Although some shy away from full CWS as it will sail right through an altitude selected on the MCP, there is actually a way to ensure this will not happen: breaking out the autopilot through pressure on the controls in pitch and roll will get you into CWS but with 'CMD' on the FMA vs 'FD', which is what you will see if you get to CWS by simply pressing the button.
Or you could just de-select the current V mode. Much less muscle-y.