What do you do when your format disappears overnight? If you're Ellen de Werd, you build your own. In this vulnerable and motivating episode, Ellen shares how she turned a pivotal career moment into a thriving global fitness brand—and why authenticity, grit, and representation are at the core of her mission.
With more than 25 years of experience, Ellen de Werd has worn nearly every hat in group fitness—from instructor and manager to presenter and now CEO of her own format brand. In this episode, Ellen opens up about overcoming personal struggles, building WARRIOR formats from the ground up, and creating an inclusive community for instructors around the world. She also shares her framework for long-term fulfillment and success in the industry, and gives us a sneak peek at what she’s bringing to IDEA World 2025.
Ellen de Werd is a renowned fitness industry leader with over 25 years of experience in group fitness. A 2024 IDEA Group Fitness Instructor of the Year Award nominee, she is the visionary creator behind the WARRIOR formats—dynamic, license-free programs now taught in 14 countries. Through her company, Ellen empowers group fitness professionals with smart, fun, and original content designed to inspire and elevate their classes. She’s also the host of the Confessions of a GroupX Instructor podcast, a Legacy Lululemon Ambassador, and an active instructor based in Eugene, Oregon.
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE
✅ How Ellen went from backup dancer to brand founder
✅ What it really takes to start your own format from scratch
✅ The 5 ingredients in Ellen’s personal framework for fulfillment and success
✅ How the WARRIOR formats create inclusive, license-free opportunities for instructors
✅ Why IDEA World 2025 is a full-circle moment in her journey
Sign up for Ellen’s sessions live at IDEA World 2025—register now at https://www.ideafit.com/world/
Download the Brochure
Get in touch with Ellen:
- Instagram: @ellendewerd
Learn more about WARRIOR formats: warriorinstructors.com
Connect with IDEA® Health & Fitness Association
- FB: @ideafit
- IG: @ideafit
- LI: @ideafit
- X/TW: @ideafit
- Threads: @ideafit
- YouTube: @ideafit
- TikTok: @ideafit
IDEAfit PRO SHOW is hosted by Amy Boone Thompson; executive produced by Rominna Rufin; engineered by Michael Hilding.
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