Sonoma County Buti yoga classes offer strenuous workouts and girls-night camaraderie

It's Sunday morning. I'm sitting in a room in half lotus position, right foot tucked into my left thigh, hands to heart center, breathing in, breathing out, relishing the opportunity to feel the depth of my breath flowing through my chest and moving deeper into my ribcage, letting all my worries and stresses of the week go as I exhale.

The moment is meditative and spiritual, but the fact that I am not at church is confirmed as intense music starts pumping through the speakers. Women all around me are reaching hands towards ceiling, keeping sit bones glued to the floor, hips and waists spiraling in sync to the rhythm of the music.

Move over yoga, make room for Buti.

From an outsider's perspective, a room full of women swaying their hips might look stunningly sensual, but there is much more to the practice of Buti yoga than meets the eye.

The instructor warms us up in a series of ab-busting core and pelvic floor strengthening moves, then guides us into a full body workout that includes yoga asanas (postures), plyometrics (explosive jumping), and tribal dance.

It's a complete fill of cardio, strength and endurance training, balance, focus and stretching, all rolled into one. The entire core is deeply engaged throughout, whether you're flipping your dog, burning your thighs and opening your hips in malasana, or searing your shoulders and upper arms in a series of planks and side planks.

While women are straining and sweating to get through the workout, they are also whooping and cheering each other on.

Not surprisingly, the term “Buti” is easily misconstrued, especially because participants are working hips, thighs, and “bootie” throughout the entire workout.

Ukiah-based instructor, Rhea Hollis, explains to her new clients that “...Buti is an ancient Indian word meaning to cure something hidden or kept secret.” Rhea maintains this belief and applies it to her practice, creating a safe, healing environment that allows women to explore the divine feminine self deep within and giving women a chance to tap into their physical and emotional powers.

Buti is a practice that inspires confidence both externally and internally.

“Watching women transform in this practice is a true gift,” Hollis says. Witnessing women who once felt awkward in their own skin now taking over leadership roles in class feels extremely rewarding for Hollis.

Mary Anne Cox, a well known wellness advocate and fitness instructor in both Sonoma and Mendocino counties, describes her three years experience teaching Buti as self liberating and transformative: “I am passionate about this practice, not only because it has changed my life and body, but because I witness daily the lives of my female students transforming.”

Buti yoga has allowed her to look past societal standards to be thin and has empowered her to build physical strength through a ‘compassionate and feminine approach.' As a lead instructor who assisted in introducing the practice in Santa Rosa and Ukiah, Cox is delighted to see the practice flourish.

Forming bonds and friendships enhances the experience of the practice.

“Buti yoga is like being at a party with your best friends,” says Cox. And while Buti yoga is particularly geared for women, “...we don't discriminate,” she adds.

Avid participant Carolyn Stricklin describes her 15 month experience with Buti: “I've made lifelong friends by being a part of the Buti tribe. We care about each other as much as we care about getting a good workout.” She encourages women at all levels to try this lively, inspiring, and life changing yoga practice.

Hollywood celebrity trainer, personal development and wellness activist, and founder of Buti yoga, Bizzie Gold, may not know how influential her practice is in our little pocket of Northern California.

In Santa Rosa, Buti yoga is offered at Tone and Vibe yoga studios and Annadel Dance and Fitness; In Sebastapol at Thrive Yoga; in Ukiah at Redwood Health Club, Studio on State, Radiant Yoga, and Ocean Motion Studio. Or try it soirée style and join an event, such as “Healthy Happy Hour” at Foo Dog Yoga Studio in Petaluma, or “Buti and Bubbles” offered at Studio on State in Ukiah, where you can enjoy an introductory lecture about the practice, a work out, and time to socialize.

First-timer free passes and/or trial discounts may apply at various locations; please inquire at studios for schedules and pricing information.

Heather Martin is an active Buti yoga participant, an elementary school teacher, and a mother of two young children. She is a member of a professional writers' group based in Ukiah, and enjoys writing stories that inspire women.