How do you prepare for all the walking?

[keahgirl8]

It all adds up. Everyone has had some great suggestions so far ! Endurance really is key I agree and sometimes challenging yourself cna help too. I know for me doing full cardio - even 30-45 minutes a day helped me in all areas of doing the parks from walking to how I felt during the day to waiting in lines. Eating better along with consistent activity has yielded results in inches and weight and health of course. Just for an example here is a comparison photo of my journey so far

Congrats! You look great!

 

[GenGen22]

I am also out of shape, over weight and i n my 40's and I also figured it was best to get in shape before going to DL so, I don't kill my legs.. I started off by walking 15 minutes and then increased it to 20 minutes and work up to 30 minutes as not to one wear myself out and two get where I just don't wan to do it the next day. I walk 30 minutes a day for 5 days of the week. I usually do this during my lunch hour as when I get home from work and I see everyone watching TV then I just don't want to do it. I take the weekends off I also do Wii Fit video game and that is also a fun way of exercising but I do not do more than 30 minutes at a time. I also think good walking shoes are a good idea. I have Nike Air Max and they are the best and don't make my feet hurt or they didn't when I went to WDW and was there for 10 days. This was the same plan I had when I went there as well. I've lost 15 lbs. and am going for 30 lbs as a short term goal

 

[KeKy4]

The only thing that really bothers me is my feet. Our trip before last I wore the same shoes the whole time and my feet were just killing me, could barely walk out of the park the last day. Then our last trip, I brought a few different types of shoes and alternated them each day, it's even a good idea to bring a small extra pair to change into part way through the day, if you can. Made all the difference!!

 

[tinibee]

I never thought to switch shoes during the day - brilliant! I'm definitely going to try that when I go in a couple weeks. I get achey legs and feet and blisters. I use body glide to help with the blisters and stretches for the achey legs. Hoping the switching out of shoes will help with the achey feet.

 

[FFerret]

Anybody ever try the gels you slip in your shoes, like Dr Schulz? Was thinking of going that route; bringing an extra set of shoes for the fam means less luggage space...

 

[Gisele]

Anybody ever try the gels you slip in your shoes, like Dr Schulz? Was thinking of going that route; bringing an extra set of shoes for the fam means less luggage space...

Is Dr. Schulz of any relation to Dr. Scholls?

 

[purplecrush]

I, too, bring a couple pairs of shoes with me and put them in the locker. I change them a few times a day and it REALLY does help alot!!

My legs are never a problem. It's the bottoms of my feet! They feel like they are on fire! Like, literally burn! It's so terrible

 

[BriannaRuth]

About a month ago I decided to start getting in shape for our upcoming August trip by walking. I've always had knee problems (chondromalacia) so was very careful about paying attention to knee pain and stopping if necessary. But then I started noticing my feet, especially my heels, were just killing me. But since it wasn't my knees, I ignored it, thinking I just needed to lose weight.

Long story short, after a visit to the podiatrist, found out that I had undiagnosed plantar fasciitis before I even started walking, which was aggravated by all the walking, and had actually torn my plantar fascia by walking too much. (You're not supposed to do a lot of walking with plantar fasciitis.) Ended up in a boot for 3 weeks, which put a very fast halt to my walking!

So the point of all this is to be mindful if you're having pain anywhere!!

 

[BriannaRuth]

One more thing -- when I asked my podiatrist what to do about the blisters I always get at DL, he said on the biggest things you can do is to NOT wear cotton socks. He had me buy the kind that wick moisture away with no cotton. He said when your feet get damp from sweating in cotton socks, your feet start to rub too much and blisters can be formed and/or aggravated.

 

[zanzibar138]

One more thing -- when I asked my podiatrist what to do about the blisters I always get at DL, he said on the biggest things you can do is to NOT wear cotton socks. He had me buy the kind that wick moisture away with no cotton. He said when your feet get damp from sweating in cotton socks, your feet start to rub too much and blisters can be formed and/or aggravated.

I agree with this. Good sports socks are designed to wick away moisture and support your foot, all while not moving so there is no rubbing. Wool is better than cotton too as it wicks away moisture. It's when your socks get damp that blisters are the biggest problem.

