Television Appearance

Set your DVR’s for Tuesday February 19th to record the Home and Family Show on the Hallmark channel. I will be presenting some of the most effective Yoga movements for a strong core. To find out what time the show airs in your market, please click here http://www.hallmarkchannel.com/homeandfamily

Press

Look for my Prenatal DVD in this month’s fitness round up in Baby Talk magazine. If you are pregnant or would like to give a pregnant mom the gift of Yoga, click here to purchase Prenatal Yoga

New Book for Mamas

I was thrilled to contribute to Gaiam and Simon and Schuster’s wonderful new Prenatal Fitness tracker. The book has amazing, safe exercises for expecting Mamas, and I was thrilled to be a part of it.

Yoga Video for your Core

Recently I created a quick Yoga sequence for strengthening your core on a great site called Yoga Vibes. Click here to learn one of my favorite (and very effective) moves for turning on your core strength http://www.yogavibes.com/videos/watch/free-online-yoga-video-core-desi-bartlett/

Radio Interview

My dear friend Dr. Elizabeth Lambaer hosts a show on the Awakenings channel. I had the great pleasure of chatting with her on her show. Click here to listen to the interview. We discussed everything from Yoga to self confidence. http://www.awakeningzone.com/Guest.aspx?GuestID=236

For Yoga Teachers

Are you a Yoga teacher who would like to know how to keep pregnant mamas safe in your class? Whether you are a doula, midwife, pregnant mama or Yoga teacher, this Pre and Post Natal training will give you the tools that you need to keep pregnant mamas safe, healthy and empowered through the gift of Yoga through all 3 trimesters, and beyond. This training is offered as a module of my teacher Annie Carpenter’s SmartFlow program. For more information, please contact me directly at desibartlett@gmail.com

DVD Success Story

Recently while at my local dry cleaners, the beautiful woman who helps me all of the time stopped me to chat. She wanted to let me know that she has lost over 50 lbs dancing with my DVD’s! Thank you Mary for the words of inspiration. People like you are the reason that I do what I do. If you have your own success story, I would love to hear it! Please connect with me on Facebook, and share your story.

Inspiration

‘We are shaped by our thoughts; we become what we think. When the mind is pure, joy follows like a shadow that never leaves.’ – Buddha

Namaste~

With love, Desi

Schedule 15 minutes a day for exercise first thing in the morning. This can be a quickie workout for your core. When traveling a straightforward core workout is; 100 crunches, 50 bicycles, 100 oblique crunches on the right, 100 oblique crunches on the left, flip over and try 3 sets of superman (10-15 reps each set). This will also help to maintain good posture throughout the day.

Bring protein bars or snacks with you so that your blood sugar doesn’t drop. If you go 4 hours without eating, then the next time you eat, you’ll be more likely to go for simple sugar to boost your energy. Try Quest protein bars (25 grams of protein and not just a glorified candy bar), or a hand full of trail mix; either of which will help stabilize your blood sugar.

Drink as much water as you can. Flights dehydrate our bodies, and then we are more likely to want something to quench thirst and add a pick me up (caffeine or sugar). If you can drink water on the plane, it helps.

Try a wonderful Yoga pose called Viparita Karani. In this pose you lay down on the floor, with your legs up the wall. You can put a pillow under your lower back for comfort, and if you really want to treat yourself, use a lavender scented eye pillow and spa like music .You can do it on the hotel floor with a pillow for 10 minutes before sleep.. It helps with sound sleep, especially when traveling. It also helps to regulate thyroid function.

Every time that you check your watch, relax your shoulders. Stressed out shoulders (and traps) like to jump up a bit, and that is usually made worse by stress (even good stress), so it helps to have a cue throughout the day to remember to release them.

Safe travels!
Namaste,
Desi

photo by Natiya Guin

As a long time Yoga practitioner and teacher, I am obviously aware that Yoga originated in India, and that it is steeped with the tradition of that beautiful country. However, if the lawyer in your piece did a little more research, he would find that Yoga is not a religion, and does not require a specific belief in any deity, nor does it have a worship service, ordained clergy, institutional structure, membership procedure or church. Some of the beautiful stories in the Indian tradition and mythology have led to names of poses like Warrior pose. This can be equated to Westerners in the gym doing a preacher (bicep) curl. There is a recognition of a shape, form or quality, but that does not make it tantamount to organized religion. When I am practicing a preacher curl, I have no litigious inclination to sue the gym for imposing their religious beliefs on me.

I think that the confusion comes in because Yoga can absolutely be part of someone’s spiritual practice, but it is in no way required. There is no hidden agenda to convert everyone to Hinduism, and great Yogis like Yogananda, who built a spiritual center in Encintas, recognized the beauty of all religions living in harmony with one another. To be clear, Yoga is not a religion, and those who practice any religion, or no religion are welcome to practice Yoga.

