Hi friends! We're back with another monthly program and I hope you'll join in cuz this will be a good one!

So, here's the thing. Hmm, how do I say this? Ok I'll just come right out and say it: I really don't subscribe to the idea that we have to be a certain way before summer comes around. You know those memes that float around that have "motivational" quotes like 'summer bodies are made in the winter'? I hate that stuff. Because that's not motivation to me. They actually make me feel really guilty, usually because I'm curled up on the couch under a pile of blankets watching my eighth episode of Grey's Anatomy and, well, not at the gym.

But it's no secret I'm a little bit of a gym rat. I'll tell you something, though. I don't go to the gym because I'm trying to do this, that, or the other thing before I can fit into a bathing suit. I go because I honestly just enjoy it. For me, it's like another form of yoga. It's a meditation in motion. I could go in having the worst day ever, and the second I start, the switch flicks off and I think nothing for the entire duration of my workout and I walk out feeling incredible. I love to sweat, I love to lift weights, I love putting on a good playlist and seeing if it'll be enough to hold me over on the dreadmill, haha. But I don't do it out of guilt. Because I feel like we, the human race - but especially women - have enough to worry about. Let's not add one more thing to our plate. If you want to tone up because it feels good and you enjoy getting in a good yoga or gym session, then high five. But if you're toning up because you're scared you don't have a "bikini-ready body" just yet - then I'll ask you to consider my definition of a bikini-ready body:

A body. In a bikini.

End. of. story.

Ok, so you can kind of see why I struggled with how to present this program, right? I was getting requests for a bootcamp style program, or something that would help people tone up and get "summer-ready". I totally get wanting to strengthen and tone, but I just want to encourage people to let it come from a place of good intentions and not one of guilt. Does that make sense? Ok moving on!

So by now if you've followed along to past programs, you know the drill. This program is a little different because we are really just looking to strengthen and tone up, rather than work on one specific body part. So here's how it'll go down:

1. Pick a pose.

Since we're working on strengthening and toning up, pick a pose that is a challenge for you because you currently lack the strength needed for the full expression. You'll snap a pic your first day of the program and continue working on it in conjunction with the suggested yoga program and keep track of your progress with the pose throughout the month. (Don't worry, it's all explained in the suggested schedule.) Not sure what pose to pick? Here are some suggestions:

Beginngers

warrior 1 or warrior 2 - seeing how many breaths you can comfortably hold it
side plank or side plank variation - seeing how many breaths you can comfortably hold it
modified boat pose (keeping the shins parallel to the floor) - seeing how many breaths you can comfortable hold it
staff pose

Intermediate

warrior 3 - seeing how many breaths you can comfortably hold it
boat pose - how many breaths you can hold it
crow pose - how many breaths you can hold it
headstand (different variations and how many breaths you can comfortably hold them)
baby grasshopper pose - how many breaths you can hold it

Advanced

grasshopper pose
forearm stand
scorpion pose
wheel pose and variations - how many breaths you can hold it
handstand

2. Start the program

We'll all officially start on May 1 (tomorrow!), but feel free to start whenever works for you. Snap a pic of your chosen pose, and post it on instagram with #YBCtone and #YBCelfie. Then, click on the hashtags and say hello to the #YBCyogis community to show them some love and support!

Follow the suggested schedule (it'll be posted on Friday of each week and updated with links at the end of this post) and if you have questions, need support or want to find a yoga accountability buddy, head over to the Yoga Forum. There are so many knowledgeable and kind people willing to help out and I'll be popping in when I can (I'll be traveling most of May) to say hey as well!

3. Enjoy!

No pressure, no stress, no such thing as perfect. Aim for consistency. Aim for compassion. Aim for a goal that speaks to you, lifts you up, and makes you feel incredible. Because we all deserve to feel that way. Go kill it!

Ready for the first week? It'll be announced tomorrow! Who's in?!