Pooh-Sized and Out of Shape :(

[Rainforest_Elf]

Need some advice, my friends.

I'm tired, out of shape, overweight, and pooh-sized. Normally, this doesn't bother me or inhibit me in any way. I used to be extremely athletic and some day I know I will go back to that. But it won't be in the next two weeks before I go to Disney.

I'm not really worried about fitting into rides. I've done Disney at almost this size before (5'6, 260 pounds) and only had trouble on Goofy's Sky School. But for some reason this year I'm just run down and tired.

I'll be bringing lots of Advil with me to help with sore feet (which is usually my biggest issue by the third day). Any tips from plus-sized vistors to make my trip more enjoyable so I don't return home completely beat?

 

[Zbugz]

Need some advice, my friends.

I'm tired, out of shape, overweight, and pooh-sized. Normally, this doesn't bother me or inhibit me in any way. I used to be extremely athletic and some day I know I will go back to that. But it won't be in the next two weeks before I go to Disney.

I'm not really worried about fitting into rides. I've done Disney at almost this size before (5'6, 260 pounds) and only had trouble on Goofy's Sky School. But for some reason this year I'm just run down and tired.

I'll be bringing lots of Advil with me to help with sore feet (which is usually my biggest issue by the third day). Any tips from plus-sized vistors to make my trip more enjoyable so I don't return home completely beat?

If you can, start walking 20 - 30 mins. a day. I have found even just three days of this in advance makes a difference in my endurance level.

I also find that changing my shoes midday helps to prevent as much soreness.

Try to visit some shows here and there to take a break. Aladdin and Fantasy Faire are our two favorites.

Have a great time!

 

[ericstac]

^definitely that..

not only will a couple weeks of activity make a difference in your endurance level but it will probably help with the run down and tiredness you are feeling.. get out there and walk and do some fun things, eat plenty of fruit, veggies, etc.. get those micro density foods in to boost your levels up.

just do your best after that and move when you feel up to it and chill when you can't.

I come back worn out after every WDW visit and I'm very athletic, its just part of the 'vacation' lol

 

[adudeinblue]

Of course getting in the habit of walking now might help as well as getting in shape in general is good. But I think the biggest thing that gets everyone tired at any amusement park vacation is rushing.

I'm relatively fit guy and I still find myself completely tired on my last visit in June. I was with a bunch of people who were rushing a lot though. If I had a chance again, I would had taken my time and relax versus rushing to things. I mean it is vacation.

 

[mikedoyleblogger]

Need some advice, my friends.

I'm tired, out of shape, overweight, and pooh-sized. Normally, this doesn't bother me or inhibit me in any way. I used to be extremely athletic and some day I know I will go back to that. But it won't be in the next two weeks before I go to Disney.

I'm not really worried about fitting into rides. I've done Disney at almost this size before (5'6, 260 pounds) and only had trouble on Goofy's Sky School. But for some reason this year I'm just run down and tired.

I'll be bringing lots of Advil with me to help with sore feet (which is usually my biggest issue by the third day). Any tips from plus-sized vistors to make my trip more enjoyable so I don't return home completely beat?

Start practice walking now, a little every day. Go slow while you're at DLR, and take breaks (the moment you don't think you need one--take one, it helps!) Consider a midday hotel break. Be mindful of uphill ramps (i.e. Space Mountain entrance) and stairs. If you need to let people by (although no one should be cutting you in line), let them. Eat breakfast, drink lots of water, and maybe even consider taking vitamins/supplements.

I would also add, I feel this way when my allergies are firing up and sometimes I don't notice it. So check in with yourself and make sure that's not adding to it, either. Also, really, wear the most comfortable shoes possible! Really helps!

 

[theluckyrabbit]

Definitely drink plenty of water! Try not to get your energy from caffeine. Know where First Aid is in both parks (NB First Aid in DL has moved temporarily to where the lockers used to be by Market House), just in case you start to feel unwell or need help with something healthwise. Agree with all the tips to relax and rest when you need it. It is too easy to cruise on adrenaline and pay for it later. If you need to take a rest time back at your hotel room during the day, do so. You'll have better evenings if you don't feel exhausted. Enjoy your trip!

 

[Stitch35]

I find a few things that help me:

1) Take an afternoon rest, either a nap at the hotel or take in a show or two.

2) eat more protein and less sugars and carbs to keep energy up

3) drink A LOT of water

4) use arch support cushioned socks and switch shoes periodically

5) ibuprofen before and after the parks

6) a good hot bath or hot tub soak

 

[Lights_Out]

Good luck!

 

[KeKy4]

It's all about the shoes!!! Last trip I wore my Sanuk slip ons with the plush bottom and it was such a difference from wearing socks and tennis shoes. My husband went and got a pair for our next trip in two weeks to see how they work for him. Take it slow like others have said, see shows when you're tired and just take everything in! Have fun!!!

 

[Rainforest_Elf]

It's all about the shoes!!! Last trip I wore my Sanuk slip ons with the plush bottom and it was such a difference from wearing socks and tennis shoes. My husband went and got a pair for our next trip in two weeks to see how they work for him. Take it slow like others have said, see shows when you're tired and just take everything in! Have fun!!!

Sounds like we'll be there at the same time

Never heard of Sanuk's... they made a difference in that they felt better than your tennis shoes??

