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.

 

[Kooks and Bay Bay]

I'd say walking at the Y is a great idea!
This way you can also easily do it in the winter.

I know you mentioned with your son his meds play into his weight but to me that doesn't mean he can't lose a little through diet.
You could look at both of your diets and see where you could make some small changes.
Even switching from regular soda to diet (I personally don't do that because I hate diet lol).
Or if you have say orange juice daily just water it down a little. To me that's a pretty easy change I made.
Or add more water throughout the day or replace a high calorie drink with water at one meal per day.
Add some more veggies and fruits to meals and consume less of the higher calorie food at each meal. (When you add good things and just eat slightly less of the higher calorie things you will eat less calories overall but still be satisfied because you ate what you wanted but just a little less of it).

I'm only suggesting dietary changes because 10lbs off the scale is 25lbs of pressure off the knees which means its gonna be easier to walk longer distances and longer times.

 

[MICKIMINI]

This may be controversial, but how about asking docs about glp1 meds. I've struggled all my life, walking, biking, swimming for hours daily etc with little success. Lose 20 lbs and then put it back on despite drastic diet. On glp1, I have lost 50 lbs in 6 months without any struggle. I have multiple documented medical issues that make weight loss nearly impossible, which opened up eligibility. "Little changes" did not help a bit. Huge changes did not either. Unless you are in this situation, please don't judge. I feel free for the first time in my life. It is worth a talk with your doctor to see if you are a good candidate for these meds. It was for me.

Be well.

 

[DCL58]

Started walking daily 2 years ago at age 56. I was recovering from a terrible case of Covid and could barely walk 1/2 mile. I just kept at it and now power walk multiple miles everyday. I have lost 15 pounds and look forward to my walks. Being outside is calming. I have a playlist that I love and listen to it when I walk everyday.

It is amazing how much better I feel. We go to Disney several times per year and will routinely walk 10-15 miles with zero issues.

 

[Kooks and Bay Bay]

This may be controversial, but how about asking docs about glp1 meds. I've struggled all my life, walking, biking, swimming for hours daily etc with little success. Lose 20 lbs and then put it back on despite drastic diet. On glp1, I have lost 50 lbs in 6 months without any struggle. I have multiple documented medical issues that make weight loss nearly impossible, which opened up eligibility. "Little changes" did not help a bit. Huge changes did not either. Unless you are in this situation, please don't judge. I feel free for the first time in my life. It is worth a talk with your doctor to see if you are a good candidate for these meds. It was for me.

Be well.

The downside is that once you're off of it most people gain the weight back and then some so its a life long medication with life long potential side effects that have emerged after studies of those who have been on this type of medication for years.

It's generally better if you can avoid taking the medication as the weight that's lost by doing it the old fashioned way is much more permanent.

This is coming from someone that has several conditions that makes it difficult to lose weight but overt the course of 18 months I lost 60 pounds and have kept most of it off for 7 years now. (only fluctuating about 10lbs in that time).

 

[MICKIMINI]

The downside is that once you're off of it most people gain the weight back and then some so its a life long medication with life long potential side effects that have emerged after studies of those who have been on this type of medication for years.

It's generally better if you can avoid taking the medication as the weight that's lost by doing it the old fashioned way is much more permanent.

This is coming from someone that has several conditions that makes it difficult to lose weight but overt the course of 18 months I lost 60 pounds and have kept most of it off for 7 years now. (only fluctuating about 10lbs in that time).

I am happy for you. It didn't work after many, many attempts for me. Yes, it is life long and a big consideration. Quality of life became I choice I could make for myself and I did. I would do it again in a second.

 

[LuvMyEAR]

It’s wonderful that you have a trip booked and that it is providing incentive to help move you and your son in a healthy direction! Also, bravo to recognizing that June may be too hot for your son’s comfort. My best advice would be not to waste a day working toward your goal. Don’t wait until a Monday, or a certain date. Start tomorrow, even if you just take a pre or post dinner walk around your block together once or twice as you are putting your thoughts together on a plan for more regular, scheduled training.

Every little trick suggested to slip extra steps into your day will definitely help, as WDW is a marathon, even if you do short park days, or move at a slow pace. Just getting through the turnstiles at the Magic Kingdom can feel like a long haul, and then you have to get back to your accommodations. Look at building your stamina as being as important as building your savings for this kind of trip.

Having a solid training plan will help you stay on track together, and measure your progress. It also lets you discover the footwear that best works for you, and how far your legs can take you before you are done for the day.

I wish you the best of luck on this fitness journey and hope it will add new energy to your trip and your life.

 

[Kite16510]

It’s wonderful that you have a trip booked and that it is providing incentive to help move you and your son in a healthy direction! Also, bravo to recognizing that June may be too hot for your son’s comfort. My best advice would be not to waste a day working toward your goal. Don’t wait until a Monday, or a certain date. Start tomorrow, even if you just take a pre or post dinner walk around your block together once or twice as you are putting your thoughts together on a plan for more regular, scheduled training.

Every little trick suggested to slip extra steps into your day will definitely help, as WDW is a marathon, even if you do short park days, or move at a slow pace. Just getting through the turnstiles at the Magic Kingdom can feel like a long haul, and then you have to get back to your accommodations. Look at building your stamina as being as important as building your savings for this kind of trip.

