Buti Yoga & Buti MVMNT – Shake, Sweat, and Show True Yourself

If you are looking for a fun and empowering workout, you must try a Buti Yoga / Buti MVMNT class!  Buti MVMNT, previously called Buti Yoga, fuses multiple fitness genres together & offers a great way to spice up your workout routine!  Jump ahead to find Buti Yoga & Buti MVMNT classes in St. Louis.

What Is Buti Yoga?  What is Buti MVMNT (movement) ?

Buti MVMNT (movement), previously known as Buti Yoga, is a beat-driven fitness practice that fuses power yoga, primal dance, and high-intensity movement.  It draws from a foundation of traditional yoga poses, but the fusion of other fitness genres make it truly unique.  Buti creates a safe space for you to let go of your inhibitions, be present in the moment and offers an opportunity for self-expression & release.   The powerful combination of music, empowerment & movement creates a one-of-a-kind class that’s best experienced first-hand. 

The History of Buti

The term “Buti” means “the awakening of something hidden within” in Marathi, the 3^rd most common language in India.   The practice’s aim is to help individuals discover and unlock their inner strength & hidden potential.  

Buti yoga was founded in 2010 by professional dancer & yoga instructor, Bizzie Gold, whose mission was to find a balance between the serenity of yoga and a high energy class that would make you sweat.   Inspired by cultures from Africa, Native America, and the Middle East, Buti has a fluid structure, empowering instructors to let intuitive movement lead the dance.  The spiral movements infused into the practice help engage the core & activate Kundalini energy, a concentration of feminine energy lying dormant at the base of the spine.

The combination of dance, fitness & female empowerment often draws many to the practice that may have found other forms of yoga too rigid.  Kristie Breeding Scherrer, an instructor at Warrior Won Yoga in St Louis shares what drew her to the practice, “Buti brings together a community of women who support each other, thru chanting, thru movement, and just pure acceptance of each other. I felt immediately welcomed by the practice & was comforted by the fact that not everyone looks the same.”

From Buti Yoga to Buti MVMNT

Despite the original yoga association, the fluid, dynamic movements & upbeat music of Buti differ from the more scripted flow of traditional yoga.    These differences have led to backlash from some traditionalists in the yoga community.  Buti has also faced criticism for being a form of cultural appropriation of Indian culture. These are a few of the reasons Buti Yoga was rebranded to Buti MVMNT in 2024.  Despite the corporate renaming, many studios continue to call this style of movement Buti Yoga.  It will likely take some time for all studios & fitness professionals to adapt to the new nomenclature, so you may see it called both for some time.    

What Can you Expect in a Buti Class?

Buti Yoga / MVMT classes are FUN and you can expect to leave sweaty & smiling.  You will move to the music in a high energy format that will sculpt & tone using a blend of yoga, primal dance and high energy moves.  You can expect explosive movements, up-beat music, and deep-core activation.

However, the practice of Buti is meant to go beyond physical movement into a spiritual & emotional realm.  Female empowerment is at its core, so you may find some chanting & celebrating throughout your class.  Buti encourages attendees to let go of their inhibitions and reconnect with themselves.   The style of fitness provides a huge release and will leave you feeling both physically and mentally invigorated.

The class format is fluid, not fully scripted or choreographed.  Instructors are encouraged to take their unique approach.  You may notice movements like spiraling (hips and/or torso), shaking and mat slapping fused with dance and yoga movements.  Scherrer explains “the spiraling and shaking help you release stuck energy and embrace feminine primal movement, while the mat slapping helps you release negativity and give it to the ground & earth”.

What Are The Benefits of Buti Yoga / Buti MVMNT?

Buti offers a range of mind-body benefits:

1. Empowerment and Self-Expression:  Buti encourages you to embrace your authentic self and express your uniqueness. It blends fluid movements, body rolls, and primal screams to awaken your inner power.
2. Core Awakening: The signature spiral movements activate deep abdominal muscles in ways traditional workouts don’t.
3. Strength & Cardio in One: You’ll sculpt muscles while torching calories with high-intensity bursts. Some classes can burn up to 800 to 1,000 calories per session.
4. Confidence Boosting: Buti encourages self-expression, making you feel powerful and free.
5. Mind-Body Connection: The practice incorporates breathwork and primal movements that help release stored stress and emotions.
6. Community Vibes: Buti isn’t just a workout—it’s an experience shared with like-minded people who uplift and support each other.

Is Buti Yoga / Buti MVMNT Good for Beginners?

 Yes, Buti can be enjoyed by all fitness levels, including beginners.  You may notice some yoga poses referenced as part of the movement (example – downward dog, or child’s pose), but those can easily be learned within a class or two.  Come with an open mind and desire to have fun and you will fit right in!

Buti Yoga / Buti MVMT Classes in St. Louis, MO

Ready to get your Buti on? There are several studios offering Buti in the St Louis area.  Before attending, check current schedules and availability, as class offerings may have changed.

Buti Yoga / Buti MVMNT Final Thoughts

Buti Yoga/ Buti MVMNT is a fusion workout that will not only provide a great sweat session but also an opportunity for self-empowerment, body positivity and community connection. There are several studios currently offering Buti classes in St. Louis with hopefully more on the way.   It is unlike any other fitness class you may have tried and definitely worth experiencing for yourself! For a list of Pop-Up Buti fitness events and more, be sure to visit The Fitness Events Page.

Have you tried taken a Buti class before?  Share your experience below!