosterone episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-resetter-podcast-with-dr-mindy/id1503897906?i=1000729052563Nicole's Fullscript link: https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/nprinton/813475909b

In today’s heartfelt conversation, Ellen sits down with Betsy Tanenbaum, the chef, creative heart, and author behind ROOT DOWN, RISE UP. Together, they share how they met, how Betsy fell in love with cooking, and why this cookbook is about so much more than recipes — it’s about healing, intuition, nourishment, and coming back to yourself.You’ll hear how the book came to life, the stories behind Betsy’s dishes, and the intention behind every ingredient. Episode 90 is for anyone who wants to slow down, savor the process, and reconnect with food in a way that serves both soul and body.👩🏻‍🍳📕Use code CONFESSIONS and save $5 https://warriorinstructors.com/p/rootdownriseupFollow Betsy: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/betsybostwick/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elizabetsy25/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.instagram.com/ellendewerd/⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellendewerd⁠⁠🏹 Follow WARRIOR on Insta:https://www.instagram.com/warrior_group_fitness_/🏹 Follow WARRIOR on YouTube & TikTok:⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdA3cH7_JBKp30H5vwyVk7w⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@warriorinstructoracademy?lang=en⁠⁠

In this episode #89 of Confessions of a GroupX Instructor, Ellen pulls back the curtain on her very first WARRIOR retreat with 23 women in paradise, and the emotional rollercoaster of battling Meta over hacked and restricted accounts. Ellen shares the scoop on both—plus a handful of random life and business updates you didn’t know you needed.Lot’s of studios and gyms will be closed and we know folks really enjoy moving their bodies on Thanksgiving - so let’s WARRIOR it up! 10:00am WARRIOR Rhythm10:30am WARRIOR Strength11:00am WARRIOR Combat11:30am WARRIOR Revolution*PT check time zoneYou may invite any of your friends and family - even if they are NEW to WARRIOR! Hop on for the whole 2 hours or any sections that you can. I will email the ZOOM link to those who register by Wednesday of next week :)  REGISTER HERE: https://forms.gle/UcyEPKYXRi6bDm2c6Thank 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.instagram.com/ellendewerd/⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellendewerd⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/ellen.dewerd🏹 Follow WARRIOR on Insta:https://www.instagram.com/warrior_group_fitness_/🏹 Follow WARRIOR on YouTube & TikTok:⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdA3cH7_JBKp30H5vwyVk7w⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@warriorinstructoracademy?lang=en⁠⁠

In this solo episode, #88, Ellen gets real about something that happens far too often in the fitness industry — instructors “borrowing” or flat-out stealing programming from other brands, formats, or creators.If you’ve ever seen a class that felt a little too familiar, or had your own work copied and renamed, this one’s for you. Ellen breaks down what’s really going on, why it matters, and how to navigate it with integrity.The difference between inspiration and imitationWhy stealing programming hurts everyone — including the instructor doing itWhat ethical inspiration looks like in the group fitness worldHow to set boundaries and call it out professionally when it happensWhy originality and authenticity will always outlast copycatsCreating something original takes time, courage, and heart — but it’s worth it. The industry doesn’t need more clones; it needs more leaders willing to put their unique stamp on fitness.Ellen reminds us that when you teach from your truth, no one can copy that.Learn more about WARRIOR formats: warriorinstructors.comFollow Ellen on Instagram: @ellendewerdSubscribe to Confessions of a GroupX Instructor wherever you listen!