Now that my son is of school age (see attached picture), I am elated to see him involved in a preschool Yoga program, and how much he enjoys singing songs like, ‘This Little Light of Mine,’ and barking in down dog, or moo-ing in cow pose. For those who are concerned about mantras or statements made in children’s Yoga classes, I can share the mantra from the class that I taught through the P.S. I Love You Foundations and the Yoga 1.2.3. program;
I am happy to be me
I take Yoga 1.2.3.
I take Yoga for my health
I can always change my mood
Life improves with attitude!

During these storms, both literal and figurative, may we all have the ability to remember that our lives improve with a positive attitude.
Sincerely,
Desiree Bartlett MS CPT YT
photo by Natiya Guin

Last week someone asked me if I felt as though I was effectively sharing my message of the joy of movement. My answer was an enthusiastic yes! I have been very busy this last month, and have lots of great news to share with you!

Press

Looking for a 5 minute Yoga practice to awaken your body in the morning? No caffeine necessary for this one! Check out my routine on the Self magazine website by clicking here.

Boost your metabolism with a kick booty workout! This is a great routine for intermediate exercisers who are ready for a new challenge to rev your metabolism and burn fat and calories. Click here for another great Self.com workout.

New Book for Mamas

Recently I consulted for Gaiam and Simon and Schuster on a wonderful new Prenatal Fitness tracker. The book has amazing, safe exercises for expecting Mamas, and I was thrilled to be a part of it.

Yoga Video

Tired shoulders from sitting at a desk or carrying your beautiful baby in your arms? Dia for Life is a beautiful, healthy lifestyle website that offers great information to help effect change. Click here for a 4 minute sequence to relax your shoulders, and open the heart space.

New Online Magazine

My dear friend Victoria Dodge has just started a great new online magazine called Nourishment Now. Click here to read my tips on how to reclaim your core strength.

In Person Events

Join me for an outdoor Yoga class on Saturday, November 3rd at 9am for an invigorating Yoga flow class hosted by the Marina del Rey location of Lorna Jane. All class proceeds will go directly to the WME Foundation who will donate the funds directly to Stephen C. Foster Elementary and Whaley Middle in Compton, CA. For more information, or to reserve your space in this special class, please email me at desibartlett@gmail.com

DVD Success Story

Recently while at my local dry cleaners, the beautiful woman who helps me all of the time stopped me to chat. She wanted to let me know that she has lost over 50 lbs dancing with my DVD’s! Thank you Mary for the words of inspiration. People like you are the reason that I do what I do. For more information on my DVD’s, click here.

Inspiration

Each season I choose a new mantra, a guiding phrase to help anchor my consciousness. My new mantra is quite simple, it is the word ‘YES!’ May your autumn season be full of lots of opportunities to say yes; yes to life, yes to happiness, yes to health.

Namaste~

With love, Desi

1.) get Dr.’s permission to exercise

2.) once your Dr clears you to exercise, please check out
http://www.m.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/exercise-and-rheumatoid-arthritis

3.) avoid high impact exercise

4.) in my experience there are good days and bad days with RA. Some people are sensitive to humidity and notice symptoms flare. Please listen to your body and when your symptoms flare, take a day off.

5.) exercise in a cool room whenever possible

6.) The lightweights you have are a great place to start. There’s no need to lift heavyweights with RA.

7.) the CDC recommends that everyone can break up their exercise throughout the day. I really like this approach for RA. As always, check with your Dr., and consider doing just the weight training section of my DVD in the AM, and just the flexibility in the PM. The next day, do just the cardio. You can cycle exercise that way, and let your body adapt to training again with RA.

8.) if you ever have access to a pool, even if it’s only on vacation, you don’t have to swim to benefit from training in the pool. Walking forwards, backwards and sideways gives you a fantastic workout with little weight on your joints.

9.) Please check with ACE (American council for exercise), as they will have local recommendations for trainers who work with RA. If that does not pan out, please ask your rheumatologist for a prescription to see a physical therapist. Many times insurance will cover part of this work, and the PT can assess the level of pain in each joint, so as to prescribe the correct exercise.

10.) Make sure that you have good, supportive athletic shoes (nothing more than 2 years old).

Please call your Dr., get clearance to exercise, start with my DVDs, and then get a Rx for physical therapy from your rheumatologist.

Need a little extra energy in the morning? Check out my tips for energizing your morning with Yoga on Self.com.  Click here to read my tips.

