heat wave teacher training program

A high-touch, in-house teacher training for future Heat Wave instructors

This is more than a certification. It’s a guided, in-house training designed to develop strong, confident instructors in the Heat Wave method — from presence and cueing to musicality, room leadership, and the standards that shape the Heat Wave experience.

this training is for aspiring + developing instructors

Led by M.E. and the Heat Wave leadership team, this training is for aspiring and developing instructors who want real mentorship, real feedback, and a real pathway to the Heat Wave method. Heat Wave’s brand is rooted in intentional movement, strong energy, music, and a studio experience that feels welcoming, alive, and deeply human, and this training is built to carry that standard forward.

audition for training

join the audition prep workshop

joining the heat wave instructor team

What this training is

This is hands-on, high-accountability training with direct feedback and mentorship. Heat Wave’s in-house teacher training is a multi-week development process designed to help selected candidates build the skills, confidence, consistency it takes to become a Heat Wave instructor.

What makes this different

At Heat Wave, we’re looking for more than the ability to teach a workout. We’re looking for people who can hold a room, coach with clarity, move with awareness, respect the method, connect with clients, and create the kind of experience people can’t wait to come back for.

Who this is for

This training may be a fit for you if:

You’re in love with the Heat Wave method and brand and you’re excited about joining a high performance team of teachers and leaders

You care deeply about community, connection and creativity

You’re coachable, committed, and open to feedback

Prior teaching experience is a plus, but it is not required. Heat Wave is looking for people with presence, potential, consistency, and a willingness to be developed from within the community.

Attendance expectations

This training asks for real commitment.
To be considered for the schedule, trainees are required to attend at least 80% of training live. If training hours are missed, makeup must be arranged directly with leadership in the studio, either by supervised viewing of recorded portions of training or one-on-one support with M.E., depending on what was missed.

Some sessions are especially important, and leadership will determine what needs to be made up and how.

What you’ll leave with

By the end of this process, selected trainees should have:

a clear understanding of the Heat Wave method

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strong cueing and coaching skills
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understanding of timing and musicality
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confidence on the mic
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control of the room
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a sharper eye for alignment and movement quality

real practice teaching with direct feedback

a supported pathway toward schedule readiness

Membership + trainee support

All trainees must be active Wave Members while in training. Heat Wave will provide a discounted membership during the training period so trainees can continue taking class, building familiarity with the method, and staying immersed in the room.

This is part of how we develop instructors from within — not just by teaching them what to say, but by helping them deeply understand the experience they’re being trained to lead.

The commitment

This training is for people who are ready to take the role seriously. It asks for:

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time
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presence
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consistency
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humility
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practice
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openness to feedbac
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real follow-through
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If that excites you, you’re likely in the right place.

How release to floor works

Completing training does not automatically guarantee placement on the schedule.
Before teaching regular classes, trainees must move through Heat Wave’s release-to-floor process:

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Demo class for M.E.
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Community class, if the demo passes
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Regular schedule entry, if the community class goes well

If a trainee is not ready after a demo, they may be given another opportunity after targeted coaching. If a community class reveals that more development is needed, release may be paused until leadership feels confident they’re ready. Heat Wave is committed to readiness before schedule.

How to get started

The first step is to either:

Attend Heat Wave Instructor Lab to practice, get feedback, and better understand the standard

SIGN UP FOR THE INSTRUCTOR LAB

or

Sign up directly for an audition if you already feel ready

From there, selected candidates will be invited into the in-house training process.

SIGN UP FOR an audition time

what you’ll be trained in

Our signature HIIT pilates class offers a powerful fusion of Pilates precision and high-intensity interval training. This a full-body class combining pilates principles, strength training and cardio to sculpt lean muscles, build endurance, and boost metabolism.
Our Signature yoga sculpt method. Guided by the rhythm of the music, you'll learn how to guide a grounding flow to full-body fire — building heat, strength, and endurance in every breath.
This portion is an add-on for those who also want to be trained in Yoga Sculpt.

You’ll be trained in the core structure, standards, and teaching philosophy behind Heat Wave’s signature methods, including:

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class architecture
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alignment and engagement
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cueing and coaching
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presence on the mic
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musicality and timing
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practice teaching with feedback
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room standards and leadership
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audition for training

training schedule

Pilates HIIT — 4 weekends + 4 Wednesday evenings

Weekend 1: May 30+31 from 12:30–5:30 pm
Evening 1: Wed., Jun 3 from 7–9 pm
Weekend 2: June 6+7 from 12:30–5:30 pm
Evening 2: Wed Jun 10 from 7–9 pm
Weekend 3: Jun 13–14 from 12:30–5:30 pm
Evening 3: Jun 17 from 7–9 pm
Weekend 4: Jun 20-21
Evening 4: Jun 24
Sculpt add-on weekend: Jun 27-28 (optional add-on)

note: All trainees are required to attend at least 80% of core training date a in order to be considered for hire. must attend the full sculpt weekend to be considered to teach sculpt.

express interest

FAQs

Do I need prior teaching experience?

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No. Prior teaching experience is a plus, but it is not required. Strong body awareness, coachability, presence, and commitment matter more than a perfect certification stack.

Does this training guarantee a spot on the schedule?

2

No. Trainees must clear readiness gates before they are released to teach.

Do I have to attend live?

3

Yes — at least 80% of training must be attended live in order to be considered for the schedule. Makeup work can be arranged in studio with leadership.

Do I need to take classes while I’m in training?

4

Yes. Trainees are expected to take classes weekly, observe classes, and stay actively immersed in the method while they train.

Is Yoga Sculpt included?

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Yoga Sculpt is an add-on weekend for selected trainees after the core Pilates HIIT and brand training has been completed.

These heated Pilates classes are a full body self care experience!

Anne Marie
I can confidently say that this is the best Pilates studio in Napa! Whether it is your 1st class or your 100th class, there is always a way to challenge yourself.

Maddy
classes are challenging but fun and the vibe is incredible. Super welcoming with a good group always and an even better playlist.

Raul
Classes are hot, challenging, and a full body workout! As fellow Pilates instructor, I highly recommend her classes!

M.M.
Truly a sanctuary, not just a workout studio. The second you walk in, you feel it. It’s a one of a kind experience and I can’t recommend it enough.

Alyssa
I can honestly say it’s been life-changing. I’ve gained confidence, strength, and a routine. I went from feeling stuck at home with zero motivation to now showing up consistently, and loving it. The environment is so welcoming and supportive, you never feel intimidated, no matter your fitness level.

Leslie