Did you know that exercise can actually help reduce the symptoms of PMS? It's true! Once your doctor okays your starting a regular exercise program, try some of our favourite workout moves from About, Inc.:
Squat-Thrust
Stand with feet together. Squat down and place your hands on the floor next to your feet. In an explosive movement, jump feet backwards into a pushup position, jump feet back between hands and stand up. Perform 6 reps, march in place for 8 counts for brief recovery, repeat 6 more times.
Slow Pushups 
Begin in pushup position, on knees or toes. Perform four pushups, abs in and back straight. On the fifth pushup, lower halfway down and hold for 4 counts. Push back up and repeat the series - four regular pushups and one halfway - five or more times.
Walking Lunge 
Start at one end of the room and step forward with right leg about 3 feet or so. Bend both knees to 90 degree angles, lowering body into a lunge (keep front knee behind the toe). Bring the left foot forward and step into a lunge. Continue lunging, alternating legs, for 8 reps on each side or until you reach the end of the room.
Side Lunge with Windmill Arms 
Stand with legs wide, arms straight out to the sides and parallel to the floor. Bend the right knee into a side lunge and bring the left arm down toward the foot. Repeat on the other side, lunging from side to side and bringing opposite arm toward foot. The faster you go and the lower you lunge, the harder it is. Repeat for 16 reps on each side.
Chest Squeeze 
Hold any type of ball (medicine, soccer, basketball, etc.) in front of chest with both hands. Press into the ball and hold for 8 counts. Then, keeping the pressure on the ball, slowly straighten elbows a little and take the ball out and in 8 times. Hold steady for 8 more counts. You can also do this by simply squeezing palms together.
Ski Jumps 
Stand with feet together. Jump to the right several feet, keeping knees bent and landing in a squat. Jump back to the left and continue jumping from side to side (place a book or pillow on the floor to jump over for added challenge) for 16 or more reps.
Plank 
Get into pushup position on hands and toes, or on elbows and knees. Keep abs contracted and back straight (don't collapse in the middle). Hold this position for as long as you can.
High Jogs 
Stand with feet together and hold arms straight out in front of you at mid-torso level. Jog in place, bringing knees high enough that they hit your hands (don't lower hands!). Repeat for 30 or more seconds.
