A.This is called Circuit Training and usually consists of different stations - resistance stations (using body weight, free weights, bands, weight apparatus) with aerobic movement interspersed between these stations to keep the heart rate elevated.

The advantage of circuit training is the multiple benefits of moderate improvements in muscular strength/endurance, cardiovascular endurance and body composition - especially for those who are limited for time.

The disadvantage is that better cardiovascular gains will be achieved by doing only aerobic movement and better strength gains can be achieved by using heavier overload with fewer repetitions.

Q. I sit at a desk all day. What would you suggest for exercise breaks at the office? I only have about 5 minutes at a time. Or is it not worth it for such a short period of time?

A. Even short, 5 minute exercise breaks are better than none.

Not knowing how flexible your office is about what you wear and the room where you can exercise, I will give some "off the wall" suggestions:

• Don aerobic shoes and jump rope for four minutes (stretch at the end for a minute)
• Don aerobic shoes and walk up the stairs as quickly as possible (again stretch at the end for a minute)
• Purchase a ball chair or a ball and do ball exercises for five minutes.