Desiree "Desi" Bartlett

Desiree "Desi" Bartlett is an American exercise physiologist, yoga instructor, and author. She has worked in the health and wellness industry for over 30 years.

Early life and education

Bartlett was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. She attended St. Ignatius College Prep high school in Chicago. She later received a Bachelor of Science in kinesiology from the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC), followed by a Master of Science in corporate fitness from the same institute. In 2025, she completed a doctor of education in kinesiology from Concordia University, St. Paul.

Career Bartlett began her career in fitness and yoga in the 1990s. Her work has primarily focused on integrating kinesiology, yoga, and mindfulness across different life stages, including pregnancy, postpartum, and perimenopause.

Bartlett has appeared as an instructor and wellness expert on platforms such as Beachbody On Demand, iFit, DailyOM, and BetterMe. Her media appearances include features on ABC, NBC, Fox, Univision, and Hallmark, along with 10 fitness DVDs. Her work has also appeared in publications such as LA Yoga, OM Yoga, Asana Journal, Women Fitness, and Venice Living.

She has worked with several public figures and celebrities. Actress Kate Hudson wrote the foreword to Bartlett's second book and previously mentioned working with her during pregnancy.

Publications

In 2019, Bartlett published Your Strong, Sexy Pregnancy: A Yoga and Fitness Plan, which presents a comprehensive approach to prenatal and postpartum wellness. The book outlines a "3 + 1 Total Body Fitness" philosophy, combining yoga, resistance training, cardiovascular exercise, and nutrition. It includes over 100 exercises and yoga poses, 16 ready-to-use practices for different stages of pregnancy, and guidance on mental and emotional health during and after pregnancy.

Bartlett co-authored Total Body Beautiful: Secrets to Looking and Feeling Your Best After Age 35 with Nicole Stuart and Andrea Orbeck in 2022. This book addresses the physical and emotional changes women experience during and after pregnancy, perimenopause, and menopause. It offers practical advice on improving strength, mobility, flexibility, and aerobic fitness, and includes over 100 exercises spanning yoga, Pilates, and strength training.

Human Kinetics published both of her books.

Personal life Bartlett resides in Oahu, Hawaii, with her husband and two sons.