4 Simple Ways To Keep Your Feet From Going Numb On The Elliptical

Not as rigorous as the stair climber, but more intense than the treadmill, the elliptical is a gym favorite. But nothing can deter you from working out more than feeling like your pedaling on stubs. And because the elliptical keeps your tootsies on a flat, stationary surface, the bulk of your weight rests on the balls of your feet for long length of time. But don’t fret, my little gym rat. Here are four simple ways to keep your feet from going numb on the elliptical.  

4 Simple Ways To Keep Your Feet From Going Numb On The Elliptical

Laces tied tight, you climb on board. Arms and legs work together in a slow building rhythm. Getting past the warm-up, you find your groove, silently (okay…maybe not so much) singing along to music playing at deafening decibels through your earphones. Heart rate increases. Your brow dampens, a sign of that first stage of clean, drenching sweat that’s about to burst gloriously through your pores.

You got this! You’re happy you traded pjs for yoga pants and actually made the effort to do something good for yourself.

And then your feet go numb.

What? How? Why?

Backpedal.  Back-pedaling helps when you start to feel that familiar tingle. It also works a whole different set of muscles in your legs.

Reverse direction every five or ten minutes and keep the blood pumping all over.

Size matters. Hands and feet swell during workouts, at least mine do. That’s why you should wear athletic shoes a half size larger than normal to allow for better circulation.

Wiggle your piggies. As long as you have half an iota of coordination, you can lift your feet off the pedals and wiggle your toes when you start to go numb.

Just add mimosas. If you’ve tried all these suggestions above and none of them work, next time skip the exercise, grab some friends and meet for brunch. And don’t forget the champs!

Numb feet while using the elliptical is a common problem that shouldn’t deter you from working out. So hang in there and keep trekking along. The calories burned are totally worth a few tweaks to your step.

And, if all else fails, you could just dance…