Numb feet?

katherinemm31

Okay, if I walk a treadmill or use an eliptical for 30 minutes or more, my feet go numb. I've tried really good footwear, adjusting speed and playing with height, to no avail. Does this happen to anyone else?

StrongGwen

yep, sure did! The solution was so simple I missed it--i had my shoes laced WAY too tight! I liked the feeling, but now I just pull them snug across all of my foot and only tight at the top when I tie the knot. Hope it works for you!

fiberartist219

I get this too! I have heard that it is caused by landing on the ball of your foot and pinching a nerve there, so if you land on your heels more, you won't have the sensation. I also have heard the theory of tying your shoe laces too tight, but if I loosen mine, they will shift around and fall off. I wear orthotics, so if I loosen my laces, the inserts fall out of place, and it's a bad time. Of course, not wearing the orthotics is even worse!

I say try changing your posture when you workout and see if it helps. Zumba is what made the numbness the worst for me, and I haven't tried it in over a year, so I don't know if I solved my problem or not. I haven't had too much numbness with Turbo Jam, so that's good. I tend to give up when I can't feel my limbs. It's very discouraging.

You might also want to experiment with other types of workouts to see if you find one that is more comfortable.

You're not alone. It happens to lots of people, and as far as I know, it isn't dangerous. It's just annoying as all get out.

JodieTennant

yeah I was going to say exactly thew same thing- normally this is down to wearing your shoes too tight. Try loosening a bit & lets us know if this helps. Jx

perdie7

check this page out....

http://www.foxnews.com/health/2012/01/26/top-10-mistakes-make-on-elliptical-trainer/

shovav91

It has to do both with your shoes and the fact that your feet are in a very unnatural position when you're on machines like that. Your blood vessels aren't used to bending that way and staying bent that way, so they often become constricted. I wouldn't worry about it

ladybug813

Tue 01/10/12 10:48 AM

http://www.prevention.com/fitness/fitness-tips/worst-workout-mistakes-elliptical-trainer-machine

Workout Mistakes That Slow Your Results

As the weather drops, more and more people head straight to one machine in their gym--the elliptical trainer. According to a 2008 report from the International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association, the number of users of elliptical trainers in health clubs grew sevenfold from 1997 to 2007. And while you may be proud of yourself for making it to the gym and squeezing in some cardio, taking a lackadaisical approach to your elliptical workout and casually spinning your legs while reading a magazine or watching TV isn’t going to blast away those holiday cookies. Here, 10 mistakes you frequently make on the elliptical and how to fix them so you maximize calorie burn while adding fun to your ho-hum routine.

1. You're too lazy to enter your information.
Most machines are calibrated for a 150-pound person—but personalizing your stats will help you get a more accurate calorie read. Aim to burn around 100 calories per 10 minutes, says Jennifer Cassetty, an exercise physiologist.

2. Your resistance is zero.
You might feel like a million bucks spinning at a mile a minute, but without resistance, you’re not going to see results, says Röbynn Europe, a personal trainer at Chelsea Piers in New York City. Make sure that you’re using enough resistance to push and pull through the stride. Then, continue at a moderate pace until you feel like you’ve done all you can do. “You shouldn’t feel like you have even 5 minutes left in you when you step off,” she says.

3. You're a sloucher.
Standing up straight helps to lengthen your abs, giving you a chance to engage your core and even work your upper body muscles, Cassetty says. Certified personal trainer Neal I. Pire, MA, CSCS, president of Inspire Training Systems in New Jersey, recommends hopping on a machine with an upper body component so you can engage even more muscles--and blast more fat. Can't find a machine that lets you pump your arms? Let go: Some research suggests that leaning on machine armrests during exercise reduces calorie burning.

4. Your machine sounds like it’s going to take off.
If you can hear the purr of the machine while you’re exercising, it means that you’re going too fast without enough resistance--which means you’re not getting the most calorie burn out of your time, Cassetty says. Keeping a steady, moderate pace at a resistance that forces you to use your muscles will get, and keep, your heart rate up.

5. You don't change directions.
Going backwards doesn’t just stop you from getting bored, it also changes which large muscle groups are working hardest, according to Europe. While moving forward fatigues your quads, backwards puts emphasis on your hamstrings and glutes. To max out the effect, sit back slightly, keeping your knees at a 90-degree angle as you stride.

6. You haven’t changed your workout in months.
Intervals are a great way to break up the monotony of the machine and boost your calorie burn, says Europe. You can do this in one of two ways: Leave the resistance steady and change your pace (fast for 1 minute; moderate for 4) or maintain your speed and change your resistance (challenging resistance for 1 minute; moderate for 4).

7. You spin until you can't feel your feet.
One of the most common elliptical mistakes is putting too much pressure on your toes, which can make your feet go numb and cut your workout short. Instead, sit back into your heels, which allows large muscle groups to work harder and gives you the stamina to go for longer, according to Cassetty.

8. You don't work your upper half.
Incorporate the moving handles two days a week to put your upper body to work, and hang on to the stable handles on the others, says Cassetty. When you’re working your arms and legs, try intervals--focus on your arms for 1 minute, then pump your legs for 4, and repeat through your workout.

9. You spin your way up a hill.
Some models have a ramp incline, similar to a treadmill. But, unlike a treadmill, a large incline won’t increase the difficulty--instead, it’s easier for your legs to push and pull through the stride

10. You're an elliptical junkie.
As tempting as it may be to shoot straight to the elliptical every time you enter the gym, you should never be using one machine exclusively, says Europe. Supplement your routine with weight training and other cardio equipment, such as the rower. Making sure you incorporate variety keeps your body from getting used to a single movement and also continues to help you build muscle mass--which, in turn, will keep your metabolism boosted.

frosty73

check this page out....

http://www.foxnews.com/health/2012/01/26/top-10-mistakes-make-on-elliptical-trainer/

DING DING DING! This is great info, I always wondered why my feet went numb on the elliptical! And since it's my primary cardio workout, I appreciate learning about the other mistakes, too.

rbvaudrizle

After a couple of minutes i rebalanced myself by removing the weight from my heels to my toes and vice versa after another couple of minutes. I just equate it to falling asleep on your am. After awhile it will go numb.

arewethereyet

It has to do both with your shoes and the fact that your feet are in a very unnatural position when you're on machines like that. Your blood vessels aren't used to bending that way and staying bent that way, so they often become constricted. I wouldn't worry about it

That is the best explanation yet! Thanks. Makes total sense.

On my elliptical (my ex has it at the house and won't let me have it, although he never touched it once )

I miss lippy She helped me lose 36 pounds.

My feet would go numb until I started doing it barefoot. Even at the gym, I try to sneak off my shoes and do it in sox

nas24

One of my feet goes numb too. Im happy you posted this...now i know something i can try

Mlberkow

So glad I'm not the only one! Thanks for all the information guys it really helps!!!

katherinemm31

OMG everyone, thank you soooo much! I thought there was something wrong with my feet or nerve endings. Lots of good tips here--I will try them all!