Trying to keep up your health and fitness routine while on vacation might seem like an oxymoron, or even a “why bother,” but for many people keeping fit and active is an important part of the day. Luckily enough, Walt Disney World is one of the most perfect places to keep up an active lifestyle! Here are my tips to keep you feeling at the top of your game!
Tip 1. First, the obvious. You will be doing a lot of walking. I repeat, a lot of walking. In fact, it’s safe to say you may even walk close to a ½ marathon between trekking from the resorts to the theme parks and then some. You can keep track of your steps and miles with a simple pedometer or app on your phone. I personally use an app called Run Trainer because yes- I am that person who would like to know exactly how many miles I conquered in my day. I think it makes that Dole whip taste that much better!
Tip 2. This leads me to the second obvious elephant in the room when it comes to staying healthy…. Choose what you eat wisely. I have always been an “everything in moderation” girl and really don’t deprive myself of a splurge. However, it can be so overwhelming with the choices when it comes to Disney dining.
You are technically still on vacation, and I am a sucker for that ice cream shop on Main Street, so I use the 85% rule on vacation. This means 85% of the time I make good, healthy, and clean choices when it comes to meals and drinks, and the other 15% I celebrate as I wish.
Again, I repeat, this isn’t an article to tell you not to indulge a bit while on vacation, I mean who doesn’t love a churro!? It is possible though to enjoy a healthy meal and there are ample restaurants and options throughout the parks. One of my favorite rides, Living with the Land in Epcot, actually showcases and educates on all of the vegetation and edible food crops and sustainable farming production. You can then enjoy the freshly harvested food that is grown at Epcot at the Garden Grill restaurant, also located in the Land pavilion, as well as the multitude of restaurants in the World showcase.
Tip 3. Check out the resort amenities! The Walt Disney World resorts offer plenty of activities on site to keep you moving! If you are starting your day at a WDW resort, take advantage of the beautiful walking and running trails, as each resort offers a mile long trail! Be sure to ask a cast member for a map of the property when checking in at your resort.
Two of my favorites are the Boardwalk Inn Resort area by Epcot (although one drawback might be the tempting aroma of breakfast pastries and confections) and the Coronado Springs Resort, which is spread out overlooking the beautiful Lago Dorado. The resorts on the Monorail loop, which include the Contemporary, Polynesian and Grand Floridian, offer a 1-mile path at each resort or you can connect them all for a longer run around the Seven Seas Lagoon.
The resort fitness centers all offer Cybex and Life Fitness equipment, free weights, and treadmills, and they are open 24 hours a day and free for guests! Listed below are a few favorites.
Animal Kingdom Lodge – Zahanati Fitness Center Boardwalk – Muscles & Bustles Health Club Coronado Springs – La Vida Fitness Center Contemporary – Olympiad Fitness Center Grand Floridian – Grand Floridian Spa & Health Club Old Key West – R.E.S.T. Exercise Room Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa – Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa Fitness Center Wilderness Lodge/Villas – Sturdy Branches Health Club
Lastly, don’t forget to take advantage of the gorgeously themed pools at the resorts. (I’ll touch on this more on tip #5!)
Tip 4. Dress for the seasons and repeat after me…Happy Feet can’t be Beat! The weather in Florida has a mind of its own and just because Christmas decorations are up in November doesn’t mean that heat and thunderstorms are off the table. This is a reminder to stay hydrated and invest in comfortable shoes that will carry you happily ever after through the end of your day and ready for the next!
Test out different shoes before your vacation, as what is good for one activity might not be the best for another.
Another great hack: Disney quick service restaurants provide free cups of ice water and there are water bottle refilling stations scattered throughout the parks and resorts. Drinking enough water and staying hydrated is probably the most key piece of advice possible to feeling awesome on your trip. Take advantage of these perks, as free water is gold!
Tip 5. Finally, but probably the most important, don’t forget to take care of your mental health. Take time to relax by the pool, maybe sleep in, or even enjoy services at the various spas located throughout the resorts.
Some of my personal favorite pools are located at the Animal Kingdom Lodge Jambo House and the Wilderness Lodge. My children honestly would rather spend the entire day at the Animal Kingdom Lodge pool and grounds, which puts my personal mental health in a happy place! Just keep swimming, just keep swimming!
Whatever makes you happy! Remember that this is the most magical place on earth for a reason! Questions, concerns, feeling overwhelmed? When in doubt, ask a cast member for assistance or guidance. They are knowledgeable and are there to help you in any way they can.
Me, I want to be like Belle…” I want adventure in the great wide somewhere. I want it more than I can tell.”
May your trip be the most happily healthy ever after EVER!
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