Desi Bartlett, MS, CPT, E-RYT, has been teaching health and wellness for over 20 years. She is a dynamic motivator and widely sought after international presenter and spokesperson. Her teaching approach taps into one’s inner joy and makes movement an outer expression of that state.

Originally from Chicago, Bartlett earned a degree in kinesiology, with a minor in dance, and a master’s degree in corporate fitness. She holds advanced certifications in yoga, personal training, pre- and postnatal fitness, and group fitness. She is a continuing education provider through the National Academy of Sports Medicine and the National Council for Certified Personal Trainers. She has worked with the U.S. Navy and with several large companies, including Manduka, Gaiam, Equinox, and Mattel.

Bartlett has worked with several celebrity moms in Los Angeles, including Alicia Silverstone and Kate Hudson. Her inspiring and unique classes have been featured on networks such as ABC, NBC, FOX, Univision, Hallmark, and Lifetime. She is passionate about communicating her message of the joy of movement with people all over the world, and her DVDs are distributed in the United States, Latin America, and Europe. She currently stars in eight yoga, fitness, and dance DVDs, including Better Belly Yoga, Latin Groove, and Total Body Tone. She has a diverse background in many areas of fitness and yoga and has worked as a product director for Gaiam and as the group fitness manager for Equinox Santa Monica, and she created a new round yoga mat for Manduka. She is currently a Manduka ambassador and their director of community events.

Part I. Plan for a Strong Pregnancy

Chapter 1. Strong Is the New Skinny

• Live fit from the inside out
• Learn the secret of a strong core
• Become strong and sexy throughout your pregnancy

Chapter 2. Three Plus One Total Body Fitness

• Use various forms of movement to create your total body fitness program
• Combine yoga, resistance training, cardio, and nutrition for a healthy pregnancy

Chapter 3. Mama Knows Best

• Connect with your body and become fully present in your pregnancy
• Use meditation to bond with your baby
• Cultivate an awareness of your own and your baby’s needs

Part II. Prepare for Birth and Beyond

Chapter 4. First Trimester: Increase Endurance

• Learn how exercise can carry you through your pregnancy
• Use yoga, meditation, and cross-training to fight off fatigue

Chapter 5. Second Trimester: Build Strength

• Get strong for the rest of your pregnancy
• Find a rhythm and establish a regular exercise routine

Chapter 6. Third Trimester: Prepare to Push

• Learn about the power of the pelvic floor
• Train your pelvic floor muscles for labor, delivery, and recovery

Chapter 7. Happy Birth Day!

• Use your body and mind to be present and aware
• Create a birth plan to prepare and eliminate fear

Part III. Practices for Recovery and Results

Chapter 8. New Mama Recovery Workout

• Incorporate gentle moves and practices into your new life
• Strengthen and tone your abdomen and pelvic floor after giving birth

Chapter 9. Mommy and Me

• Exercise with your baby to strengthen your bond and both your bodies
• Learn how to hold your baby properly during exercise

Chapter 10. Belly Blaster Series

• Try deep core work to redefine your abdominal area
• Use core exercise to gain the functional strength needed to care for your baby

Chapter 11. Self-Care for Moms

• Take care for yourself so you can better care for your baby
• Create a daily routine that includes proper sleep and exercise

Chapter 12. Insights for Moms Over 40

• Be aware of the unique challenges of being a mom over 40
• Strengthen and tone your body to combat loss of muscle mass