Toes go numb while on Eliptical?

Hi ladies and gents out there, so just a curious fitness equipment question here.

I usually run on the treadmill but then one day I started on the eliptical to just kinda mix it up and about 17-24 minutes into it my TOES are NUMB!  Now when I'm on it, I just have to suck it up and take the discomfort (I switch from running and eliptical on a variable depending on week).

Has this happened to anybody else out there or am I just doing the Eliptical trainer terrribly wrong? I definitly am trying to bend my knees and not locking them as some friends have asked me.  Another friend of mine said its because I'm not taking it in a longer stride but what the HECK does that mean?  It's an eliptical, there's only so far it allows you to 'stride' since its fixed.

This is the only time something weird happens when I work out.  I don't have this problem at all while running for long periods of time....so whats your opinion?  Is there a possibility I might be doing it wrong?

Yes! And while spinning.

The best way to combat it is to make sure you are brining the heel of your foot completely down so that your toes are elevated through part of the elliptical. But, if your toes still get tingly, then you want to wiggle them in your shoe if possible. If that doesn't work, go up onto your toes as if you're wearing heels and do 45 seconds like that. That's my typical course of action when this happens, and it usually works for me.

Me too.  I think it has to do with the often strange position that ellipticals keep you in.  Mine seems to try to simulate a running-like position, but I end up feel akward on it after about ten minutes.  I run outside now.

I have your solution!

This is a VERY common problem for people on the elliptical.

The reason your toes are going numb is because you are not using the correct FORM on the machine. You must must must push through your heels while you take your strides. If you push through the balls of your feet - your circulation will be cut off from your toes and they will go numb!

You should be pushing all your "oomph" through those heels! Lift your toes right up off the foot pads if this will help you get the right form.

This is great!  I've been having this problem too. I'll try this advice and see how it works.  Thanks!

It used to happen to me too. It stopped when I loosened the laces on my shoes to be a little looser than I normally have them. No more issues since then!

I used to have that happen too, but now I "push through my heels" and it has not happened since!

Thanks everyone! I was having this issue and thought it to be a normal eliptical challenge. Now I know how to combat the tingles! YEA!

alrighty then, well now I know of some different ways to try it.  Thanks everybody for the insight! Glad to know that I'm not just retarded at the eliptical machine LOL

Me too!  I take my shoes off when I'm on and that helps a lot.

Awesome!!  I've always had this problem, too and I'm so tired of people telling me it is because of my shoes!!!  I'll make sure I'm pushing through my heels tomorrow morning! Thanks!!

Thanks guys - I always had this issue and thought I was pushing too hard or something...I tend to put my weight on my toes even while walking, so I'll try hard not to do that from now on!

Hi I have this kind of problem too  but I get it when running but only when I wear a particular brand of runners. When I switch back to my old runners I don't have the problem anymore I just assume its because that runner is not shaped properly for my foot.

I always hated the eliptical for this very reason.  What a simple explanation and solution!  Can't wait to give it another go.

I used to have this problem, I think it was from my feet sliding forward and my toes pressing against the front lip of the foot pads. I just make sure to slide my feet back once in awhile.

Original Post by plumtree13:

Hi ladies and gents out there, so just a curious fitness equipment question here.

I usually run on the treadmill but then one day I started on the eliptical to just kinda mix it up and about 17-24 minutes into it my TOES are NUMB! Now when I'm on it, I just have to suck it up and take the discomfort (I switch from running and eliptical on a variable depending on week).

Has this happened to anybody else out there or am I just doing the Eliptical trainer terrribly wrong? I definitly am trying to bend my knees and not locking them as some friends have asked me. Another friend of mine said its because I'm not taking it in a longer stride but what the HECK does that mean? It's an eliptical, there's only so far it allows you to 'stride' since its fixed.

This is the only time something weird happens when I work out. I don't have this problem at all while running for long periods of time....so whats your opinion? Is there a possibility I might be doing it wrong?

OH MY GOD I thought I was the only one! lol

I just try my best to make sure my weight is on my heels, and if they're still tingly then just find any way to wiggle them till they're "awake"

I always thought I had circulation problems or that something must be horribly wrong with my legs and feet!  I'm so glad to hear that it is a normal problem that you all have too...can't wait to try out the heel trick to see if that solves it for me. 

man... so thought it was just me.... but i will "push  thru my heels" from now on....

well, it's not just your gait that can cause the numbing feeling in your toes, i like to be more on the balls of my feet because then it is more like running.  You don't really use your heels while running anyway, and if the elliptical is suppose to simulate a similar motion, than being on your heels doesn't neccessarily cut it. 

On most top of the line elliptical machines, the foot pedals are adjustable by degree, or height.  Since everyones stride and pronation are different the regual elliptical machine, can cause this for someone with a particular form of their foot, and how they use it to push off, or stride forward, or backward etc.

If the degree of the pedal can be changed adjusted  lower, or more upward, can really benefit the position of the foot, and the amount of pressure that is constantly bearing on it. 

Lind of like when you stand in line for a long time, or even if you were to sit on your hands.  Constant pressure, and disrupted flow of blood/oxygen to the appendage, can casue that same tingling feeling.  A change in position, stride, and also lowering your duration of how long you stay on the machine can all be helpful benefactors in lessening the problem.

here's a link with some really helpful tips, most of what is already mentioned but it is fully dedicated to the 'elliptical machine problem'

http://www.home-elliptical-machines.com/ellip tical-articles/numb-feet-on-elliptical-machin es/