I recently started incorporating some weight training into my workout routine and have been looking for a set of simple exercises that I can do with my dumbbells. Ideally this is an exercise that doesn’t take much time, is easy to follow, and can be done anytime and anywhere.

Many of you have joined us for this month’s “30-day Challenge” to get some daily physical activity. Some of you walk for 30 minutes daily. Some of you lift weights. And some of you practice yoga or Qi Gong. Given the variety of exercises, I wonder if there are some general guidelines we can use to help us create the perfect exercise routine.

I have always been fascinated with belly dancing, in awe of how belly dancers move their hips, and the beauty and fluidity of their movement. And Intuitively I knew that moving your hips like that had to be good for healthy menstrual cycles.

I went for a long run last night. It was amazing how great it made me feel. I felt energetic, alive and refreshed. Even though I sometimes drag my feet to do it, I always feel better after a good workout, no matter how tired or how moody I was before the exercise. So is it just a feeling? Or is there any research to back up this good feeling?

The valuable benefits of exercise are widely recognized by people of every age and socioeconomic group. In most parts of the world people try to engage in some form of exercise at least twice a week to keep their health at optimal levels. Even though there is no one single form of exercise designed specifically to combat premenstrual symptoms, there are many elements that can be taken from different disciplines that will help elevate your mood and reduce or even eliminate some of the most frustrating symptoms.

Exercise. Bleh. I am going to be honest. I usually hate to exercise. At least if you call it “exercise,” I’m not very likely to do it. If you told me to run after the ice cream truck, I’d do it no problem, but if you told me to take a run just for running’s sake, I’d probably pass. Sure, exercising makes me feel great afterwards, and I feel better once I’ve done it, but that still doesn’t really motivate me to exercise as often as I should. I am aware of all of the physical and emotional benefits that exercise provides, but when it comes down to taking a jog around the block or watching an episode of “Law and Order,” “Law and Order” is going to win every time. I know, I know, I could easily combine my television addiction with exercise (like with a treadmill, perhaps?), but who wants to do that? I do force myself sometimes, though. Exercise is just too beneficial to me to not try.