If you haven’t listened to Part 1: How I Got Hacked, pause right here and go back to that episode first—it sets the stage for everything we’re diving into today. In this follow-up, I’m sharing the next chapter of the story: how I recovered my accounts after 54 weeks of frustration, dead ends, and persistence. From learning what not to do, to finally finding the steps that worked, I’ll walk you through exactly what happened, what I learned, and what you can do to protect yourself before you’re ever in this situation.We’ll cover:The moment I realized recovery was possibleHow I navigated Meta’s confusing systems and got real helpThe strategies that worked (and what didn’t!)What every fitness professional should know about digital security and account recoveryThis episode isn’t just a story—it’s a guide. My hope is that by sharing my experience, you’ll take away practical steps to protect your online presence, your business, and your peace of mind.🎧 Tune in now—and make sure to share this one with a friend who needs to hear it.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.instagram.com/ellendewerd/⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellendewerd⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/ellen.dewerd🏹 Follow WARRIOR on Insta:https://www.instagram.com/warrior_group_fitness_/🏹 Follow WARRIOR on YouTube & TikTok:⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdA3cH7_JBKp30H5vwyVk7w⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@warriorinstructoracademy?lang=en⁠⁠

In episode #86 of Confessions of a GroupX Instructor, Ellen sits down with Liz Filippone, a corrective exercise specialist who’s passionate about helping people move better, feel better, and perform better. Together, they unpack what “corrective exercise” really means and why understanding it can transform the way you teach, train, and even live in your own body.We start with Liz's’s story—what led her into the world of corrective exercise, and how she found her niche within the fitness industry. They break down the concept in plain language so any instructor (or participant) can grasp it, and we discuss whether every group fitness instructor should have at least a foundational understanding of it.From tight hips to rounded shoulders, Liz shares the most common movement dysfunctions seen in group fitness participants—and what instructors can realistically do about them in a packed room.We cover:Red flags you can spot from the stage without formal assessmentsSimple corrective cues or programming tweaks that won’t derail your class flowHow to protect yourself from overuse injuries when you’re teaching multiple classes each weekYou’ll hear inspiring “before and after” stories where corrective exercise completely changed someone’s life—and what happens when well-meaning instructors try to “fix” people without the proper background.We also discuss that delicate line between fitness and therapy—when it’s time to refer a client out to a medical or rehab professional.Ellen and Liz wrap up by exploring how corrective exercise has shaped Liz's own approach to training and teaching.Plus: if our guest could wave a magic wand and correct one common dysfunction in the world, what would it be?Follow Liz Filippone on @lizfilippone Learn more about corrective exercise with Liz at https://www.mindfullyfitninja.com/Book a call with Liz: https://calendly.com/lizfilippone/30-minute-consult?month=2025-10Listen to more episodes of Confessions of a GroupX Instructor wherever you get your podcasts!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.instagram.com/ellendewerd/⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellendewerd⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/ellenelisabethdewerd/🏹 Follow WARRIOR on Insta:https://www.instagram.com/warrior_group_fitness_/🏹 Follow WARRIOR on YouTube & TikTok:⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdA3cH7_JBKp30H5vwyVk7w⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@warriorinstructoracademy?lang=en⁠⁠

Ever wonder why some people barely glisten while others look like they ran through a sprinkler after one workout? In this episode, no. 85, Ellen breaks down the science of sweat — what it is, why it happens, and why some bodies just produce more than others.You’ll learn how eccrine glands (your body’s natural cooling system) differ from apocrine glands (the ones behind body odor), what causes hyperhidrosis — excessive sweating — and why sweating more doesn’t mean you’re out of shape.Whether you’re an instructor, athlete, or just someone who’s tired of wiping your forehead every five seconds, this episode will help you understand your body’s brilliance a little better.Humans have 2–4 million sweat glands, mostly eccrine glands that help regulate temperature.Eccrine sweat is mostly water and salt — clean, cooling, and odorless.Apocrine glands, concentrated in the armpits and groin, produce thicker sweat that bacteria break down, creating body odor.Hyperhidrosis is a real medical condition causing excessive sweating, often due to overactive nerves or genetics.There are effective treatments — from prescription antiperspirants and medicationsEccrine glands: 2–4 million across the body; most dense on palms, soles, and forehead.Apocrine glands: located in the armpits and groin; activated by stress and hormones.Up to 10x variation in active sweat gland activity between individuals.Around 2–3% of the population has hyperhidrosis.

