What to do to prepare feet and legs for all that walking?

[daisy_77]

Hey, everyone! I was wondering if anyone had any tips to get my legs and feet ready for all of that walking at WDW we will be doing at the end of November. I just purchased some birkenstocks to break in for the trip. I cannot wear tennis shoes for long periods of time. I recently started walking 2-3 miles a day to lose some weight. Should I walk a longer distance to get myself ready for Disney? Sorry if this question has already been asked.

Also-has anyone ever tried the Walk Fit insert on the infomercials? I am thinking of buying a set for the trip. TIA!!

 

[Amyg]

I've read in a couple of WDW guide books that the average is 5-6 miles per day! You should try to work up to that before your trip, just increasing a bit till you reach that goal. Good luck!

 

[dyna]

I agree to the walking 5 to 7 miles a day in the parks but it's not the walking that gets me it's the standing I can walk forever but have trouble standin still in 1 place wears me out faster than anything. Hate those preshows where ya got to stand, standing for the fireworks and O'Canada is a never do for me I not standin for it.

Hmmmmmm I do have back trouble and standing in 1 spot or moving slowly in a line does make my back hurt as much as heavy lifting that I avoid maybe I can get me a handicapped pass really I'm joking on that one and really was not making fun of anyone who needs a pass.

 

[legalslave]

I also had trouble with standing, and back pain when walking too much. I found that going to "Curves" and using their machines has really helped with strengthening my back muscles, building up my leg muscles, and has greatly improved my stamina. I'm 61, and by the time we go in December, the two 41 year olds I'm traveling with will have a hard time keeping up with me! I highly recommend Curves (but not necessarily for extreme weight loss - just for general fitness and better well-being).

 

[jonestavern]

I would dearly love to see some of the fims in Epcot, but the standing thing is just way too much. I have begun walking & the suggestion to bring it up to 6 miles is one I'm going to do. also, I like the hint on weight training to strengthen the back muscles. Thanks!
I too am going the last week of Nov to the 1st week of Dec so maybe I will see some advantage-

Jean

 

[cjb71870]

Definately start walking for long periods of time and make sure your feet can stand the shoe you choose. Because, it's alot different walking in the parks, then walking in general! You may have a sandal that you love! But, in the park it will hurt you!!

 

[robertchance]

continue walking your 3 miles daily,, even if you do 5 to 6 a day once at disney, you r spreading that out over 6 to 10 hours so your body will be rested throughtout the day. U walk the 3 miles in probably an hour at your house. You will be just fine

 

[daisy_77]

Thanks, everyone, for the great advice! I am walking about 4 miles a day on the treadmill at the gym...as soon as it starts to cool off I will walk the track at the high school down the street...hopefully by then I can work up to five miles! We'll see....

 

[seashoreCM]

Best to wear shoes that have been well broken in, and you are used to, and more specifically that don't give you blisters in everyday wearing.

If your shoes are not comfortable everyday, they will be a monstrous disaster at Disney.

If you did not have a chance to build up your walking stamina in the weeks before your trip, feel free to take frequent breaks, sitting on benches in the parks.

Disney hints:
http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/disney.htm

 

[smfritz03]

Well--we didnt have the time to break our shoes or feet in!! I bought a pair of new Nike walking shoes about a mth before our trip and tried to get them broke in, but working in a office just doenst allow for much tennis shoe time!!! But honestly--we used the spray deodrant tip--no blisters on ANY of our five feet!!!! And we didnt get to do any walking before our trip (just a weekly bike ride on the weekends) and we all did just fine--and I think we covered at LEAST 6 miles each day because of how many times we crossed the park and walking to the resort busses. But my feet or legs never gave me a problem until our last day--where the day before we went w/ out a break and I felt like my left knee would explode!!! So just give yourself breaks when you can--sit down in the lines--lean against the building or rail--but you will do fine!!!!

**BTW---you have an ADORABLE little girl!!!! She will bring shame to those princesses and surely will steal their show from them!!!!

 

[wishspirit]

i didnt do any training, i found the standing and the heat more unbearable. standing outside is the worst. Probibly stich was the longest queue line, and with nowhere to sit, i got cranky! The heat did me in more than anything, it did my sis in more. I have to walk at a good pace in the heat, to get from one cool place to another, but it saps my sis who mosys around at a snails pace! lol oh well. I wore sandles (be careful to always sun screen ur feet!), which i had worn for years, which were really soft and comfy, but my big toe hurt slightly, if it moved out of place.

