Help with a walking routine prior to WDW

[Kite16510]

Hi, I am going to be 61 in a month. I have a bad disc in my lower back and hurt my right knee last February shoveling snow. Tore the quadriceps. It's been healing up pretty well, but I still have a problem going up and downstairs.

I'm bringing my 25-year-old son, who has autism, to the park in late March and early April. We are staying at the Holiday Inn express on March 28 and then going to Fort wilderness from the 29th to April 4.

My son, due to a lot of his meds, is overweight and I am as well. I am wanting us to start walking. He has a Y membership. I can go into the Y with him because I'm his aide. I was thinking we would try to start at a mile per day and increase our Walking otherwise we're gonna really struggle at Disney.

I'd love any advice if you have it, we were going to go in June, but I didn't think he could handle the heat. Some of his meds really boost up the body temperature. We'll have to deal with higher crowds, but summer heat in Florida was a no go.

Hit me with your best tips!

 

[Disneylover99]

Going to the Y is awesome, but also try to incorporate extra walking into your every day life whenever possible. Example - When you drive to stores, purposely park further away from the store to increase your steps.

Also, do some gentle stretches a couple times a day, especially before and after longer walks.

Good luck!

 

[Kite16510]

Great ideas! I am fortunate that I work in elementary school as a paraprofessional and I get a lot of steps in. Usually I try and think of the shortest way to get from point A to point B but I'll start coming up with more creativity to get more steps in.

 

[AnnaS]

Take it slow each day as long as you are not in pain.

I also also park as far away as possible from my destination. I go out of my way to put my mail in a mail box two blocks away from me (rather than leaving in my mailbox). I walk up and down each aisle in the supermarket even if I don't need anything in those aisles. If the weather/winter is bad, go for a short walk in your neighborhood, try walking in a mall or supermarket.

I have also walked in my home - yes, I go around in circles somewhat - around my dining table, living room, bedroom, back and forth. I have also put on music and dance a few minutes or do some exercises.

Just try to get your body moving more than your normal routine and increase the time every few days. Good luck!!!

 

[Disneylover99]

Great ideas! I am fortunate that I work in elementary school as a paraprofessional and I get a lot of steps in. Usually I try and think of the shortest way to get from point A to point B but I'll start coming up with more creativity to get more steps in.

That helps!

I like to walk daily and I find I get bored easily with the same old route. Then it becomes a chore. Try to incorporate new scenery into your routine. Maybe a walk inside a mall, or outside at farmers markets….

Also some people find a good playlist or podcast to listen to motivating while they walk.