Toes going numb during Elleptical workout

I was doing the elleptical today, and my baby toes went numb. After i was done working out, they purked back up, but it just felt funny running with numb toes. Has anyone else have this happen?

I also get really bad side stitches when doing cardio workouts (especially on the recumbent bike), and back/neck pains. Am I not breathing right or something?

hey! I've found my toes goes numb on the eliptical aswell, it happens almost every time now, and I'm wondering if it's caused by my running shoes.  I also used to get really bad side stitches whenever I ran/jogged, I found this was less frequent as I worked out more and more.  I was never sure why, but I did question if it was a matter of breathing. Try taking long but almost shallow breathes, (you'll find after a while you body breathes for you and you don't have to concentrate -- if this makes sense). The only time recently that I've had a stitch was when I ate a decent sized meal only 35mins before hitting the gym -- BIG MISTAKE!!! Always make sure you eat at least an hour before to give you energy, but definitely don't leave it to the last minute like I did! :)

My little toes do kind of press up against my shoes when I'm running, so the shoes could be accounting for the numbness. I'm exercising to BETTER my circulation, not make it worse :) Maybe I'll try a wider toed shoe.

As for the side stitches, I didnt have any the first 3 weeks of working out, but now that I'm pushing myself a little harder, they hurt! And bad! But I just push on them and keep going.

I make sure to stay hydriated (not too hydriated, just drinking 16ozs of water 1 hour prior to working out), and I eat 2 hours prior to working out as well. Not sure what it could be, or how I can better it.

Wow - I totally know the feeling. I definitely think I should drink more water.  Working through it is very hard though when its so painful, may be ask a gym instructor? I'm sure they deal with it all the time. Btw I just checked out your profile -- WAY TO GO!!---- you look incredible. Since starting Cal Count I've lost just over 15lbs, and it seems such a LOOOONG SLOOOW process! Do you have any tips?

http://ezinearticles.com/?Elliptical-Trainer- Sleepy-Foot-Syndrome&id=78854

This link explains why feet go numb. They have 3 different types of elipticals at my gym and only one won't make my feet go numb.. Also going backwards helps with the circulation. ;)

Hey! I don't do the eliptical that often but I run alot.  Whenever I run, I my baby toes go numb as well.  Sometimes they do this even when I'm not working out.  It's pretty natural though.  My roommate is in triathlon club and they all joke about it while they're running, saying things like, "oh there go my toes."  As for the side stitches, I get those as well.  As odd as it seems, if I increase my pace, they go away.  Sometimes I just need the motivation to do so.  This almost always works for me though.  

Several posts on this already....loosen your laces a little bit and try to wiggle your toes on the elliptical.  Very common apparently.  I have tried the toe wiggling when they start to go numb and that does help a great deal.

In the stickied post at the top of this forum are some references to this common issue.  Its interesting that this only seems to happen to people on the elliptical.

I agree, you should loosen your shoe laces that helps a lot! As for the side stitches, there has been researched done they (researchers) have not found the exact cause for it. Some believe that it could relate to a lack of blood flow to the respiratory muscles during strenuous physical exertion. If you get these you should slow down and if it won't go away just stop whatever you are doing.

You should lay down on your back and gently bring both of your knees to your chest and hold that position for 30 to 60 seconds, if the pain hasn't decreases.

Some people get a side stitch if they drink juice or eat anything shortly before exercising. Drinking only water one to two hours prior to exercise sometimes prevents side stitch. Other people have problems with sports drink, Gatorade, so on, during high-intensity exercise. Unless carbohydrate replacement is crucial to complete a long-distance event (over 90 minutes long), drink cool water for fluid replacement or try a different carbohydrate solution.

I know this was long, but I hope it helps. Good luck!

Hey--I actually have this ongoing chronic toe problem that has gotten so bad I am in physical therapy for it!! It kind of goes numb, (this is my fourth toe), but it also gets really painful when I work out or do any kind of repetitive movement like walking/hiking, etc.. I've had this issue for years and one of my new year's resolutions was to figure out how to fix it! Anyhow.. One thing the PT noticed was I really rotate my left leg in when I walk (pigeon-toed), and so I bear a lot of weight on the outside of my foot--more than normal people. So he has me consciously thinking about the way I walk and having me think of landing straight. So when you said your outside (pinky) toes were going numb, it made me think of this--how are they placed when you are on the eliptical? Try just changing the way you have them planted on the pedals--rotate them slightly outwards and see if that helps. One thing I've learned from PT is very small changes make a big difference.

I have to concentrate to make sure when I'm on the elliptical to make a full 'rolling' motion with my feet to avoid numbness.  Basically, my heels come off the pedals, and I push down with my heels on the way down.  That seems to take care of the problem.

You can also try pedaling backwards for a bit to put more pressure on the heels and take it off the balls of the toes. The numbness comes from repetitive compression of the nerves on the bottom of the foot. New insoles for your shoes can help as well.