 

[1blackcat]

I agree to the walking 5 to 7 miles a day in the parks but it's not the walking that gets me it's the standing I can walk forever but have trouble standin still in 1 place wears me out faster than anything. Hate those preshows where ya got to stand, standing for the fireworks and O'Canada is a never do for me I not standin for it.

Hmmmmmm I do have back trouble and standing in 1 spot or moving slowly in a line does make my back hurt as much as heavy lifting that I avoid maybe I can get me a handicapped pass really I'm joking on that one and really was not making fun of anyone who needs a pass.

If you have to wait just pick up your knees it works for me

 

[christinadei]

I also had trouble with standing, and back pain when walking too much. I found that going to "Curves" and using their machines has really helped with strengthening my back muscles, building up my leg muscles, and has greatly improved my stamina. I'm 61, and by the time we go in December, the two 41 year olds I'm traveling with will have a hard time keeping up with me! I highly recommend Curves (but not necessarily for extreme weight loss - just for general fitness and better well-being).

I have a bad back and all the standing and walking kills my back. In may, we were only there for a day and we had to leave early because my feet and back hurt so bad. I'm going to get a pair of crocs and break them in and I've been going to curves. I want to start walking more to get used to it but it's so dang hot! Hopefully curves will help strengthen my back muscles.

 

[daisy_77]

Well--we didnt have the time to break our shoes or feet in!! I bought a pair of new Nike walking shoes about a mth before our trip and tried to get them broke in, but working in a office just doenst allow for much tennis shoe time!!! But honestly--we used the spray deodrant tip--no blisters on ANY of our five feet!!!! And we didnt get to do any walking before our trip (just a weekly bike ride on the weekends) and we all did just fine--and I think we covered at LEAST 6 miles each day because of how many times we crossed the park and walking to the resort busses. But my feet or legs never gave me a problem until our last day--where the day before we went w/ out a break and I felt like my left knee would explode!!! So just give yourself breaks when you can--sit down in the lines--lean against the building or rail--but you will do fine!!!!

**BTW---you have an ADORABLE little girl!!!! She will bring shame to those princesses and surely will steal their show from them!!!!

AWWW! Thank you for the compliment on my little DD!! She was 3 months old in that pic....she is 9 months now, I wish she was still that peaceful! She is almost walking! Yikes!!

Also, thank or the tip on the spray deoderant...I will have to try that out!

 

[ExPirateShopGirl]

Stretching daily is very important to how our muscles handle exercise and the stress of just standing around. Stretching will help you avoid strain and injury and give you the most benefit from subsequent exercise. Routine stretching can also alleviate low back pain, very common when standing for long periods of time.

Keep your feet free of calouses that might build up and press on nerves, especially on the pads of your big toes. Bring moleskin, and other blister ailments with you, just in case. I have never used deodorant myself on shoes, but I swear by running socks with wicking to reduce moisture. Thorlos is a good brand, although a bit pricey.

Wear comfortable shoes that are broken in!

Have a great trip!

 

[marthachick]

But honestly--we used the spray deodrant tip--no blisters on ANY of our five feet!!!!

Is it Deodorant or Anti Perspirant? Just want to be sure b/c we plan to use this tip in October. Thanks.

 

[ExPirateShopGirl]

But honestly--we used the spray deodrant tip--no blisters on ANY of our five feet!!!!

Is it Deodorant or Anti Perspirant? Just want to be sure b/c we plan to use this tip in October. Thanks.

My guess is anti-perspirant, given the nature of moisture and blisters.

 

[luvtoall]

What can you do to prepare??? You COULD take my job... walking and standing 12 hours a night in the hospital.....but I would not suggest it.
Really people ask me about the walking at wdw.... no PROBLEM walking is one thing I do well..

 

[MN Dis Fans]

After years of suffering with foot, especially heel, pain, I finally went to a podiatrist (also a bigtime Disney fan - does that make him a DDr.? or DMD?)who recommended shoe inserts. He said that going to WDW is like running a marathon in some ways.
He made a cast of my feet and created these very light weight thingamajigs that fit in my shoes. What a difference! With these babies, WDW was truly the Magic Kingdom for a change. No complaining or having to sit while others enjoyed themselves. They were covered by my insurance. So glad I finally did it!

 

[daisy_77]

Thanks, everyone for the awesome tips!