Walking at Disney...

[SDSorority]

It's been a couple of years since I've been to DIS, and the last time we went, I remember being VERY sore from all of that walking. I think it was because I didn't 'train' for it. I have 'Walk at Home' videos where you basically walk in place... do you guys think this would help prep me better this time or do I need to go outside and walk? I prefer indoor walking because we have crazy kids and dogs in my neighborhood and I don't like being chased

What do you think? Has anyone else prepped for all of the Dis walking this way?

 

[FireDancer]

I think getting out and doing some walking would be best. Walking in place (or even on a treadmill) doesn't use the same muscles the same way as actual walking would. If your neighborhood isn't a good option maybe there is a park or walking trail nearby that would work for you. A lot of people also go walk in local malls, at least they do around here.

 

[cewait]

First – anything is better than nothing. Getting up and moving will give you some aerobic benefit and possibly help get you through the day better. Though I would think that actually moving forward is better than walking in place. Walking in place can actually be a higher stress exercise to the joints and could possibly lead to an over use injury. Walking forward will strengthen the smaller stabilizer muscles that you use to keep balance while walking. I would suggest heading for a walking trail or park if your neighborhood is full of crazy beasts. It’s your call but I would push for an actual walk.

But do not be surprised to find yourself still a little sore after Day 1 of hitting the parks. While you can train a little for going to the park you will not actually train to be on your feet for 10-15 hours. You will find that your legs are just going to have that dead feeling on Day 2. Training will minimize it but just be prepared and do not get discouraged when it happens.

 

[Daisybelle]

I agree with the above 2 comments. While any exercise before a trip is better then none, I found on our last trip 2 years ago that my Leslie Sansone DVDs did not translate to walking all over Disneyland for 5 days. I think it was definitely better than doing nothing beforehand, but the muscle usage just isn't the same as going out and walking.

Maybe a couple of days a week you could go to a different part of town that has some nice walking paths or a different neighborhood to walk in?

But again indoor walking vs. nothing, indoor walking wins!

I hope you have a FABULOUS trip!