Elliptical trainer and foot numbness

[soontobefit]

I did a quick search to check if this was already asked and couldn't find it...sorry if it has been asked and I missed it!

Nige's mom was telling me her feet get numb when she is on the elliptical...this doesn't happen to me, though I know it happens to a lot of people. Anyone know why? Is there a way to prevent it?

[donnajo]

When I used to use that machine mine went numb too.

[Alicrmt]

When I used to use that machine mine went numb too.

:ditto:

How to prevent it? Don't use the elliptical, it's :gay:

[donnajo]

:ditto:

How to prevent it? Don't use the elliptical, it's :gay:

:nod:

[Amy]

Michelle- here is an article I found. I have no idea if it is correct :lol:


Have you ever been striding away on your elliptical trainer, getting into a great workout, and then realize that one of your feet has gone numb all of a sudden? It’s no fun and is a great way to break your concentration and ruin what was otherwise a terrific workout. Sometimes your foot throbs so much you need to cut your elliptical trainer workout short to walk off the numbness. This article will reveal why this happens and give you some tips for dealing with it.

It does seem unusual that your foot would fall asleep while you’re standing upright. This usually happens while either lying or sitting, but have you ever stood in the same position in a line that isn’t moving? This is the perfect condition for getting numb feet. It’s all about circulation. The simple act of wiggling your toes or flexing your foot will usually be enough to relieve the tingling and numbness.

Using an elliptical trainer is very similar to standing motionless in one place. Well, at least with respect to your feet. The low impact nature of an elliptical trainer is the result of your feet never leaving the foot pedals. While great for your knees and other joints, it’s what can cause your feet to lose sensation.

It’s important to wear well-cushioned athletic footwear when exercising on an elliptical trainer, but this usually doesn’t do much to prevent numbness in your feet. The root cause of the problem is the constant pressure of your body weight on your feet and the restricted circulation that results.

The remedy is twofold:

1. Promote circulation –- remember to wiggle your toes every so often during your workout. Another technique is heel-to-toe flexion of your foot. Simply rock your foot from heel to toe on the foot pedal of the elliptical trainer as you exercise. Most people usually experience numbness in one of their feet, but if you’re having numbness with both, then perform these movements with both feet. Also try to remember to do these movements throughout your workout, before numbness sets in.

2. Avoid excessively long workouts.

The longer you stay on an elliptical trainer, the greater the chance that your feet may go numb from lack of circulation.

[soontobefit]

Michelle- here is an article I found. I have no idea if it is correct :lol:

Great, thanks Amy!