... in fluorescent hell with everyone around me coughing like a tuberculosis ward....

Have you tried Pilates exercises? There are lots there that help tone up muscles without being high impact and you can do many of them whilst doing other things.

There are lots of books and websites available but unfortunately, not being at home I can't give you an ISBN or a website. Try a Google for Pilates and see what you can find.

Is your tongue furry and white or creamy coloured? That's a good sign you're not eating properly. It's warm, it's moist and a great place for bacteria to develop. A good 'detox' with no sugar and lots of water will help.

Otherwise, cranberry juice, green leafy vegetables - brassicas especially, sufficient protein, sufficient fat, reduce the sugar and drink lots of water.

It's a slow process, you won't change overnight (full body transplants not yet being available), but make it your target to increase excercise by an hour or a mile every month, cut out one more bad thing from your diet or lifestyle.

Of course, if you could see me, you'd ask how can I give such advice - being as I am, overwieght, under excercised and eating chocolate... I have my targets for each month. I don't always get them, but I try not to step backwards. Make the target realistic and it's more likely that you'll get them. My target this month is to eat less carbohydrate and drink more at home. So far, not so bad.

LTS