Getting In Better Shape For Next Trip To WDW

[Capwkidd]

I am really trying to get into better shape for my next trip to WDW, and I was wondering if anyone else is also?

One thing is for sure, sugar is bad..... and water is good.... And, even if you eat just one "level" better than normal, you will find an improvement in your health! And walk and take the stairs (forget that elevators exist!) as much as possible, but don't work your heart too hard, I find that if I keep my heart rate in the 100 teens (like 115), it seems to help the most (thanks Apple Watch ). I am also thinking about going to one of those Transformation Centers, where you pay like $500, and if you loose the weight in 6 weeks, you get the money back, but you have to go there to work out 3x a week (or is it 5?), and eat crazy healthy things.... But, women seem to usually loose 20 pounds and guys 30, in 6 weeks, is that crazy, or what?!

So, what is your Health Strategy for your next WDW trip?

 

[RustManFan]

Walking, taking stairs and being careful about my shoe selections!

 

[marielynn724]

walk, walk, walk - that's what you'll be doing in the parks, after all! and invest in some really great athletic sneakers.

 

[Capwkidd]

Speaking of shoes, I had been wearing Kayanas for sometime now .I kept getting a callus on 1 toe, and they always seemed to be a little tight on my toes, even though they where wide width. I tried a pair of SAS and those problems went away, and I discovered something, I can now stand for long periods without discomfort, but with the Kayanas this was not the case!

 

[jpeden]

I've lost 37 pounds and I'll be honest - it's a lot more (for me anyways) about what I eat, and not how much I work out. I follow Weight Watchers and I can certainly tell a major difference in the weeks that I really track what I eat, and weeks (or even days) when I don't. Now, I won't be tracking at WDW in 9 days, but it has helped me a lot by realizing appropriate portion sizes. I like the fact that it isn't restrictive on what you eat, just how much of it you eat. On top of that, I try to go to 9 Round (30 Minute Kick-Boxing class) 3x a week and try to walk about three miles give or take twice a week, with two rest days thrown in there.

I agree with the PPs that you need to start walking a lot and building up leg strength as you'll be doing a lot of that. You should invest in a GOOD pair of shoes (see if you have a local running company that will put you on a treadmill that will analyze how you walk and the pronation of your feet). A good pair (I wear Brooks) will set you back about $120-$150 but you will thank yourself for the investment. Shoes are 60-70 percent of the battle when it comes to knee and joint pain associated with walking/running. My knees used to kill me when I ran -now with my Brooks I have hardly any joint pain at all.

On top of all of this, drink lots of water. It not only keeps you hydrated, but helps flush out sodium so you aren't carrying around water-weight. Besides that, find a workout that you like. No matter what, if you like it, you'll stick to it. My wife does Barre and loves it and as I mentioned before I do kickboxing. Before that we both belonged to a gym, but never went because we hated it. We pay a bit more per month for these specialty classes, but we actually go instead of just letting dust collect on our membership cards.

 

[revdon64]

Walking seems to be key, at least for me and my family. Not only does it help shed some pounds, it builds up the kind of stamina that we'll need to tackle the "one or two parks a day marathon" that our Disney vacations become.

 

[courtneybeth]

So, what is your Health Strategy for your next WDW trip?

Joining WW and the Weight Loss Challenge on the W.I.S.H parts of the forums. Come join us!

 

[kaybird]

I agree, walk walk walk!! A part of our strategy has always been to do at least 1 5k before a trip. When the boys were young, I assured them if they were unable to walk 3 miles, there was no way they could walk at Disney. Make sure you break in comfy sneakers, and don't make the common mistake of brand new shoes for the trip!

 

[ANforever1030]

I've found that weight training actually works better for me. In fact, it continues to burn calories for up to several hours AFTER you leave the gym. Cardio (walking or the elliptical) are important for me too, but the weight training seems to be getting the best results, plus you have the added benefit of being more toned.

Also, as @courtneybeth said above come join us in the W.I.S.H. forums there are several encouraging groups and lots of insight on becoming healthier.

 

[MataHari22]

Going to start doing more walking again. I often bring my little dog, and have him walk a bit, and then I have a pouch that he goes in, it's like a back pack, but worn in the front. Then, I put him in there and try and "power walk" a bit. Schlepping his extra ten pounds is definitely work for me. He weighs 10% of what I weigh, and I'm a weakling. Lol. Definitely a workout.

 

[MudBud]

when I first booked my trip I was really watching what I ate & walking lots. But I have lost my motivation & haven't been doing anything lately. Time to start again!

 

[lustergirl]

Walking before hand is key.

 

[Jfsag123]

We paired buying Go Walks with going on 3-5 mile walks as many days per week as possible in the months leading up to going to WDW and it helped immensely. No more sore legs or blisters! We have kept up the walking and just made it a part of our lives and we are all much happier now.

 

[Tbiafore]

The family/friends that we go with make it a game. We do a walk challenge where we set mileage goals each week and use our iphone or fitbit to track our progress and report on a private facebook event page how we are progressing and if we make that weeks goal. The goals are predetermined and increase week by week until were having to push hard to make the goals...Fun, competitive and accomplishes the stamina we need for a vacation at Disneyworld.

 

[BobC]

As I type this Im chilling in the WL waiting for my bus to go home (waaaahhh!)

I do have the new-fangled Apple Watch and it got a workout the past 4 days.

I averaged 8-10 miles a day in the parks. Keep in mind I was a solo traveler with little breaks minus midday breaks at the resort.

I tried to be a tough guy and wear Jordan flip-flops to the parks quite a bit to keep my feet cool, but now I have blisters on the side of my feet. Don't do that...

Wear comfy sneakers and change your socks midday

 

[scrhsa]

I've been walking and walking and walking...though Im sure not enough walking. I jokingly told my sister the other day that we should be standing outside in the driveway in the glaring sun to prepare ourselves. Though now it looks like we'll have rain to deal with next week.

 

[amy1115]

.... But, women seem to usually loose 20 pounds and guys 30, in 6 weeks, is that crazy, or what?!

This is so frustrating! I could eat ten times better and exercise every day while my husband does the bare minimum effort and he still loses twice as much! Ugh!

 

[alliecat523]

I wear a FitBit to track how much walking I do every day. Really trying for that 10,000 steps to get me ready. I also try to scale back on my carbs and sugars. It makes me feel better in the long run. Once we're at the parks, all bets are off.

 

[TB'sWidow]

I am trying to lose weight not specifically for my Disney trip in November but to fit into the clothes I have hanging in the closet that I want to wear. I had lost 42lbs in 2008 and have since gained 25lbs back an I am refusing to buy new clothes when those in the closet were only worn once or twice.

 

[TillyDe]

I re-joined Weight Watchers 3 1/2 weeks ago. I am a Lifetime Member that needs to lose again. I have lost 7 so far and I want to lose 9 more by Oct 18. That is when I will be going on a solo trip to Disney. It is a early birthday present to me from me. I also walk and I am increasing the amount I walk. My daughter started a FitBit Challenge between us and several of her friends. I am fired up about it. I have to show them that I can whip their rear ends even if I will be 60 in December. This is a work week challenge. They all work retail and I work administration (sit a lot). Right now I am in the lead.