> OK, so I have a problem. The obvious way to solve this problem is to ask
> the Internet, and then act on whatever advice the random strangers there
> offer me. :-)
>
> My problem is simple: I spend almost every waking hour sitting perfectly
> motionless in front of a computer screen. Except that once a week, I
> spend a hour leaping around a dance floor like a crazy thing. And you
> know what? It turns out that I do not have the necessary stamina.
> Socking, I know.
>
> So my question is: How do I increase my stamina?
>
> Let's leave aside the obvious answer of "quit my job and spend every
> waking hour running around a race track until my legs drop off". Clearly
> that isn't happening.
>
> 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?
>
> People say to me "oh, with all that dancing, you must be really fit". I
> cannot help but think that a piffling one hour out of every 168 isn't
> going to make any difference at all. It's like pouring a litre of fresh
> water into the ocean and expecting it to be less salty afterwards. How
> many hours a day do you need to work to actually achieve something?
>
> Now, "fitness" can mean many things. So let us be clear here. It's not
> that I don't have enough /strength/ and I need to grow bigger muscles.
> (As an aside, it seems I have some pretty damned impressive shoulder
> muscles now... Well, for a skinny computer nerd, anyway.) I'm interested
> in /stamina/. So, what kind of exercise am I looking for?
>
> The answer, presumably, is "anything that makes you feel tired". So how
> do I approach this?
>
> - Go flat out until you collapse. Rest until tomorrow.
>
> - Go gently, but for as long as possible.
>
> - Go until you're tired. Stop. Rest until you're not tired. Go again.
> Repeat.
>
> - Go as hard as you can without needing to actually stop.
>
> - Something else?
>
> Any other suggestions?

A dayly 1/2 hour of jogging will greatly help.
Usualy, about 20 to 30 minutes per day of moderate effort will improve 
your stamina.
When going to work, take the stairs and, whenever possible, don't use 
the escalators. Also, refrain from using the elevators when possible, 
like going up or down up to 3 or 4 stories.
Take any occasion to take a walk.
If at all possible, use a bike instead of your car. It's often faster 
using a bike than a car for short intra-city travels, like up to 30 
minutes worth.


Alain

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