 

[keahgirl8]

I, too, bring a couple pairs of shoes with me and put them in the locker. I change them a few times a day and it REALLY does help alot!! My legs are never a problem. It's the bottoms of my feet! They feel like they are on fire! Like, literally burn! It's so terrible

I wonder if you are wearing the wrong shoes. I used to have this problem until I went to a running store and had them fit me. That has made all the difference, whether I am running, walking, or standing.

One more thing -- when I asked my podiatrist what to do about the blisters I always get at DL, he said on the biggest things you can do is to NOT wear cotton socks. He had me buy the kind that wick moisture away with no cotton. He said when your feet get damp from sweating in cotton socks, your feet start to rub too much and blisters can be formed and/or aggravated.

They told me at the running store to never wear cotton socks, only synthetic. You are more likely to get blisters and chafing with cotton.

 

[nannyz]

I just want to encourage all of you who are trying to lose weight.
I lost 25 lbs. before our trip to DLR this month and it really made a difference. In case you don't think 25 lbs. is a lot, go to the grocery store and pick up 25 lbs. of potatoes. It's a lot!! Any loss is good, no matter how small.
I do believe that we must change our mind set about food. I have discovered that the fruits and veggies I was ignoring are delicious. Any many restaurants now offer vegetables as a side dish substitute instead of French fries, etc.
I wish all of you good luck in your goals.

 

[FFerret]

Is Dr. Schulz of any relation to Dr. Scholls?

nah, just more expensive. I can't afford the good stuff AND my Disney obsession

 

[Cheshirecatty]

I would say walking would be a great start. And it would help you get used to walking around the parks. I personally love swimming, so I think I would alternate between swimming and walking. I like to listen to Disneyland music and any music that's upbeat

I just found this thread, and haven't had time to read through all the posts(sorry for repeating anyone), but I thoroughly second Crystal's advice---just begin walking every day!

I walk(or jog) 7 days a week, and on the days where I just walk, I also add in swimming(of course, this is easy for me, with a pool in the back yard---I realize not everyone has that option!)

Walking every day toughens up the feet, and so reduces the likelihood of blisters, hot spots, etc.

Even just a few weeks of doing this, will really be of benefit to you!

I have found a mix of walking and swimming strengthens my leg muscles, and keeps me from experiencing any leg aches when I'm at the Parks.

Because I do this year 'round, I find that my legs/feet are always "Park Ready"---which comes in really handy!!!!

 

[SweetAlex]

Two words: Jillian.Michaels.

I have never gotten into better shape faster than with her 30-day Shred video. It's tough but man it works fast. Plus, it's only 20 minutes long. Everyone can push through 20 minutes. So highly recommend it. She never does a single exercise longer than 30 seconds at a time so it's doable for most. Best of luck and good for you for making the decision to get stronger!

I could stand to lose a good 20lb before we go in December too so I've started letting Jillian kick my butt most mornings again. I feel so much better after only a week. Being lighter makes walking so much easier on my poor, high-maintenance feet.

I also recommend taking Advil half way through the day and switching up shoes day to day. I could NEVER wear anything other good quality KEENS or similar while at Disney all day. My feet would never forgive me. Not sure how anyone can do it in cheap sandals. Owie!!

 

[ludari]

Lucky for me I am constantly training for a marathon so I'm good to go when I visit the parks.

 

[BriannaRuth]

And do NOT get a pedicure before you leave! At least not a full pedicure where they rub all the calluses and stuff off the bottom and sides of your feet and toes. You need them to avoid blisters.

I go and have my toes done so they look nice at the pool but that's it.

 

[scrappymel]

And do NOT get a pedicure before you leave! At least not a full pedicure where they rub all the calluses and stuff off the bottom and sides of your feet and toes. You need them to avoid blisters.

I go and have my toes done so they look nice at the pool but that's it.

Yes!!! I made this mistake one year and paid for it!

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

 

[Gisele]

And do NOT get a pedicure before you leave! At least not a full pedicure where they rub all the calluses and stuff off the bottom and sides of your feet and toes. You need them to avoid blisters.

I go and have my toes done so they look nice at the pool but that's it.

That's cute. Pool toes.
My toes are not pool friendly.
Lol

 

[Gisele]

I like going for walks too. Not in the heat though!
It is a nice way to get out and actually get some exercise. And it shouldn't be a hard thing to do either, unless you are wearing not the right shoes of course.
Or it's hot, or pouring rain, or too many joggers are on your path and practically mow you down. Lol