 

[ParkHopper1]

Start walking...tomorrow. I average 8-9 miles a day on my DL trips. Walk a little further each day pushing yourself a bit. If you keep it up at a good pace, you will start to get tired and wanna stop...DON'T. Take three three days before you trip OFF and relax. I say three days cuz if you were keeping up a good walking routine...day one you will be tired...day two you should actually be a bit sore and day three you will want to fully recover then you will have more endurance for your trip!

On the trip...as mentioned above...your feet will get sore, change your shoes EVERY day and your socks TWICE a day. That will help from developing blister and soreness. Two pairs of shoes are fine but ROTATE!

Key to energy levels in the park is good food and water...drink a cup of water before every soda...for every churro...grab a fruit from the fruit stand. If you eat crap...you will feel like crap.

 

[sleepymouse]

Sounds like we'll be there at the same time Never heard of Sanuk's... they made a difference in that they felt better than your tennis shoes??

Sanuk flip flops are awesome! I wore them most of the time in the parks when we were there last month. I am very active but do not do well in any shoes that are not incredibly comfortable. There is actually a Sanuk store in DTD.

 

[TulipsNZ]

Thanks for posting this, this evening my son and I went for a walk. I'm going to try to do it daily it was the kick in the pants I needed

 

[surfmontana]

It's all about the shoes!!! Last trip I wore my Sanuk slip ons with the plush bottom and it was such a difference from wearing socks and tennis shoes. My husband went and got a pair for our next trip in two weeks to see how they work for him. Take it slow like others have said, see shows when you're tired and just take everything in! Have fun!!!

Did you wear socks with your Sanuk slip ons?

 

[ClosetDisneyJunkie]

lots of great advice here. I too battle my weight sometimes so I hear you. My only note is that if I go to disneyland when I'm not in the best shape I actually think of it as a great kickstart on a new exercise regimen going forward after the trip! It's soooooo much walking in a short period of time, you can drop a few pounds in just a few days.

When I get back (after a day or two to recover heh) when I'm arguing with myself about whether I'm going to go for a walk I think to myself "well, I walked for 8 hours in one day last week, I can probably do 45 minutes now..."

I know workout advice is often not welcome, so apologies in advance if this is annoying, but just wanted to share my experience. I can often ride the momentum from a disney trip to lose another 15 or 20 pounds over the following few months.

Good luck!!

 

[Lights_Out]

Thanks for posting this, this evening my son and I went for a walk. I'm going to try to do it daily it was the kick in the pants I needed

 

[Rainforest_Elf]

lots of great advice here. I too battle my weight sometimes so I hear you. My only note is that if I go to disneyland when I'm not in the best shape I actually think of it as a great kickstart on a new exercise regimen going forward after the trip! It's soooooo much walking in a short period of time, you can drop a few pounds in just a few days.

When I get back (after a day or two to recover heh) when I'm arguing with myself about whether I'm going to go for a walk I think to myself "well, I walked for 8 hours in one day last week, I can probably do 45 minutes now..."

I know workout advice is often not welcome, so apologies in advance if this is annoying, but just wanted to share my experience. I can often ride the momentum from a disney trip to lose another 15 or 20 pounds over the following few months.

Good luck!!

Not annoying at all, in fact, I think this has been the most helpful reply.

My problem has always been activity level. What is rather presumptive is people telling me to change the way I eat. I actually eat very healthy; 5-6 servings of fruits/veggies a day, lots of lean protein, rarely drink coffee or soft drinks, and down at least 96oz of water a day.

Planning my dining at Disney has actually been rather difficult because so much of it looks like crap, and as someone else has said, when you eat like crap, you feel like crap. How true that is!

Thanks for the well wishes, I think that's a very positive way of looking at it. Use this adventure to be a jumping off point for increasing activity and getting back to a healthy me. I'm also glad this post is helping others.

 

[bapcap]

I, too, was in this same condition on our last trip to DL back in March. Since I've had both knees replaced and I'm dealing with an badly irritated tendon in my right heal, I went ahead and used an ECV to get around for 3 days...what a difference!!! My knees/legs were not shot by the end of each day and I was so glad I spent the extra $$.
I got my ECV at a rental shop located in the hotel(I forget the name) across the street from the main entrance. It was right next door to the McDonalds and the price was a lot cheaper than renting from Disneyland.
You might want to consider this option if you can...but, if the crowds are very big, it would probably not be easy to get around the parks (DL & DCA).

 

[Dukland]

Dh and I are in the same situation, and heading to DL with our 3 kids next month. We intend to be walking as a family ahead of time to make sure we don't poop out early.

I'm always drinking Diet Coke, but I definitely don't mind drinking lots of water. I find that water quickly generates lots of extra "pitt stops", however, and we don't always have time for that at DL.

 

[KeKy4]

Sounds like we'll be there at the same time Never heard of Sanuk's... they made a difference in that they felt better than your tennis shoes??

My feet didn't hurt one bit wearing the Sanuk's. The last trip I could barely walk by the end of the night!

Did you wear socks with your Sanuk slip ons?

I didn't! I figured I was in for it but turned out to be great.

I tried to find a link to the same ones I have but can't find it. They're a thin canvas material with the squishy bottom (I think they call it yoga mat).