In this episode of Confessions of a GroupX Instructor, I share a very personal and devastating experience: my Facebook account was hacked and wrongfully disabled. Overnight, I lost access to my personal profile, business Pages, and linked Instagram accounts — the digital home of my international fitness business.You’ll hear:How the hack happened, even with two-factor authentication enabledWhat it feels like to suddenly lose access to your professional identity onlineThe surprising roadblocks I faced trying to restore my accountPractical steps you can take today to protect your own accounts from the same fateThis episode isn’t just my story — it’s a wake-up call for every fitness professional who depends on social media to connect with their community.🔒 Don’t wait until it’s too late. Learn from my mistakes, take action, and keep your digital business safe.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.instagram.com/ellendewerd/⁠⁠⁠⁠NEW ✨ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61580080756960⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellendewerd⁠⁠⁠🏹 Follow WARRIOR on Insta:NEW ✨https://www.instagram.com/warrior_group_fitness_/🏹 Follow WARRIOR on YouTube & TikTok:⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdA3cH7_JBKp30H5vwyVk7w⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@warriorinstructoracademy?lang=en⁠⁠

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.

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.

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 bodyCultural and industry pressures to “stay young”How fitness and wellness professionals navigate appearance expectationsFinding the balance between self-love and self-maintenanceWhy it’s okay to want both grace and great lightingJoin 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/ellendewerd⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/ellen.dewerd⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/ellendewerd/⁠⁠🏹 Follow WARRIOR on Facebook:⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/warriorrhythm⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/warriorstrengthofficial⁠⁠⁠⁠https://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_JBKp30H5vwyVk7w⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@warriorinstructoracademy?lang=en⁠⁠

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 GroupXHow misreading data leads to damaging class cutsWhy instructors are more than just “warm bodies on a mic”Real stories of poor scheduling, subbing nightmares, and broken trustThe ripple effect on member experience and retentionWhat great owners do differently—and how to build better communicationHow instructors can advocate for smarter, more respectful leadership💥 What We Cover:

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.

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 CommunityIn 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.

🎙️ Episode 77: Leveraging ChatGPT for Your Fitness Businesswith Dr. Ted VickeyIn 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 AIReal-life examples of ChatGPT in action for content and admin tasksCreative uses for AI in marketing, emails, and programmingMindset tips for those nervous about trying AI toolsThe importance of using AI responsibly in fitnessWhat the future holds for fitness and artificial intelligenceReady 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/IdealClientFree GPT tools:  https://tedv.link/FreeGPTsBlog:  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/ellendewerd⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/ellen.dewerd⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/ellendewerd/⁠⁠🏹 Follow WARRIOR on Facebook:⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/warriorrhythm⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/warriorstrengthofficial⁠⁠⁠⁠https://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_JBKp30H5vwyVk7w⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@warriorinstructoracademy?lang=en⁠⁠

🎙️ 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.comInsta: https://www.instagram.com/yogarenew/https://www.instagram.com/kate.lombardo/

Kate Lombardo‘s influence as a yoga instructor + wellness business strategist spans the globe, touching tens of thousands of students internationally.For almost a decade, Kate has been teaching and leading training programs through her award-winning yoga studios before expanding virtually through YogaRenew. She answers to many titles-- Yoga Director, CEO, CMO, Speaker, Leader, Writer, Podcaster-- but most importantly... Mama.Kate teaches in Hoboken, NJ In this powerful first episode, we explore one of the most underrated skills in entrepreneurship—the pivot. Our guest opens up about a pivotal moment in her career when letting go of an original plan created space for something even better. Whether you’re a yoga teacher, group fitness pro, or wellness entrepreneur, this conversation will give you permission to reimagine your path.If you’ve ever felt stuck, scared to start over, or unsure if changing course means failure—this one’s for you.Key Topics Covered:A personal story of a major pivot: what changed and whyWhy pivoting is scary—and why it shouldn’t beHow to know when to shift vs. stick it outRedefining “failure” as fuel for growthEncouragement for anyone afraid to start overA real-life example of how letting go opened new doors🔗 All the links!Website: yogarenewteachertraining.comInsta: https://www.instagram.com/yogarenew/https://www.instagram.com/kate.lombardo/