Feet hurt on elliptical?

RyanneRose

Well, that's the issue in a nutshell. I'm admittedly new to the elliptical, having only been using it for a week. I may be doing something wrong. I've read that toe numbness and sole pain are common issues, but it's the outer edges of the bottom of my feet that hurt. I've tried placing my weight differently, positioning my feet differently, and even different shoes (made it worse) - did it in socks once and no problem at all except the stupid grip on the step then hurt my foot. Can't figure it out. Anyone else experience this or have a tip? The elliptical is my only option - it's what I have at home and I can't get to a gym for now.

upgetupgetup

Eek, some people like them but I hate ellipticals myself. The ones I've used just always felt awkward, no matter what I did. Can you return it, maybe swap for a bike?

(edit: if you did want to do that but can't, i know there are 2nd hand sporting goods stores that do trades)

linsey0689

Because you are at home and the no shoes worked pretty good, just try thicker socks or maybe two pairs. Or even the thick slipper ones with the things on the bottom so you don't slip at all. Good luck

susiepet

Assuming you want/need to stick with it, you could always get a pair of slipper socks with rubber bits on the sole so you don't slip? Otherwise keep trying different shoes - my feet go completely numb after a while so I limit it to short bursts - which you might also find useful.

Hope you find something that works
S

paulperryman

Wear shoes and socks always, bare feet is not good on a machine.
the issue is with the elyptical you can get the best burn of any cardio machine with exception of jogging on a treadmill which is equivalent to doing elyptical, but the action on the elyptical (which we call a Cross Trainer) your heel tends to naturally lift each time you go back with a given leg and this leads to increased stress on the ball of the foot and the toes, try to push your heel down the whole time either by squating a bit or when you take your leg back purposely push your heel down. I too am getting the same thing now i've upped my speed and incline that i work at.

But thats another possible solution which works for me most of the time if you increase the incline (the one on the left) or increase your stride (the one on the right) your heel will still down more often. Above all Treadmills, elyptical hell any cardio machine should be limited to 60mins tops 30mins on any given machine, any more then that and you are just likely to be burning muscle not fat, do a circuit so your body has to keep adjusting

RyanneRose

I prefer to go a minimum of 30min, up to an hour. It didn't occur to me until after I posted this that maybe I could actually cover the ssteps with something padded and wear socks... That could work. Though I'm still stumped by why my feet hurt in shoes on the elliptical when they don't hurt doing anything else. But before doing any of that I'll try to consciously try and keep my heels down more.

Caaja

I have a cross trainer at home, think its the same thing and I love mine! sorry to hear that! are you standing straight?

mamosh81

try buying some new running shoes and get them fitted sounds more like a shoe problem then the trainer but i must admit my toes are numb to after a training session of 50 minutes i just randomly adjust where i position my feet i have fairly big paddles so sometimes i am in the front and sometimes i am in the back of them

i bought some nice new indoor training shoes the other day they are very light almost dont notice they are there just check the local sports store

RyanneRose

Oh, I love the thing, it kicks my butt. I just wish it didn't hurt my feet in shoes I need to look into new shoes anyway. I don't have anything newer than 2 years.

JessHealthKick

Oh, I love the thing, it kicks my butt. I just wish it didn't hurt my feet in shoes I need to look into new shoes anyway. I don't have anything newer than 2 years.

have you had a look at your feet? It may not be the elliptical, but rather you nee insoles for high arches, have a problem with bones etc. It could be pointing at a bigger issue!

Be sure not to 'bounce' when using the elliptical as well (just a little hint)

hhayes06

Look into getting new shoes and break up how long you are on it at any one time. I do a circuit where I do the elliptical for 12.5 minutes ( I just upped this from 10) and then do some ab work and arm work. I do this rotation 4 - 5 times depending on how much time I have that day. By breaking it up you can give your feet a quick rest and maybe it won't be so bad. I mostly get the toe numbness that sets in at about 9 minutes, by the time I get back on the numbness is gone. Good luck!

RyanneRose

Be sure not to 'bounce' when using the elliptical as well (just a little hint)

I don't think I am, but just to make sure, what's considered "bouncing" on an elliptical? I know, this may be a dumb question.

Mokey41

You probably need better fitted shoes. I'd also recommend taking a "stamp" break after about 15 minutes to get circulation going in your feet again. Just step off for about 15 seconds and stamp your feet. You can also try going backwards for a minute to get different muscles firing and blood flowing.

mamosh81

Be sure not to 'bounce' when using the elliptical as well (just a little hint)

I don't think I am, but just to make sure, what's considered "bouncing" on an elliptical? I know, this may be a dumb question.

i guess when you go so fast that you lift up your feet also make sure you not going to fast because then the spinning motion makes you actually use less muscles and burn less calories increase resistence instead of speed is the way to go