My toes are going numb when I do cardio - why?

[misskitty100]

I have recently been using the AMT by Precor at our gym. I LOVE this machine!! http://www.precor.com/images/equipment/315/amt100i_1.png




The only problem is that my toes are going numb after about 20 minutes on the machine. I don't think my shoes are tied to tight or anything like that. Any idea why this might be happening?

[wallycat]

It could just be simple pressure from shoe and equipment.
I've had that happen on different machines.

[misskitty100]

Thanks for the response - glad to know I am not the only one!

I did some searching and found out it most likely is related to body mechanics related to the machine. I am going to try some different things tomorrow and see if they make a difference.

[wallycat]

When I look at the pick you posted, there is a toe-grip type thing on top of the foot pedal spot. I am sure it is hitting/putting pressure each and every stroke you take.
Sort of like my death-grip hold on the handle bars when I bike :eek: and my hands/arms are numb by the time I get home :o

[Miss Giggles]

That's very common.. it has to do with the shoes, or your position on the equipment. When that happens I change my stance and it usually solves the problem.

[Gecko]

I've just got to say I love this machine too. Unfortunately they only have 6 at my gym and you have to be quick to get one. Of course the rows of exercise bikes are sitting there empty :rolleyes:. I get numb on my toes too, even when I am just using the regular elliptical machines. I was told it is just the mechanics of using these machines. I just try to make sure I give my toes a wiggle now and then to try and keep them awake. It helps a little.

[Valerie226]

we own a precor elliptical with the moveable arm bars. I sometimes have foot burning, discomfort. I usually loosen my shoes before I get on.
I accidentally discovered going sockless eliminated the discomfort for me. I have no clue why that would work but it does.

[TKay]

I have experienced this myself. I found that using my whole foot (rather than just the front half) while striding really helped. I had to concentrate and press with the heal more to get the pressure off the front part of my foot. I think I just naturally sort of leaned forward a bit.

Hope that helps. It can be frustrating, I know. FWIW, I find that I numb out on the bike at times too. I just keep shifting around, wiggling my toes and changing my pressure points.

Good luck.

[Natasha]

I used to frequently use an elliptical machine and this would happen to me every so often. It didn't hurt but I didn't like the feeling (or lack of feeling, I should say ;)). As others here have suggested, I'd just shift position and my feet would always just "denumb" in a couple of minutes.

[Andrea_2]

I used to frequently use an elliptical machine and this would happen to me every so often.

I've been having this problem on the elliptical too. I joined a gym recently, and I've been very frustrated because I keep getting various injuries. The elliptical causes my feet to hurt and/or go numb, and it makes my knees hurt. The step aerobic class, which I love, has been killing my heel, and I keep getting hip injuries if I use the treadmill. I must be getting old. :(

[Robyncz]

This happens to me more on the elliptical than it does on the AMT, but I know exactly what you're talking about.

I read an article about it once (that I can't find now), and according to that article it had to do with the fact that because of the way the machine works, you don't change your foot position during exercise. They suggested picking up your whole foot off the foot plate every once in awhile to prevent and/or alleviate the problem.

If I can find the article, I'll link it.