The Kind Life website is based on the philosophy of Alicia Silverstone. Alicia was kind enough to include my mommy & me class in her recent blog post for moms who would like to practice Yoga, as a way of bonding with their beautiful babies. Click here to check it out. Alignyo has come to LA! Liz Eustace, the creator of this amazing site that connects all things Yoga, interviewed me as a   featured Los Angeles teacher. Click here to read more.

LA Yoga is a wonderful magazine that I have been working with for a while. I sent an article to the editor, Felicia Tomasko, and she graciously included it in this month’s issue. The article is entitled, ‘Just Breathe,’ and is all about teaching my son Cruz how to enjoy Yogic breathing techniques after we had a breath holding scare when he was younger. Click here to read the full article.

Events

I am excited to be speaking at the Rock Your Body Yoga Carnival for the Los Angeles Animo Jackie Robinson High School teens. Yoga is such an amazing tool for teenagers to find a sense of comfort and esteem in their own bodies. The event is open to all ages and is sure to be a blast!

Social Media

Check out my brand new page on Facebook. Each week I have tips on fitness, Dance, Yoga, and Pre & Post Natal Fitness. I am dedicated to sharing information that I have learned over the years and will soon be posting short videos on all things related to health and fitness. You will also find fun contests to win DVD’s, inspiration and motivation, and you can always send me a fitness question that you would like to have answered.

https://www.facebook.com/DesiBartlettFitness    |   http://twitter.com/desibartlett

Your Best Body

As summer quickly approaches, clients and friends ask me the best way to stay in shape. Consistency is the key, so even on those days when you know you only have 20 minutes, use those 20 minutes wisely. DVD’s are a great way to get in a quick workout when you do not have time to get to the studio or gym. My 3 in 1 Total Body Fitness DVD is a great tool for getting in the type of workout that you need for the day. The DVD has 20 minute segments of Cardio, Body Sculpting and Yoga, so that you can customize your workout to meet your goals.

Click here to purchase your copy today.

Classes

I am currently teaching public classes at Exhale’s Center for Sacred Movement and Gold’s Gym Venice. For those of you who do not live in the City of Angels, I currently have 7 DVD’s to choose from and many of my workouts can be found on Time Warner Cable and Netflix. For more information on my schedule and classes, please click here.

Inspiration

“The cure for anything is salt water – sweat, tears, or the sea”- Isak Dinesen

Namaste~

With love, Desi

1. Close your eyes and focus on your breath. Slow your breath down, and slow your thoughts down. Breathe deeply through the nose only. If this is uncomfortable, you can breathe through the mouth as well. When breathing through the nose only, this is called Ujayii Pranayama and it creates a little whispery sound in the back of the throat that sounds like the ocean’s waves. Try to ‘stretch’ your breath, meaning that if you are used to taking a 3 second inhalation, and a 2 second exhalation, try now to make both the in breath and the out breath 4 seconds long. This should bring a sense of calm and relaxation to the body and the mind.
2. Visualize the beautiful baby inside of you. Imagine your baby’s head pointed down towards your pelvis, and his/her back to your belly. Send your love and your blessings to your baby. What is it that you have always wished for your baby? Love, peace, laughter? Whatever it is, imagine that you are sending that to your child with each breath.
3. Sit upright and place your hands about 6-12 inches behind you on the bed. Lift your heart and if it feels ok, then let your head dip back a little. This is an extremely gentle backbend that will allow you to stretch the front of your body and stretch tired shoulders in an easy way.
4. Keep sore shoulders strong with I’s, Y’s and T’s. This is a great exercise that is normally done with dumbbells, but at this time you are just going to use the exercise as a way to get a little bit of blood circulating into the shoulder joint (with no weights). Sit up in bed and lift your arms directly overhead for one breath, then out to the side on an angle, as though you were making the letter ‘Y.’ Now take the arms straight out to the side, and make the letter ‘T.’ Repeat a total of 3 times to feel the upper body enjoying a little movement.
5. Purchase a stress ball and squeeze it with your hands. This will help you to maintain grip strength. Make sure to breathe deeply while using the stress ball, and if you are feeling frustrated about being on bedrest, imagine that frustration moving out of your body, into the ball (don’t worry, you can ask someone to rinse the ball with cool water afterwards). Remember to breathe deeply as you do this, as it is extremely important for you not to hold your breath while squeezing the ball.
6. Pillows can help you to enjoy a very easy Yoga posture called supported supta badha konasana. Lay 2 pillows vertically on your bed (these will be for your spine). Now place one more pillow on top horizontally (this is for your head). Lay back onto your pillows and allow your knees to bend and open to the sides (like a butterfly stretch, but laying down). If your inner thighs are tight, you can place more pillows under your outer thighs and knees. Lay back and relax and allow your body at least one minute in this shape and take the time to invite in peace and tranquility.

