exercising in 'inappropriate footwear'

I left my sneakers in the office and won't be able to get them until Monday. I *really* want to exercise on my elliptical machine over the weekend, but unfortunately most of my shoes are heels. The only thing I could wear on the elliptical would be an old pair of sandals which offer basically no arch support, or I coud do it in my socks. I know this is a no-no, but am wondering if someone could let me know whether it would seriously do any damage if I just do it once or twice this weekend, for under an hour each session? Thanks!

I don't think it would be a problem.  If you do start to feel any pain or whatnot, I'd stop exercising though.

oh, that's great (especially reassuring considering I've already done it ;) Thanks for responding so quickly!

you may want to ask your gym what they allow.  I know my gym has a specific "no sandals" rule on the workout floor.  If its possible, you could go to target and pick up a $10 pair of sneakers that can be your backup pair incase this happens again!

thanks, but I should have mentioned my elliptical machine is at home! good advice for anyone else in this situation though.

Original Post by ericajess:

thanks, but I should have mentioned my elliptical machine is at home!

 If it's at home it doesn't really matter, socks/barefoot are fine.

I don't know if it's technically ok, but I do my eliptical in my slippers  They have rubber soles, and my machine has bumpy pedals, so I couldn't do it in socks.

I have tried to do it in my runners in the past, but my toes end up going numb, not sure why, cuz I can run on the treadmill in the same shoes no problem! 

Anyway, I don't think it should be an issue, especially if it's only for a day or two :o)

Original Post by makenasmom:

I don't know if it's technically ok, but I do my eliptical in my slippers  They have rubber soles, and my machine has bumpy pedals, so I couldn't do it in socks.

I have tried to do it in my runners in the past, but my toes end up going numb, not sure why, cuz I can run on the treadmill in the same shoes no problem! 

Anyway, I don't think it should be an issue, especially if it's only for a day or two :o)

 

 Your toes likely are going numb because of your form. This is a major complaint for people who use ellipticals 'incorrectly'. Try pushing with your heels instead of being on your toes. By pushing the resistance with your toes you are effectively cutting off the circulation to your feet! Other things to check: make sure your shoes fit - and are not tied up too tightly.

Shoeless is do-able - but as mentioned alerady - not a good long term idea!

Original Post by makenasmom:

I have tried to do it in my runners in the past, but my toes end up going numb, not sure why, cuz I can run on the treadmill in the same shoes no problem! 

 My feet go numb while doing a great many exercises:  Spin class, eliptical, stepper.  I think it has more to do with forcing my feet to be in unnatural positions (eliptical=running and biking at the same time, is not really a natural movement for the human body) and so they have strange pressure points.  You're not alone.

Actually...I was wondering the same thing.

If I were to walk at normal pace in a pair of gym shoes.... opposed to heels.

The same distance and the same safe speed.... you would have to think that it would help tone more.

Like dancing in heels opposed to flats.

My thighs and claves burn far worse. You know????

You would think that there would be a big difference.

Thanks for the idea...

I'm going to try that.

Gives me an excuse to wear my heels while walking down the street!

I'll let you know how that goes!!!!

Anna!