Namita Nayyar:
Five athletic leisure brands you love to wear.
Desi Bartlett:
Currently I really like Yoga Democracy, a very creative brand based in Arizona. They have amazing prints, and I get a lot of compliments on my Frida Kahlo leggings. Elisabetta Rogiani is an amazing designer that has been in Hollywood for many years and she will customize the fit if needed. Aviator Nation has my favorite comfy sweats/Mom uniform, and I was recently gifted leggings from the Tory Burch sport line that look like sunshine.
Namita Nayyar:
Five travel destinations on your wish list.
Desi Bartlett:
I am very grateful to have travelled extensively and have been to four continents. Next on the list is Asia. Specifically, Tokyo and Bali are on my wish list. I would also love to go to Colombia and Brazil. I speak Spanish and understand a bit of Portuguese and love the music from that part of the world.
Namita Nayyar:
In 2019 you wrote a book with Human Kinetics titled, “Your Strong Sexy Pregnancy,” an informative and inspiring guide for pregnancy and beyond. The book teaches how to prioritize your health and happiness, Cultivate your inner power and be a fierce, strong, sexy mom! With the 3 + 1 Total Body Fitness philosophy, here you combine yoga, resistance training, cardiovascular training, and nutrition so you can enjoy a strong and healthy lifestyle that benefits yourself and your baby. Elaborate about this milestone in your career.
Desi Bartlett:
When I was pregnant with my older son Cruz, I could not find the right fit for movement classes. The fitness and yoga classes that I attended were either too hard, too easy, and/or did not use the word “baby.” I felt like goldilocks, because nothing was the right fit. At that point in my career, I already had 2 degrees, 8 certifications, and an extensive background in health & fitness.
I knew that it was time for me to step up and create what I could not find…an overall system that integrates yoga, fitness, nutrition, and recognizes the miracle of creating a sanctuary in your body, for your baby. I am grateful to work with an amazing health & fitness publisher, Human Kinetics. The acquisitions editor, Michelle Earle at human Kinetics, is an amazing guide and partner, and shares the mission of empowering others through movement. “Your Strong Sexy Pregnancy: A Yoga and Fitness Guide,” was written as a love letter to all Mothers, everywhere, and includes strength training, yoga, cardiovascular exercise, nutrition, and meditation. My doula, Lori Bregman wrote the foreword for this book, and it is a joy to collaborate with women that love to inspire and support other women.
Namita Nayyar:
In the year 2019 you co-created a round yoga mat that is safe for mothers, babies, and families and had a wonderful endorsement by actress/activist/author, Alicia Silverstone. Tell us more about the product of this endeavor of yours.
Desi Bartlett:
Hatha Yoga is named for the luminaries, the sun and the moon. It made sense to me that if we are going to practice sun salutations, and moon salutations, we should have a space that is the shape of the sun and the moon, with 360 degrees range of motion. In exercise science, we learn that we only gain strength at the angles that we train. So it is important to have 360 degrees of movement available. For the design of this mat, I partnered with Manduka, and together we have a natural rubber mat (not harvested in the Amazon), with a microfiber top. The mat is made of sustainable materials that are safe for everyone to enjoy their favorite practice on! Mommy and me yoga, partner yoga, and restorative yoga, are some of the many ways that the mat can be enjoyed.
Seeing Moms all over the world sharing their practice with their children on the round mat warms my heart. Alicia Silverstone is a lovely and conscious Mother that walks her talk. She embodies kindness and expresses that in all that she does, including choosing products that will not harm the earth. I am pleased to share that because the mat is made of natural rubber, it will not live in a landfill for decades. What we use in our movement practices matters, and it is important to read the labels.
Disclaimer
The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