Check out my tips on Self magazine’s website to learn how to salsa dance your way to a stronger, leaner, and sexier lower body. Click here. Look for me again later this month on the Self.com site with tips on how to combat cellulite!

Events

I am excited to be presenting a fun Yoga demonstration at Century City Mall through OperationFitness.com. Attendance is expected to be greater than 20,000 coming through the expo this Saturday, February 25th. Stop by at 4:15pm for my class. The first 3 participants will receive a free Yoga for Beginners DVD.

Social Media

Check out my brand new page on Facebook. Each week I have tips on fitness, Dance, Yoga, and Pre & Post Natal Fitness. I am dedicated to sharing information that I have learned over the years and love to post and tweet lots of great info.. You will also find fun contests to win DVD’s, inspiration and motivation, and you can always send me a fitness question that you would like to have answered.

https://www.Facebook.com/DesiBartlett | http://Twitter.com/desibartlett

Your Best Body

At the beginning of each new year, many magazines, clients and friends ask me the best way to stay in shape. Consistency is the key, so even on those days when you know you only have 20 minutes, use those 20 minutes wisely. DVD’s are a great way to get in a quick workout when you do not have time to get to the studio or gym. My 3 in 1 Total Body Fitness DVD is a great tool for getting in the type of workout that you need for the day. The DVD has 20 minute segments of Cardio, Body Sculpting and Yoga, so that you can customize your workout to meet your goals.

Click here to purchase your copy today.

Classes

I am currently teaching public classes at Exhale’s Center for Sacred Movement and Gold’s Gym Venice. For those of you who do not live in the City of Angels, I currently have 7 DVD’s to choose from and many of my workouts can be found on Time Warner Cable and Netflix. For more information on my schedule and classes, please click here.

More

This month I had the opportunity to work with an amazing photographer named Natiya Guin. Natiya practiced Yoga with me when she was pregnant with her beautiful daughter. My son accompanied me to the shoot and here is a photo of us from that day.

www.natiya.com Natiya Guin Photography

Namaste~ The Divine Light in Me, Recognizes and Bows to the Divine Light in You
With love, Desi

So, as of right now, I am working to compile the newest information that inspires me. When I plan my meals, I do so based on what my body’s reaction will be. When I plan my workout, I do so based on what my body most needs that day/week/month. When I practice Yoga, I do so as an eternal student, always open to learning new types of breathing techniques, new sequences, while staying true to the lineage passed down to us in the West.

It is the mixture of the old and the new that will carry us into this new century’s wisdom of the body. Blending methods from the East and West, medical and hollistic, the gym and the Yoga studio; the ability to balance and blend is an essential ingredient in any relationship. My relationship with my career path is healthy and strong. I love what I do, and it is now not just “what I do,’ it is who I am.

Namaste,

Desi

Website

Desibartlett.com has a new look with more user friendly tools to watch media clips and read articles full of healthful information. Stop by and check out the new look!

Press

Check out my tips to beat the winter blues on the Self Magazine Website. This article is great for those of you who are snowed in and need a little boost. Click here

For Moms looking to get back into shape, click here to see Lance Armstrong’s Livestrong site, and my tips for exercising with your baby. (http://www.livestrong.com/article/326656-mommy-me-yoga-training/)

Your Best Body

At the beginning of each new year, many magazines, clients and friends ask me the best way to stay in shape. Consistency is the key, so even on those days when you know you only have 20 minutes, use those 20 minutes wisely. DVD’s are a great way to get in a quick workout when you do not have time to get to the studio or gym. My 3 in 1 Total Body Fitness DVD is a great tool for getting in the type of workout that you need for the day. The DVD has 20 minute segments of  Cardio, Body Sculpting and Yoga, so that you can customize your workout to meet your goals. Click here to purchase your copy today.

Classes

In addition to pre and post natal classes at Exhale’s center for sacred movement, I’m now teaching at Gold’s gym Venice, and continue to teach in corporate settings. I am  thrilled to be teaching public classes in both in a serene studio setting and at the mecca of bodybuilding. Click here to check out my updated schedule.

Workshops

The popular Mommy & Me Yoga workshop will return to Exhale’s center for Sacred Movement on Sunday February 27th. This is a wonderful opportunity for new moms to reclaim their core strength, dance, sing, and bond with their beautiful babies. For more information, please contact Exhale at 310.450.7676

More

I’m very excited to be represented by YAMA talent. Check out yamatalent.com to see how Yogis all over the world are working to bring the message of health and wellness to the world. I’m thrilled to be a part of this amazing roster.

Namaste~ The Divine Light in Me, Recognizes and Bows to the Divine Light in You

With Love,
Desi