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512
Feb 20, 2002, 6:28 AM
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when im climbing a route or stuck in bind on the route my legs and muscles start to shake very rapidly! What is causeing it and why does it happen? Is there anything I can do to stop it?
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maculated
Feb 20, 2002, 6:34 AM
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That's sewing machine/Elvis leg. It's a combination of fatigue and nerves. Don't get pumped and don't get nervous. LOL . . . just train until it doesn't happen anymore. Same thing happens in weight training.
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jt512
Feb 20, 2002, 4:56 PM
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You don't use chalk do you? If so, you are probably experiencing the early symptoms of a well-known degenerative neurological disorder caused by chronic inhalation of minute amounts of chalk dust.
Ok, just kidding, it's what Maculated said it is. Try doing a few easier routes to warm up.
-Jay
[ This Message was edited by: jt512 on 2002-02-20 09:04 ]
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rastalizard
Feb 20, 2002, 5:10 PM
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It is caused by muscle tension.
The best way I know of getting rid of muscle tension is by cross training.Try swimming.It is not caused by a lack of strength as far as I know.
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hangerlessbolt
Feb 20, 2002, 5:11 PM
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As well, consider lowering your heels. This will relieve some of the tension on the calves...and at least slow, if not stop, the amount of s.p.m. (shakes per minute)
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krillen
Feb 20, 2002, 5:49 PM
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What was stated above works, but also for me I/my muscles shake when I get adrenaline flowing. Doens't matter if I run, climb or, whatever.
Relax, breathe, and try to crank through it.
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jt512
Feb 20, 2002, 6:09 PM
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rastalizard: "Try swimming."
I wonder why Goddard and Neumann didn't think of that?
-Jay
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rastalizard
Feb 20, 2002, 6:34 PM
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You are sharp.
And obviously read the same books.Performance Rock Climbing by Goddard Neumann for anyone interested.
But before you skin me alive.
I swim as often as I can and it helps.
Just passing on some good advice.
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jt512
Feb 20, 2002, 6:59 PM
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rastalizard: "I swim as often as I can and it helps."
Thanks, but I think I'll wait to see the controlled clinical trial data before I run out and join the health club.
-Jay
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climberstephen
Feb 20, 2002, 7:55 PM
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When I get the Elvis leg thing going, I just blow out relax. To stop the shaking, I relax my leg so my heel lowers, as if I were on a crub stretching my calves. That gives my calf muscles a short rest and helps me relax more.
Most importantly, get your butt moving since you are probably running short on enegry and are in jeopordy of lossing the red point!
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512
Feb 20, 2002, 10:31 PM
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thanks guys ill give it a try
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apollodorus
Feb 20, 2002, 11:09 PM
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John Bachar said that Walt Shipley would be up free soloing and sewing machining so bad, it made Bachar nauseous. But Shipley never fell of a free solo.
Ironically, he died SWIMMING. Actually, it was kayaking. Which is like swimming with both legs tied behind your back.
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crux_clipper
Mar 14, 2002, 12:30 PM
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Just take weight off the legs. Heel hooks, leg shake outs, ANYTHING. But is goes away after some time of climbing, it just takes a while.
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miagi
Mar 18, 2002, 3:03 AM
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Swimming, elvis legs....here ill put it really simple.
The parts that are shaking arnt in shape (no offense)
Run, swim, goto the weight room, climb, anything that lets you exercise the muscle will help you get rid of the shakes in time.
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goopermc
Mar 18, 2002, 3:51 AM
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It is not that the body part that is shaking is not in shape it is just fatigued. I ran competitively for 4 years, and now bike to school everyday, and I still get Elvis leg. It is not that my legs are in bad shape (in fact they are in pretty good shape); it is just that they are tired.
My only advice for Elvis leg is try to find a place where you can take all the weight off that leg. If you are lucky enough to find such a place let the leg dangle down and control your breathing. I use a yoga breathing technique, but anything that make you take slow methodical breaths will work.
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spodski
Mar 20, 2002, 8:27 AM
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i think that if you can be relaxed and breathe steadily in a controlled fashion you wont get elvis leg, when you start thinking oh no you stop breathing properly and then lactic acid bilds up and you get elvis leg.
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bigevilgrape
Mar 25, 2002, 11:32 PM
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i've never been able to totally get rid of elvis leg. i just do it less and less. i'm also one of those people who will just sit there at their desk with their leg shakeing.
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crackaddict
Mar 25, 2002, 11:56 PM
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I hear you bigevilgrape I'm the same way. Try singing "aint nothin like hound dog" or your favorite Elvis tune. It does'nt help much but it sure makes your belayer laugh.
Later.
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lostangel
Mar 26, 2002, 12:40 AM
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exhaustion.. start lifting, I had that problem with my arms, you would be surprised with how much it helps
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kunzie
Jun 16, 2002, 6:15 AM
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Straighten your legs, shake 'em out, relax 'em. Just don't let them cool down
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aelita
Jun 19, 2002, 12:36 AM
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so good to hear someone else has that problem and its not a big deal... phew... my friends sometimes make fun of me... but I noticed that the shaking only happens to my feet (legs, calves) when I am either really excited or nervous... I used to get those every time I was putting on my skates before the competition when I was ice-skating as a kid ... made for a difficult task of getting the foot into the skate! Its been years and I've never been able to get rid of this... when climbing though, I just tell myself to focus, breathe, and then push my heal down for a moment or two (if that's possible) and it helps.
Cheers,
Aelita
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cman
Jun 19, 2002, 1:55 AM
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I believe I've got the be all and end all anwser to this age old dilema.
Evolution... The fight or flight reflex.
Your mind is screaming out in fear and your body is listning. Move those legs run Run RUN! Sure you could train for strength or endurance but assurance is the key here.
If you're top roping, let go, bounce and swing arround. Whew, you are still alive and hopefully relaxed and able to resume climbing. If you are new to leading and the shakes are holding you back, flying as the cure. Find a solid belayer and a safe place to lead fall. Practice falling, it's an important skill. Stay loose and in control. Keep your legs free of the rope. If thin doesn't work there is always swimming.
be safe have fun and good night.
[ This Message was edited by: cman on 2002-06-18 19:10 ]
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rico
Jun 19, 2002, 8:27 AM
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yeah..practicing how to fall would be a good idea...at least I had this problem...i was always nervous because I could fall down...
Since i felt down some times...it stopped!!
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overlord
Jun 19, 2002, 8:54 AM
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oh, yes, i have seen The King
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