How do You get in "shape" for WDW?

[oxfordcircus]

I'm so glad I found this thread. We won't be in Disney until next fall so that gives me more than a year to do something. *** My feet are constantly sore and I've had some serious heel pain in my right foot.

Maslex, consider getting a bike and doing some riding outside on safe streets. Cycling is a low-impact activity, so you can avoid the foot/shin/knee pain that walking may cause you. I have found cycling outside to be MUCH more interesting and engaging than indoor activities. It takes an interesting activity to keep the motivation there. I just would get bored to death walking on a treadmill. Cycling is a very different activity. You can ride a long time without getting so tired (coasting when possible). I worked my way up to cycling a hundred miles (called a "century") after several months of training. But the distance didn't impress me as much as the fact that I have stuck with the activity for this long. I can't tell you how many times I have quit a program of running or walking. It hurts and it's boring. Best of luck to you.

 

[Elysiannn]

I think eating right, exercising enough, getting plenty of sleep but most important is the day-dreaming, night-dreaming of all you're going to do!!!!!!

Doing any amount of walking on concrete months before you go will help. I made the mistake of doing all my walking in a mall - no concrete, linoleum! WDW walkways are not cushioned!

Doing exercise videos will help with your stamina.

And if you're going at a very busy time: start going to busy places around where you live!!!! To get use to people stopping in front of you, etc.

Have a wonderful trip. Ely

 

[Dopey420]

We took a pedometer with us last trip and averaged 9.5 miles per day for 7 days. That is a lot of walking. Without preparation of at least 3 miles per day, expect shin splints, sore feet, ingrown toenails, etc.

 

[toocooltobeMom]

I am bring my Pedicure-in-a-minute thing(I think it's from Sally Hansen, not sure) At least I know I'll have nice feet that are sored and swollen.

 

[CleveRocks]

4 miles, 6 times a week is too much to start. You want to build up to that. Tearing a ligament or muscle will not get you where you want to be.

Try walking 20 minutes for the first week (5 times a week). Then 25 minutes the week thereafter, then 30, 35, 40. When you are standing in line or sitting down, point and flex your feet (which exercises the calf muscles - where pain is usually present when over-doing it).

Don't worry about the mileage, just the minutes. Your building endurance and that will get you far in WDW.

My wife and I (late 30s, 2 pre-schoolers) started out this way. We went to WDW in May 2005, and we began our walking program around Thanksgiving 2004. By about New Year's we added in some running, about one city block at a time, and by the time of our trip in May we were doing up to 3 miles of RUNNING three times per week -- the walking was just a warm-up and cool-down. Due to our child responsibilities, we NEVER got to run together, but my in-laws went to WDW with us and stayed over the night before (to be nearer the airport in our town). We got a great laugh, considering our humble beginnings, to limit our first run together to "ONLY" 1.5 miles because we wanted to save our legs for WDW.

Believe me, if we could do it, anyone can do it!!!

 

[kaybird]

We will be going down in September. I am currently walking 4 miles a day 6 days a week. Last time we were there I had bad leg cramps on day three. I reallt want to enjoy our time at the parks this year. Just wondering what everybody eles does to prepare for all the walking. Is there any special seceret that will help with legs being so tired?

I am currently in an intensive training program for August. I swim for physical therapy, walk every day, and have now added eating an appetizer entree and dessert each day, along with a visit to cold stone creamery. I want to be ready for the WHOLE trip!!!