Class Action: Buti Fitness at Crunch
Fitness classes follow fashion. The city’s gyms and studios constantly launch new “It” classes. In Class Action we dish on what we’re trying, or what we really want to. And please tell us what classes you’re excited about in the Comments section, below!
Bizzie Gold is the creator of Buti Fitness (Photo: Felicity Murphy)
Buti is pronounced just like booty. And it’s your first clue to what this workout is about.
The method, which was founded by Bizzie Gold and is based in LA, is currently offered in California, Colorado, and Hawaii, and it’s making its New York debut this September at Crunch.
We attended a preview class with Gold herself, who, in a string bikini, introduced us to its butt-shaking sequences set to club music.
Buti is advertised as a “high-intensity workout that fuses yoga and dance with circuits of plyometrics and conditioning.” It actually consists of standard yoga sequences with lots of bump ‘n grind thrown in. So, once in plank pose or warrior II, you gyrate your hips. When in chair pose, you shake it like a Polaroid picture. There were a few high-energy cardio dance spurts where I started to have a lot of fun, but they ended too soon to get my heart rate up.
Gold is a talented dancer, but the class felt way too focused on her own sweet moves. She never grooved her way around the room to encourage or correct students, and the routine was too all over the place to constitute a great workout.
On the way out, I watched a middle-aged man linger behind in order to tell Gold how much he loved the class. “I didn’t know the human body could do that,” he said, his eyes wide. “I’ll definitely be coming back.” I’m sure he will. But the serious fitness types? We’ll see. —Lisa Elaine Held
Who’s it for: Booty shakers or those who want to be. SoCal and Miami expats?
Book it or skip it: Skip it.
Classes will appear on the Crunch’s September schedule, www.crunch.com
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sad how “sour (flabby) grapes this reviewer sounds.
Ms. Gold was hardly in a string bikini and her class was amazing.
I had a great work out and smiled all the way home.
Happy that Crunch has brought her Buti program to NYC!
Better luck next time- nameless blogger lady.
Buti is a fun, high energy, a spiritually moving class. On that note, my spirit loves to shake my “booty” and she focuses on hips which many of us Americans are afraid to focus on. It’s sexy and empowering, the music makes it fun. She’s moving forward in a fun, funky way that makes people want to loosen up. Her music choices are awesome and make the workout fly by. I subscribe online and being a young mother it helps me keep in tune to my age and help me stay in shape!
And I highly doubt she was in a string bikini, it’s called a sports bra and spandex shorts…many trainers wear the same.
i have taken the class in Hawaii and have never worked so hard! My legs were like jello! If it was closer to my home, I’d be a regular! Obviously, you need to enjoy this style of music and dance, or it’s just not for you. No need to be negative just because it’s not your style. In my class, Gold did go around and offer encouragement and tips. An amazing workout and her body inspires you because she is a product of her workouts! A gorgeous body we would all love to have! I think this is an inaccurate description and Gold will keep on rising to the top and gaining a loyal following everywhere she makes her mark! You go girl!
I absolutely disagree with this persons take on Buti. I had a wonderful fitness humbling doing one of the classes posted on the Buti website. I am not sure what the writers opinion of a serious fitness type would be… but I am pretty sure anyone approaching the class with an open mind and heart can feel the solid fitness benefit Buti provides. Now that I have done the online workouts a few times I cannot figure out what the reviewers complaints are…(and her complaints come off as petty and kinda b*tchy).
I enjoy the workout because it is NOT like all the others and I got my butt kicked during the workout. I discovered all the muscles other workouts missed(Ouch!), when I got out of bed the next morning.
Shine on Ms. Gold – I look forward to purchasing the DVD set when it comes out!
My Buti Fitness classes (in person and online) have left me feeling worked and strong, and have put a huge grin on my face. I’m sure there was no sting bikini, just short shorts, and what’s wrong with that? And i’m sure the poor “middle aged man” genuinely enjoyed the without and wasn’t, as implied just ogling. Sad that this fab workout isn’t being greeted with open arms, it is far better than any class I have experienced in years. Try it!
Totally disagree with the review. The class is fresh, tough (if you push yourself, as with any class!) and inspiring. I’m sure there was no “string bikini”, just short shorts, and what is wrong with that? ! I imagine the poor “middle aged” guy mentioned really did enjoy the class, just as my husband did, and is not, as is implied, a total pervert! I hope people go and decide for themselves. I’m still aching 2 days after my last buti class and can’t wait for the next one!
