Bikram Yoga El Paseo

The Coachella Valley’s Original Hot Yoga Studio in the Heart of Palm Desert

Meet Our Instructors

Certified. Experienced. Dedicated to Your Practice.

At Bikram Yoga El Paseo, every class is led by teachers with 500+ hours of intensive Bikram Yoga training in anatomy, alignment, and therapeutic application.

Our Instructors

At Bikram Yoga El Paseo, our instructors are certified by Bikram Choudhury after completing a rigorous nine-week, 500+ hour training in anatomy, therapeutic application, yoga philosophy, and teaching methodology.

Our teachers are passionate about guiding students of all levels through the Bikram Yoga method with precision, compassion, and encouragement. Their goal is simple: to help you practice safely, effectively, and confidently while maximizing the healing benefits of this life-changing sequence.

Ann Marie Palma,
RDH, BS

Owner & Director
Certified Bikram Yoga Instructor
Certified Yin Yoga Instructor
Inferno Hot Pilates Instructor

Ann Marie’s Bikram journey began in 2003 when years of working as a dental hygienist left her with a painful back injury.

At the encouragement of one of her patients, Denise Abraham (founding owner of Bikram Yoga Palm Desert), Ann Marie stepped into her first Bikram class, and everything changed.

Her back pain dissipated, her mobility improved, and her overall wellbeing flourished. She truly got her life back. Inspired by these results, she trained at Bikram’s College of India and, in 2012, became the proud owner of Bikram Yoga El Paseo.

Since then, Ann Marie has continued her education, completing Yin Yoga training with Bernie Clark and Inferno Hot Pilates training with Gabi Walters. Her passion for healing, growth, and community infuses every class she teaches.

Alix Spears

Certified Bikram Yoga Instructor, Studio Manager (Part-Time)

Alix began her Bikram journey right here at Bikram Yoga El Paseo in Fall 2013. With her incredible energy, sweet spirit, and spot-on teaching style, she quickly became a student favorite.

Carolina Castro

Certified Bikram Yoga Instructor

Carolina also began her teaching journey at Bikram Yoga El Paseo joining our team right after graduation in 2010. She brings dedication and warmth to her teaching, guiding students with clarity and compassion through the 26&2 series.

Leesann Shefa

Certified Bikram Yoga Instructor
Certified Yin Yoga Instructor

Leesann combines her deep knowledge of Bikram Yoga with the calming depth of Yin Yoga, offering students a well-rounded and therapeutic perspective in every class.

Darlene Baldwin

Certified 26&2 Hot Yoga Instructor

We welcome Darlene as our newest member of our team. She creates a supportive environment for students to safely challenge themselves and discover their inner strength.

“Our studio is a sacred space that provides a mind-body safety zone. Come join our family, come sweat with us; I look forward to welcoming you to the hot room!”
Ann Marie Palma, Owner

Ready to Transform?

Practice with Us.

Each of our instructors brings unique energy, experience, and heart to the hot room. Together, we are one family, supporting, encouraging, and inspiring you every step of the way.

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