numbness in toes while working out

Were your shoes to tight?

YES! I've had this multiple times. I don't know for sure but I'm assuming it has to do with the pressure that we are putting on our toes while working out that doesn't allow for adequate blood flow to the area, but I'm just guessing on this.

I've been trying to equalize the pressure in my foot a bit more and will occasionally reposition my foot to allow for better blood flow. Some days it works better than others. It does seem that the longer I've been working out the less it's been happening. Maybe I'm in better shape or maybe unconsciously I'm just adjusting for it, I dunno.

Anyone else?

OOOOH, I just read about this.

Since your feet are "stuck" on the pedals, and not moving freely like when actual walking, they get numb.

Alaskagal is dead on on this one.

Try wiggling your toes around whenever you remember to. It helps.

But, it's not hurting you, it's normal.

This is common during prolonged weight bearing exercise. It is not dangerous or anything. It is caused by prolonged pressure (standing, weight bearing exercise) on a small surface area (i.e your feet). Sometimes I have had clients that it gets so bad, they stop doing that particular exercise that causes it. For most people it is a manageable discomfort.

An easy way to limit this experience is to keep your feet flush to the pedal. Now this is one of the main differences between lower and higher end peices of equipment. You will probably notice that on your elliptical you rock up on the ball of your foot while performing the exercise. Hence, you have taken a small surface area (your foot) and made it smaller by putting your same weight on a fraction of your foot. If anyone has ever tried a Precor elliptical or a Cybex Arc trainer at the gym or home, you will find a much lower chance of this happening.

For anyone who wants any tips on buying an elliptical, click on this link:
http://www.precor.com/pdf/choose_efx_ENGLISH.pdf

It is on Precor's website. They were the people who created the elliptical category, so they would know.

Best of Luck!!!!

This has happened to me on the elliptical.
My trainer says its because i put more pressure on my toes than my heels. When it happens I stop & go backwards for about a minute until the feeling comes back.
Also try a different elliptical machine as for me at my gym it seems to happen more on one particular machine than on some of the others.

SG :glasses:

Yes, it has happened to me as well and only on the ellipticals. I use my heels when I do this machine. I try to wiggle them and use them more if that happens...I don't use them as much anymore...:happy:

My NOSE and part of my face goes numb. Maybe im just crazy

Don't think you're going crazy or if so we'll go together. I've experienced this as well as other random body parts (we've already discussed the toes earlier). I think it's a circulatory issue with me. At least that's what I'm telling myself. I haven't asked my doctor about it though. But you're right it generally after I've been working EXTRA hard.

Anyone else? Or are we the only two crazy ones?

I've had substantial numbness in my toes while using a Nordic Track, while walking outside, while on the tread mill, and while on the elliptical. When I'm on the elliptical, I transfer the pressure/weight to my heels for a while while going forward and also the pressure is relieved by going backward. This helps a lot.

I've asked other people in person if they've ever had numbness and they always replied with a "no". Hearing on MFP that other people have this problem as well is helpful! I'm not glad that other people have this issue I'm just glad that I'm not crazy!