Let’s Talk About Stealing Programming 🛑
From Confessions of a Group X Instructor by Ellen Elisabeth de Werd
November 10, 2025 · 19 min · Episode 88
About this episode
Ellen discusses the issue of instructors stealing programming in the fitness industry and emphasizes the importance of originality and integrity.
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 imitation Why stealing programming hurts everyone — including the instructor doing it What ethical inspiration looks like in the group fitness world How to set boundaries and call it out professionally when it happens Why originality and authenticity will always outlast copycats Creating 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.com Follow Ellen on Instagram: @ellendewerd Subscribe to Confessions of a GroupX Instructor wherever you listen!
People in this episode
Host: Ellen Elisabeth de Werd
Topics covered
- fitness industry ethics
- programming originality
- inspiration vs imitation
- professional boundaries
- authenticity in fitness
Keywords
- fitness programming
- group fitness
- instructors
- originality
- integrity
- imitation
- inspiration
- boundaries
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: WARRIOR formats, warriorinstructors.com
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