I finally got back to the gym and have experienced a familiar uncomfortable sensation while on the treadmill. I tried to challenge myself (the PE teacher at the school where I teach calls them 2-n-1's, where you walk for 2 min and run for 1) and it felt great - except for this sensation.

What happens is my legs feel like they are being stuck by a million needles. It is very uncomfortable - I actually had to get off the treadmill and stretch for a bit (which helped, btw, but I couldn't get back on the treadmill). I didn't feel this when on the elliptical....

Any ideas?

If you are only just getting back into working out maybe the intensity is too much, as you get fitter, I think/hope this sensation will go away... Did you as the PE teacher what this sensation was caused by? Maybe she would know...

I got that too once in a while, it went away. Maybe more water.. I think it was just getting used to the exercise.

I used to get this because of my SHOES! If they don't fit right, or aren't tied up right, you might be hitting pressure points in funny places... sort of like when you cross your legs too long and then get pins n needles in your feet. Try lacing your shoes differently, or getting your lacing/shoes checked at a running store and see if that makes any difference.

I had this problem when I started exercising, but after a month or so it went away. I believe it has to do with blood flow and circulation. From what I've heard it's pretty common when you are just starting to exercise.

Thanks for the input. It is certainly encouraging to know that others have felt this ... weird ... feeling, too! And, funny thing, I was thinking today that I needed new shoes so I will certainly try that, too!

btw, zenor your pics are beautiful! YEA you!!!!

I sort of have that problem anytime i get on the treadmill....or even when i go walking/jogging. My problem is my foot. It's almost like....it goes to sleep. Not totally numb and not that tingly feeling...but just numb like. I don't know what it is either. I don't know if it's the way i put weight on one foot verses the other....although, i feel like my gait is even. Maybe it's my shoes. Maybe they are not the right size. I was wearing an 8 1/2 when i was 196...maybe 60 pounds lighter...i should try on some 8's. My boyfriend bought me these nice new balance shoes when i started at the gym a year ago....my workout outfit he bought me is too big now...maybe my shoes are too. I don't know????

I have to buy running shoes that are an entire size bigger than my regular shoes. I also have to make sure that they're not laced too tightly across the top of my foot. In the January issue of Runner's World they have a lacing guide for different foot problems. You might be able to access it on-line.

Hope that helps!

Kara

I used to get the SAME thing... I went to see an foot specialist and he said it was Morton's Neuroma, he fitted me with orthotics and I've been fine since...

I have to get a half size bigger in my running shoes...

I had this happen too & it was soooo frustrating. Sometimes loosening my shoes helped but usually I would have to just stop doing what I was doing for a bit. I eventually found it was worst/only when I was on the elliptical so I just stopped using the elliptical. I wonder now that I've lost weight if it wouldn't be better though.

Lifeguard, let us know if it is better now that you have lost - WOW! 70 POUNDS?!!!! Good for you. I would be interested to know if it was gone now. My problem isn't really in my feet (well, that would be after being on them in the classroom all day but that is another post), it is more the pin-pricks in my legs. It seems to help when I stretch so maybe there is a relationship?

I do appreciate all the advice and I am glad to know that I am not the only one who has to buy exercise shoes (not much of a runner - yet! ) that are a size bigger.

I love the elliptical but my problem there seems to be my heart - it feels like it is going to explode after a few minutes!

Keep at it Tonia, in no time you'll be able to go longer...