Thursday, July 31, 2014

Why do my feet go numb on the elliptical?

I get this question all of the time at the gym.  The elliptical machine is a popular choice because it offers a low-impact cardio workout. However, the most common complaint from people is that their feet go numb. There are a number of things that could be going on.
1)      Foot positioning – look where your feet are on the pedals. Usually people jam their feet towards the front of the pedal and lift their heels off. This can cause the numbness, but it can also cause knee pain. Pushing through your heels and moving your foot towards the back of the pedal will take the pressure off of your toes and knees. If you can’t keep your heels down, then this means you have tight calves and hamstrings and you need to work on stretching them out.
2)      The elliptical keeps your feet in the same position (which is what makes it low-impact), so try moving your feet around the pedals from time to time. Wiggle your toes and get that blood flowing!

3)      Shoe size – your feet tend to swell during exercise. If your shoes do not properly fit, this could be a problem. You could always go up a half size, but check with a shoe professional and get a fitting. Also, don't tie your shoes too tight. 

Enjoy Life - Workout!
Mandy

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