Elliptical Machines and Dead Feet

katemiddletonisawesome

Does anyone else have their feet fall asleep when using an elliptical machine? I like to use it for an hour, and every twenty minutes or so, I have to get off the machine and walk around a bit until the feeling comes back to my feet.

I've tried changing my shoes, loosening the laces and my trainers and even move my feet around the foot rests, but nothing helps. I thought maybe my posture had to do with it too, but changing that hasn't helped. Any ideas what may be causing this? And any ways to prevent it?

wozzy38

I have that problem too and looked it up..I guess its normal...

pbl1966

Same here, hoping someone has some insights.

Jennloella

mine do it on the elliptical, the treadmill, the sidewalk, I'm just used to it I guess......I've even had my Dr. look at it......no answers!! maybe my shoes are too tight?!

jordanlell

Just in my toes for me. I don't know, I figured it was normal.

juliapurpletoes

yeah mine do this too at about that same time! I've done everything you've mentioned and don't really know how to prevent it. I do get off and move around for a minute of so, but sometimes I just gut it out!

I'll be hovering for an answer too

JimieLou

I have the same problem....I notice it more when I've got it set to a higher incline/resistance.....it drives me nuts!!

chubby_checkers

happens to me too. i've never really worried about it.

elfy66

Me too

Enigmatica

Try going in reverse for 1 minute, every 5 minutes, and see if that helps. It's a tip I saw on another site, and it's worked for me.

BulldogCNM

It was recommended to me by my orthopedic doc to try to pay attention to your feet. He said the elliptical is great but people tend to put too much weight on their toes compressing their nerves and making their feet fall asleep. When I am on the elliptical I try to focus on rolling from the back to the front of my feet with landing..Basically just being aware. It helped, but yep common problem.

pinstripepirate

I've got the same issue!

LuluGirl140

Me too!! But, I noticed if I changed the way I was pushing the pedals, the numbness went away. Normally I push with the balls of my feet. If I switch it to use my heels for a few minutes then the feeling comes back and I can continue. LOL Weird huh???

Hoppymom

My trainer said I was leaning forward too much. Put most of the weight on your heels and relax your back foot after the stride. Luck!!!

Sublimely_Self_Righteousreused

I heard also if you loosen your shoes a little bit it's not so bad. I haven't tried it yet though. It happens to me all the time on the elliptical.

hiemerapril

Mine's just in the toes of my left foot, thought it was bc I had a broken toe on that foot years ago!

Loko_Ino

common issue

beechbabe72

It happens when you put too much stress on the balls of you feet for an extended period of time. When you are on the elliptical, try pushing down with your whole foot, rather than just the top part. If you alternate between pushing with the balls of your feet and with your heal (or whole foot) it should alleviate some of that discomfort. Hope that helps!

noturninback

I was just telling my hubby about this yesterday after working out! I will have to try some of the suggestions!

JayByrd107

Pick your feet up off the pedals as you run every so often.

crazybigchick

I asked my trained about it and she gave me a very long answer about the circulation blah blah blah. (wish I could remember). Basically, it should help to reposition your feet every few min. Ellipticals are particularly bad about causing this problem. Switching to reverse should change the movement of the foot and help prevent the circulation problem. She also suggested proping your toes up on the front rim for a few min to help blood flow. hth!

Runner_mick

I hate using the elliptical for this very reason!

thankyou4thevenom

This is the reason I avoid the elliptical and hit the rowing machine instead

MJHdG

I asked my trained about it and she gave me a very long answer about the circulation blah blah blah. (wish I could remember). Basically, it should help to reposition your feet every few min. Ellipticals are particularly bad about causing this problem. Switching to reverse should change the movement of the foot and help prevent the circulation problem. She also suggested proping your toes up on the front rim for a few min to help blood flow. hth!

Same problem, same answer from the doctors and now I can go for 1 hour without probles, just change direction every 10 min for 1 min and focus on having "active feet"
Good Luck

Legalchica

not since i started using my vibrams and staying on my toes

Emwalker3406

My husband had the same issue and kept getting blown off then he read some where about someone else having the same issue. It turns out it had to do with a shortening of the achilles tendon. He started doing stretching and strengthening exercises for it and it has greatly improved. Best of luck

rydn4h2o

thank for the great suggestions, I've had this problem also!

katemiddletonisawesome

Thank you so much everyone for the great feedback - I'll be sure to try some of these suggestions today!