>> Given that my job necessarily involves remaining absolutely motionless
>> for hours on end, and that I only have an hour or two of spare time per
>> day, is there *anything* I can do with that time which will make the
>> slightest shred of difference? Or is the situation just hopeless?
>
> Bike to work?

1. I spent 2 years cycling to college every day. First time I did the 
trip, I was exhausted. The final time I did the trip... I was still 
exhausted. And it still took the same amount of time. So, no measurable 
increase in fitness.

2. The trip to college was just under 5 miles, and took 1 hour. The trip 
to work is 50 miles, and so would theoretically take 10 hours. As such, 
it would be impossible to make a round trip in a single 24-hour period 
and actually get any work done in between.

3. There are no cycle paths. I would have to cycle along roads. Unlit, 
winding country roads with no curb. Some of which haven't been 
resurfaced in the last 10 years.

> Can you park at the far end of the parking lot and walk to the door?

Oh, I already do that. A lot of people arrive at work for 8am rather than 9.

> Take the stairs instead of the elevator?

I work on the ground floor?

> Go for a walk after dinner?

I often do that too. Not that I imagine it makes any difference.

> Go on romantic strolls in the park on the week-end?

Not sure what would be "romantic" about being hassled by a bunch of 
bored skinheads... The terrified running might boost my fitness perhaps 
though.

>> I'm interested
>> in /stamina/. So, what kind of exercise am I looking for?
>
> Light exercice for long periods of time. Walking, running, biking, etc...

Right, OK.

>> - Go flat out until you collapse. Rest until tomorrow.
>
> Never a good idea, unless you are being chased by a pack of wolves or
> training for a ironman triathlon.

Interesting. Everybody else seems to think this is exactly the way to 
go, and the only way to improve. "No pain, no gain" and all that.

>> - Go gently, but for as long as possible.
>
> Yes, or
>
>> - Go until you're tired. Stop. Rest until you're not tired. Go again.
>> Repeat.
>
> This.

Right, OK.

>> - Go as hard as you can without needing to actually stop.
>
> Eventually, you'll be able to judge what pace you can keep for an
> extended period of time. For example, I can walk all day, it's the feet
> that tell me I need to stop and take the shoes off.

My question was really whether you want to go as hard as possible and 
then rest until you're ready again, or whether you should just back off 
enough to keep going.

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