Eliptical makes my toes fall asleep?

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phillyman

New member
I wanted to use the Eliptical for some low impact cardio.....but after 10 minutes of being on it....my toes go numb. Any idea what could be causing this?
 
My feet fall asleep also. The way my feet move on it my toes tend to get pushed into the front of my shoe. Also the motion alone causes me to be on my toes a lot. When I first started doing it they would fall asleep after 10 mins, now it takes longer.. maybe 30-45. unfortunately though even after months they still fall asleep at some point during my workout. Going in reverse for a few mins can help. Also putting the toe of your foot up on the edge of the foot pedal for a bit (although be careful cause this could throw you off balance) You just have to learn to ignore it if you end up like me and it never gets better. I don't think your foot falling asleep for a little bit will do any damage and the feeling goes away as soon as I get off. Hope this helped!
 
Wow i posted about this earlier in the week. Glad i'm not the only one that is experience this weirdness in the feet.

I was just hopping it wasn't a sign of a heart problem or a nerve issue or something weird like that
 
sounds like shoes, probably just the way your shoes and feet are. People get it cycling and running for the same reason, as your foot moves through motion it cuts off circulation to some parts.

If its a major problem then try going bare foot or buying new shoes, other wise stop do treadmill or exercycle for 10 mins and come back. The feeling should come back within a min or two of stopping so you could even do 10 mins, wait for a min, then go again.
 
for the record, i get it in my right foot when cycling and running. More with running than cycling, but yeah i just pause till it comes back, or slow down, then get on with it
 
I've actually tried several pairs of shoes ranging from cheap to 200 bucks and up and still have the same problem. The pedals have those grips on them too so not so comfy barefoot lol. Another way I've found to avoid it is to bend your knees and keep your feet flat on the pedal. Its quite a bit harder this way but you could do it for a min while your feet wake up then go back to your reg way just so you didnt have to actually stop your workout or swap machines. For me stopping my workout can be the end of my workout and sometimes if you leave a machine you wont be able to get it back.
 
wow, i'm so glad i found this thread! i remember reading it ages ago. i've only just started the elliptical this week and used it about 3 times now and from day 1 my feet had the same feeling. i keep trying to slowly readjust my foot on the pedal (while trying to stay balanced) but it only helps for a few seconds then my feet start to fall asleep again.

does anyone out there have any tips on how to handle this? thanks.
 
If your toes are falling asleep, it means you're pushing off with your toes ... bad form.

When you're on the elliptical, make sure that you're driving with your heels .. just like running. You shouldn't wind up doing all the work on your toes and the balls of your feet.
 
Ive had the same problem, but it seems to be taking longer and longer to happen. At first it would happen about 10 minutes in, and now I can go about 30 before it hits. I try to make sure that I'm leaving my foot flat on the pedal rather than using my toes and shift a little so that I'm not jamming my toes into the front of my shoe. :)
 
Luckily, I've had the opportunity to try many different Eliptical machines. Yes. There are some good machines and some bad machines. Some have "terrible" geometry in both ankle / feet and leg positioning and others seem good. And like with all machines, it has to be "fitted" to one's body. Even vehicle seats are adjustable for both up and move front back positioning - to properly fit each unique body. If one has short legs then a Eliptical machine made for longer legs actually causes more harm then good. And if too much ankle /feet tilt, it creates more harm then good as well. Majority of times, people get leg, ankle, feet or toe pain within a short usage time is because that specific machine "isn't properly adjusted (or fitted) for them". Just like peddle bikes, stationary bikes and other "machines", one size doesn't fit all. Its unfortunate that many Eliptical machines lack "user comfort" adjustments - just like many of today's vehicle and stationary bike machines.

.
 
I am so glad I found this thread. I've tried shoes, told people at my old gym and no one had ever heard of it. I'm just glad to read this. My toes go to sleep in classes and when I'm on the tread mill. I'll take Kara's advice and start monitoring if I'm on my toes too much. Too be honest, just happy to read someone else goes through it.
 
I've got the same problem after about 30 minutes of eliptical. No shoes, shoes, whatever, it's always the same. Tried to shift my weight to my heels and ended up with cramps in my calves and my knees hurt so bad I had to stop. So it seems I have to choose the lesser of two evils there....any ideas?
 
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