I disagree as well… BUTI is the best workout I have ever done! The best part about BUTI is I LOVE doing the workouts!!! My body is so much more toned and sexy since starting BUTI!! I adore Bizzie and look forward to each and every video she makes!
I don’t believe it. I have only done one of the online classes, but already, I’m in love with Buti! My sister and I will be attending the teacher training in August, and we couldn’t be more excited. I think it’s a great, fun and challenging workout that anyone will enjoy. Yay for Buti!
The glory of Bizzie’s teaching style is that she DOESNT come around and correct the way you shake your booty, she gives you direction and encouragement, and lets you unlock your own stiff hips. She can’t take you from bashful to empowered, you have to do it yourself. She’s a facilitator, and an incredible one. And PS, I took BUTI classes 3 times and my butt had already gone from extended upper-thigh to D-DANG
AND PPS, your last paragraph totally debunked the entire post, because you’re clearly drunk on Haterade.
Bizzie’s BUTI workout is absolutely awesome! If
a person does not feel as if they got a workout
then they were not working hard enough!! As for workout wear, you should wear whatever you are comfortable working hard in!
This workout will change your body!!!
I could not DISAGREE more with this review. As a fitness enthusiast and private personal trainer I think this workout is fun, effective and very challenging. BUTI wakes up muscles that are most often ignored and provides a power and strength in your core. If you are looking for a great workout, a good sweat and a whole lot of fun then a BUTI class is the way to go! And it’s completely false that the instructor was wearing a string bikini. She was wearing what is known as “booty” shorts and well guess what she’s got what it takes to wear them! They are not required but if you have it flaunt it! If you don’t then continue wtih BUTI and you’ll get it.
I could not DISAGREE more with this review. BUTI is fun, challenging and very effective! As a private personal trainer, I was so impressed with how this workout woke up muscles that are most often ignored and put a ton of focus on the core. This class is all about letting your sexy side soar in a very safe environment. There is no judgement and people big and small can shake their booty and be PROUD of it. There is no one way to shake it so that is why Bizzie doesn’t walk around to tell you how…she is merely there to encourage you to do so in whatever way you feel comfortable. This class will strengthen your legs, open up your hips, strengthen your core and make you seriously sweat all while having a blast!
I’ve never felt so empowered by a workout before. All that hip shaking has made me feel sexy, strong (and sore)! Bizzie is a strong woman and an inspiration. BUTI is a exercise to look forward to, sweating and sore muscles to boot! Bizzie Gold has created something truly awesome!
I knew the truth would prevail. Nothing left to say. BUTI is all about empowerment and reclaiming your inner sexy — not to mention you get in better shape than ever before. People will have their opinions but this editor is literally the first person EVER who has felt this way about my class. I hope you all join the BUTI revolution and few yourselves of the masculinzed traditional workouts that are so popular and do somethig good for your soul. And just to clarify– I was not wearing a string bikini– I was wearing Lululemon – but I guess in this editors eyes that is unacceptable! And to the poor man that got mentioned in this post, who by the way was sweet kind genuine and honestly about 70 not middle aged! You are awesome! He was so sweet and genuinely in love with the class and this editor cheapened his experience by making him out to be a pervert — that’s so unfair and plain rude. Buti is all about safety and acceptance so obviously this editor is no longer invites to buti classes unless she is willing to open her mind a bit. Honestly — you NEED BUTI in your life, it’s now clearer than ever.
I attended the class that the editor is referring to. If you are the person that I am thinking of, I am sure that I was Drenced in sweat and you were struggling to keep up with Bizzie. I am completely appalled thatWe’re playing that game now, huh? you are even in any type of position to evaluate the Fitness stance of others, without first evaluating yourself. You need to open your mind and attempt to become a journalist who can be objective instead of spiteful because of your own shortcomings.
I tried BUTI for the first time yesterday after reading about it in SHAPE magazine… First of all, the fact that SHAPE felt good enough about the workout to dedicate space in their magazine pretty much negates a negative article on a blog I’d never even heard about until today.
