If you’ve ever spent time on the cardiovascular machines in your local fitness center, then you know there is a plethora of choices – from treadmills and bikes to rowers and stair climbers, you won’t be lacking for a heart-pumping workout! However, there is one piece of cardio equipment that might make your feet feel a bit funny – and that’s the elliptical!
One of the more popular machines in most fitness centers, ellipticals generally put you in a motion similar to running but without the hard impact on the joints. This motion gets your legs moving (and on some machines with moveable arms, the upper body), but unfortunately, it places your feet in a stationary position. For some people, numbness isn’t an issue; however, using the elliptical for a while can most certainly cause a tingly feeling in the toes and feet of some users.
Causes of Numbness
In many scenarios, numbness isn’t something to be worried about when it comes to bouts on the elliptical. It is typically associated with neuritis, especially if it only happens while on the elliptical for an extended period (and might last for a bit after your workout is finished).
“Neuritis” is a fancy term for nerve irritation and can occur with the constant pressure on the forefront of the feet when on the elliptical and even more so when not placing body weight on the ball of the foot. Rarely can numbness allude to other complications, and even more so if the tingly in your toes is only experienced while on an elliptical – but most certainly, speak with your local PCP if you have any concerns.
How to Prevent Numbness
The elliptical is a lower impact workout, which is fantastic for those looking for a reprieve from joint pain while exercising. However, the motion of the legs and the stationary position of the feet can lead to tingles in the feet, particularly the toes – and thankfully, there are things you can try to combat this feeling.
For one, ensure that your toes aren’t pressed up against the front of the foot pedal; this can be a typical place for your feet to reside (toward the front of the pedals) and can end up scrunching your toes within your sneakers once you start moving. Slide your feet back a bit toward the center of the pedal and see how they feel.
Another factor is your shoes themselves – if they are tied too tightly or are too narrow/small for your foot, they can also contribute to numbness while working out. Visit your local sporting goods store to ensure that you have a good fit in your athletic shoes and wear the correct ones for the exercises you are participating in.
Third, think about how your feet are positioned on the elliptical. Try and move the weight of your body from your toes to the balls of your feet. This can not only give a break to your calf muscles, but it can also help redistribute your weight and feel more comfortable.
Lastly, if you notice that being on the elliptical is causing more irritation to your feet than anything else, try switching to a different machine. There are plenty of other low-impact cardio choices within a gym (upright bike, recumbent bike, and rower, just to name a few), as well as time in a pool or even time spent lifting weights.
Bottom Line
If you are experiencing numbness while exercising, please speak with your general practitioner if you have concerns– or to diagnose another injury that may be present. There are other outlying reasons for numbness of the feet – including blood clots – that pose a dangerous risk to health, so see your physician as required.
