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Okay – that title is a bit unfair. I was always heavy, even as a child. In middle school the weight started to come off, and I settled into a larger than average but still healthy weight through high school. In college, of course, I gained wieght, thanks – in part – to my ability to order pizza delivery using my food plan. After college I became more active, biking to work from my South Philly apartment and being on my feet all day while teaching.

Then I started teaching online. At the same time, I moved to the suburbs where getting around on a bike was not realistic. Sitting all day, combined with a lack of activity began to pack the pounds on fast. Brick and mortar teachers making the transition to online teaching need to be aware that you will suddenly rapidly decrease the amount of calories you are burning each day. If you continue the same level of calorie intake during this time, you will gain weight. Factor in the chance that you might start eating more (e.g. mindlessly eating pretzels while grading online student submissions) and the situation becomes even more dire.

Thanks to a slip on a flight of stairs a couple of months ago, I have discovered a way to get some exercise while working online. My physical therapist gave (sold) me a Thera-Band and taught me a few strength-building exercises with it for my shoulder. The Thera-Band he gave me is a heavy-duty one – they also sell others with more elasticity which decreases the resistance they offer. Earlier this week I decided that if the band works for some isometric exercises to strengthen my shoulder, maybe it would let me work out other parts of my body. (I have a gym membership, but a recent bout with a cold is keeping me from sweatin’ with the oldies at the local YMCA.)

By anchoring the thera-band under my legs while in a seated position, I can do curls with it. Pulling it around my upper back lets me do chest-presses with it. Also while seated, placing it around my feet lets me simulate seated leg presses. The Thera-Band company has a nice website where you can find 89 (at the time of this post) different pages of exercise routines using these bands. Suddenly, working out while I am working is within my reach – without risking damage to my laptop with errant heavy dumbells. It’s a great way to burn some calories and build some muscles while on a long conference call.

So – yes – working online will burn far less calories than bicycling to your local high school and running from desk to desk to keep kids on task in their group work. But with a little commitment on your part – and a simple elastic band – you can start shedding those extra pounds. (DISCLAIMER – I’m no doctor – see yours before starting any workout regime or diet plan).

What other tips can you offer readers of this blog related to staying fit while teaching online? Hit the “Reply” button below and weigh in (snicker) on the discussion.