Secondly, every personal trainer on the planet will tell you that in order to make permanent, lasting changes to your weight, you must find an activity you enjoy doing. Who cares if it’s running, yoga, cycling or doing bump and grind moves in warrior 1 while wearing a “string bikini?”
I made it through 25 minutes of BUTI before I had to take a breather. I found it to be very challenging, but I was having a blast, and that’s far more important to me.
I get that the world need reviewers to spare us from wasting our money, but I’m just not sure why we need them to dictate to us what a person’s definition of fun is when it comes to exercise.
I’m disappointed that the tone of this article wasn’t neutral — it was a critical attack right from the start.
hey, I went to a public library the other day in overalls covered in breastmilk and babyvomit, and a middle aged man looked at me wide eyed and said, “Youre looking DELICIOUS today.” should I now temper my existence to avoid men who think I’m attractive? uh, no, because it’s NOT POSSIBLE- no matter what you wear. bizzie and her butisattvas are beautiful and magnetic because they project confidence and power. because that’s what BUTI does- it frees women from insecurities and forces them to come to terms with their own huge, amazing power.
I’d like to see what kind of shape this reviewer was in, seeing as her heart rate didn’t go up! I have never seen someone NOT sweat in a BUTI class. I have been doing BUTI for months, and not only have I gotten in better shape, my endurance level is on another level, and I’m in the process of becoming a BUTI instructor to boot! As for teachers not walking around enough, etc., BUTI is the kind of workout that the instructor can’t necessarily stop during, since it’s very high-intensity and flows into different moves… That’s what makes it fun! You shouldn’t tell people to “Skip It” just because you can’t keep up! :)
I took Bizzie’s class while I was in LA a few months ago. It was the greatest Yoga experience I have ever had. Yoga is not for everyone and what Bizzie has done to create a user friendly experience for those who cant sit still in a pose for so long like myself, I think is genius. I am also a full figured woman and all the moves and grooves were perfect for me. If I could do it, anyone could! I highly disagree with this review, although I understand to each his own. However, to say “skip this” is absurd!!! Its more like TRY THIS!!!! If you like it, you do and I guarantee that like with become LOVE really really soon! Bizzie. thank you for your creativitiy to bring many worlds of cardio, fitness, strength, flexibilty and movement to us. See you when I get back from Africa!
This is not for the weak, this class makes you WORK! Intense and fun! I am a seasoned distance runner and find myself dripping in sweat 10 minutes into class. Bizzie is serious about body mechanics and her moves work muscles that are often left forgotten. Trust me, you will feel every muscle in your core the day after a Buti workout. And yes, this class is fully charged with feminine energy; you’ll find your waistband AND your libido.
I’m a relatively fit but sort of bookish, multilingual, nerdy woman who usually retches at the thought of “fad” workouts and usually prefer hikes and runs with my dog or Afro-Haitian dance classes to gyms, but after starting BUTI online this week I am hooked. What noone else has mentioned is my favorite aspect of the workout; the music. I am a huge fan of hip hop, and working out to music I love is an awesome experience. I can’t stand gym techno or yogaish world music, which is why maintaining a class-based yoga practice has been difficult for me, but I love BUTI. I look forward to taking a studio-based class when time and money permit, but until then, I’ll be shaking it like a polaroid picture in my bedroom to BUTI.:)
I read about Buti in Self. I have done a few online workouts, and I am in love. In order not to sweat during a Buti workout, you would have to be lacking a pulse. To write such an unfair, one-sided review, you would have to be lacking a heart.
The whole concept of Buti is inspiring. The moves are freeing. I feel every muscle in my body, I feel beautiful, I feel alive.
This review is ridiculous.
i too love the workouts, was introduce to them in self magazine, which i subscribe to all the way in sydney australia, and tried my first workout this morning, hooked, we have nothing like it here, lots of fun and i did get a sweat up……
I discovered the Buti workout three weeks ago and have been trying out the sample video twice a week to see how my body feels. So far I feel great, I’m in pain, but good pain. On the days I try it I have soo much energy later that day its so freaky! It does put a smile on my face — its weird, I love it and it makes me feel amazing. I feel my body changing slightly – I hope it helps in my weight loss and toning! I think if I stick with it I would become an instructor. And I am ready to subscribe to the online classes! I eat healthy and I love to work out, but I need to drop 10 pds. Has anyone lost weight with it? And what about toning – has it worked for you?