Getting in shape for all that walking...

[can'twait]

I'd like the entire family to get ready to hit the pavement and have fun without being pooped by noon on our first day. Any hints on how to start walking as a family before we leave? How far in advance should we start, and how much should we try to push ourselves each day? I'm planning on bringing some Mountain Dew and Red Bull, but we can't give that stuff to the kids! Help!

 

[stacy6552]

How old are your kids? If they can make it around the mall all day on foot, then don't sweat it (or dont have them sweat it). If they can't I always say then bring a stroller. As for yourself? Start now. But remember: yes, you'll be doing tons of walking (yea that means you can eat....) but its not like a marathon. you will spend all day, walking, and stopping, and walking, and sitting........

 

[can'twait]

Thanks, they are 5 and 7.

They can usually make it through an amusement park for one day, but I'm a little anxious about doing it 6 days in a row. We have scheduled meal times for breaks, but we will be going in October when the parks close early, so we really won't be able to go to the hotel for a nap in the afternoon and then go back to the park until they can't take it anymore. I guess we will have to push them until the parks close, then head to the hotel for early bedtime and hope we can get up early in the morning to do it all over again!

 

[dsnymomof4]

We just got back from a week at Pop. We started walking about a month before our trip. We would go to our local high school and walk around the track. It worked out great. The little ones would take a break on the bleachers for a lap or 2 while we kept going. Or sometimes we would just go for walks around the neighborhood. Anything to build up those leg muscles - you'll need them for walking around the world!

 

[PatricenPete]

I have been doing Leslie Sansone's walk away the pounds

 

[mommy22gurlz]

This is so funny someone posted this topic!! I was just telling dh that he really needs to start walking to get ready for our December trip!! He is way way out of shape, he literally gets tired at the mall and starts to complain.

I walk on a pretty regular basis and have been practically begging him to start with me, not only for our trip but for his health more importantly!!


I need some help getting him motivated!!

 

[cwnhokie]

Something that really helped me is pilates. My back used to get really sore whenever I stood or walked for a long time. I did pilates 1 or 2 times a week for about 2 months before we left and my back never hurt, even though we walked about 10 miles a day. Doesn't really help the kids though. Well it did help mine, because I wasn't grouchy from an aching back. The only thing that hurt me were the palms of my hands from pushing the stroller. They felt bruised. Good luck and have a great trip.

 

[DsnyDrmr]

I have been doing Leslie Sansone's walk away the pounds

Me too, I'm doing the 4 mi walk. It takes 1 hr. Tried to get my kids to do it with me, only one of them lasted the whole time once--I think they got bored. I'll probably start walking with them outside very soon.

 

[can'twait]

Mommy22gurlz:

DH is who I'm most worried about also. I've been walking and can suck it up, and so can the kids, but he's overweight and complains about how he feels after doing some yardwork. I told him if he doesn't lose enough weight to fit his fat butt into the seats on Rock N Roller Coaster he will kick himself, since Aerosmith is his favorite band, and that at the very least he should get in shape so he won't be in pain from walking, because that will ruin the trip for him, and for me, if I have to listen to his whining! He agreed with me, but hasn't gotten off his butt yet. If you find something that works, let me know!

 

[MamaLema]

2 months before we went to WDW, our family started taking evening walks after dinner. Our kids are 1, 6, and 8 so it was more for the older 2.

People might think it's strange but it worked for us! The kids could walk about 90 min. non-stop and when we stared it was more like 30 min.

And as a bonus, I lost weight

 

[jenndisney]

We started family walks about two months before the trip. That gave us plenty of time.

Each night, we would pick a place to walk to. First it was Grandma's house about 1/2 mile one way. Then we walked to the mall, about 1.5 miles one way. Then it was to Dairy Queen 2.4 miles one way. It was great to have a goal. My DH then went and drew up a map using our town, but put different attractions at WDW. For example, there is a small park about 1.5 miles away and he called it "the Pirate Ride". So, we always had a goal.

Our trip in June was a blast and we were able to walk without dropping after a few hours on all the days. We also are BIG believers in mole skin.

 

[rt2dz]

I would just suggest family walks in the evening. Start slow and every 3-5 days add and extra 1/2 mile. I'd work up to a total of 3-4 miles. BONUS--You'll all get healthier, spend some wonderful family time together, and start a habit that your children could carry into adulthood that will help them stay fit for life.