By Denise Ortuno Neil
With the stresses of everyday life, it is easy for people to neglect their health when rigorous exercise loses its appeal after a long day of work. But with the soothing and more balanced approach of Yoga and Pilates, Lindsey Bowman of Path Pilates & Yoga is making fitness more enjoyable and guiding her community to a healthier existence.
Lindsey Bowman is no stranger to the desert. Born and raised in Palm Desert, she has always called the Coachella Valley home. She attended college in Santa Barbara, and then later moved to L.A. It was there when she first discovered Pilates. She learned more about it from a friend who was becoming a Pilate’s instructor and started to do it herself through books and videos and other extensive research. She then started training with private sessions, and that’s where her love for Pilates grew.
Bowman moved back to the desert area in 2000 and continued to do Pilates in her home for her own benefit. She began looking for a studio to instruct at and that’s when she found Pilates Path, which was opened by Shary Harrison in 2003, it was then later sold to Josie Allen years later. The feel of the studio and the open kindness of the instructor’s drew her in. Bowman began instructing there in 2004. She took a brief break from the studio when she was recruited by an exclusive local country club, but returned to Pilates Path soon after. She missed the welcoming feel of the studio and has never left since.
Bowman took a break from instructing when she had her children, her daughter is now almost 2 and her son 3, she also has an 11 year old stepson. Allen approached Bowman about taking the studio over at some point. They collaborated and expanded the studio to the adjoining suite next door and opened Mat Pilates, Yoga & Barre (a ballet inspired method that uses concentrated detailed movement to transform the body using a ballet barre) in June of 2013. Bowman then took over both studios in September of that year, after Allen decided to move out of the area. She then changed the name from Pilates Path, to Path Pilates & Yoga, still keeping the Path part of the name as it had become so dear to those in the Pilates community.
The studios have a total of 15 instructors and offers private (west suite) and group (east suite) classes. They provide, Pilates Private, Reformer classes, Springboard, Yoga, Barre and Mat Pilates instruction. The benefits of Pilates and Yoga are vast, as a low impact workout, it is perfect for those suffering from ailments such as arthritis and fibromyalgia, as well as other joint pain and is opened to all levels of fitness and body types.
If you’re not familiar with Pilates or Yoga, Path Pilates & Yoga is offering a special 7 day trail rate of $35 for new clients. The rate includes unlimited group Mat Pilates, Yoga & Barre classes in the east suite. It’s a great way to start on your path to healthier and limber you. The studio is also offering an introduction Private Pilates Package in the west suite which includes 3 sessions for $157.
Bowman will be opening up Path Pilates & Yoga to the community on Saturday, February 15th, from 10am to 12:30pm for an open house. Visitors can tour the studios, meet instructors, and get a detailed understanding of what the studios offer. There will be food and drinks provided and live music too. Bowman will be raffling off memberships to the studios and giving away Pilates swag.
After the open house, the studio will be having a Stun N Run Self-Defense Seminar, conducted by black belt, Cheri Michel and former law enforcement officer Johnnie Woods. The class will take place from 1 to 4pm and will teach awareness on how to prevent an assault and practical techniques. Although the class is free, a $40 donation is suggested which will benefit Shelter from the Storm. An optional Wish List Drop Box will also be on hand where guests can donate new items ranging from clothing, to blankets to diapers. The drop box will be at the studio for the whole month of February.
Bowman is excited about the future of her studio and being a part of the Palm Desert business community, “I’m excited to be able to help empower people through movement and fitness, and to be able to host events that help other organizations,” she said. Bowman is clear to point out that her studio is there to help people create and achieve their fitness goals, and with that sincere eagerness, Path Pilates & Yoga will only strengthen the health and wellbeing of our community.
Path Pilates & Yoga is located east of Jensen’s in Palm Desert at, 73-625 Hwy 111
For more information visit www.pathpilatesyoga.com