Having a solid training plan will help you stay on track together, and measure your progress. It also lets you discover the footwear that best works for you, and how far your legs can take you before you are done for the day.

I wish you the best of luck on this fitness journey and hope it will add new energy to your trip and your life.

Thank you, everybody for such positive encouragement! My son and I went walking at the YMCA yesterday and started with 1 mile. I figured that we will do 1 mile per day this week and next week we will increase the speed a little bit on the treadmill and maybe go a quarter of a mile before. I guess it's going to depend on how much he can do. I could probably do 2 miles but I don't want to push him too fast.

 

[cruisehopeful]

In addition to all the extra steps, get some good walking shoes. Shoes will make a significant difference in how you feel at the end of the day. Also, I never wear the same shoes 2 days in a row so that my posture and feet are a little different each day.

 

[Bete]

First, avoid backtracking as much as possible. All the parks make a loop, so, travel with the loop.

Next, alternate rides and shows and parades to get a rest. Eating can be used as a rest, too.

You can walk 5-10 miles a day at a park. You may want to take a break back at the resort for a while.

Keep in mind mornings and evenings will be cooler in the parks.

Finally, I'm in favor of using a scooter if your son and you can handle one. You can rent at the parks, or you can rent from an outside vendor and have one everywhere including your resort. Scooters are battery charged; so, you need to keep an eye on your power level. Since you admitted you are heavier you want a bigger scooter with two batteries.

I feel strong about seeing as much of the parks as possible and the scooter allows that to happen. You can last longer at the parks with a scooter.

Practice with a scooter by first going to the grocery store and use one there. Then, do a local zoo for a day using one. It's crowded at Disney and kids often dart out in front of your scooter and you need to react quickly to stop. You can also practice walking through a zoo and see how both of you can handle the walking there. If that turns into a challenge walking at the zoo then believe me Disney is not going to be easier.

I'm just trying to be real about your trip. We use scooters and I'm very happy doing it. We are less tired and get to stay in the parks much longer.

 

[oswald1]

Couple of thoughts...I am also overweight (I do take the expensive injection, but it doesn't help much) and I walk in the parks frequently for exercise. Your timeline corresponds with spring break, so prepare for large crowds. Bring plenty of sun protection in the way of large brimmed hats, cool long sleeved shirts, pants, and very comfortable, soft, squishy shoes (not sandals). I recommend Oofos brand athletic shoes (not their sandals). Bring water bottles to fill at the water fountains. When working on stamina, probably better to walk on the track at the YMCA vs. the treadmill because you want to learn to propel your body weight around. The treadmill won't really simulate real walking as well as just moving your body through space. And I also want to suggest renting one scooter that you 2 could share. I really think you will have a more fun trip and reduce the suffering. Your son might over-heat even in March-April. FL can really throw down with heat at odd times. You can rent from an off site scooter rental company and they will deliver to your hotel or the campground. Would make getting around Fort Wilderness easier too, especially after a long day in the parks. One place that I have seen people recommend is called Buena Vista scooter rental, I have never used one myself, so I can't give a true recommendation. Have a wonderful time!!

 

[Kite16510]

First, avoid backtracking as much as possible. All the parks make a loop, so, travel with the loop.

Next, alternate rides and shows and parades to get a rest. Eating can be used as a rest, too.

You can walk 5-10 miles a day at a park. You may want to take a break back at the resort for a while.

Keep in mind mornings and evenings will be cooler in the parks.

Finally, I'm in favor of using a scooter if your son and you can handle one. You can rent at the parks, or you can rent from an outside vendor and have one everywhere including your resort. Scooters are battery charged; so, you need to keep an eye on your power level. Since you admitted you are heavier you want a bigger scooter with two batteries.

I feel strong about seeing as much of the parks as possible and the scooter allows that to happen. You can last longer at the parks with a scooter.

Practice with a scooter by first going to the grocery store and use one there. Then, do a local zoo for a day using one. It's crowded at Disney and kids often dart out in front of your scooter and you need to react quickly to stop. You can also practice walking through a zoo and see how both of you can handle the walking there. If that turns into a challenge walking at the zoo then believe me Disney is not going to be easier.

I'm just trying to be real about your trip. We use scooters and I'm very happy doing it. We are less tired and get to stay in the parks much longer.

Last night, my son and I went to a pumpkin show where thousands of pumpkins were on display at a local amusement park. And we walked through the entire display, which was probably about a mile. Wow. With the uneven terrain and not knowing where the end is by the time I was done, I was wiped out. But there's my mile for the day.

 

[Miffy]

Last night, my son and I went to a pumpkin show where thousands of pumpkins were on display at a local amusement park. And we walked through the entire display, which was probably about a mile. Wow. With the uneven terrain and not knowing where the end is by the time I was done, I was wiped out. But there's my mile for the day.

If you have a smartphone, get a pedometer app. That way you can easily keep track of your steps and miles each day. The apps aren't totally accurate but they're not bad and they're certainly better than nothing.

I second the advice to get good walking shoes. I love my Hokas, but everyone is different. Get something that fits and feels okay and gives support.

And keep at it! You're doing great.