Training & Nutrition - Do you get the "Elvis leg?"

You know after pushing yourself really hard up a hill, and then you coast down a hill and you're out of your seat, your legs get that uncontrollable shake (like Elvis dancing)? Is that a bad thing? My husband never gets it, and I seem to get it alot. Could it be a good thing because it's a sign I'm challenging myself to go faster? I suppose it would go away after those challenging hills don't seem so hard anymore.

I used to get that climbing (rock climbing) sometimes on sections that make me nervous about my footing. I've never had it biking, but I assume it is a similar fatigue related symptom. The more you push up the hills, the less you'll get I imagine.

It makes going down technical sections scary because my legs aren't steady as they should be.

Originally posted by Shannon-UT
You know after pushing yourself really hard up a hill, and then you coast down a hill and you're out of your seat, your legs get that uncontrollable shake (like Elvis dancing)? Is that a bad thing? My husband never gets it, and I seem to get it alot. Could it be a good thing because it's a sign I'm challenging myself to go faster? I suppose it would go away after those challenging hills don't seem so hard anymore.

Perhaps you are not getting enough simple carbs into your body before and during your ride?? :confused:

I know what complex carbs are (whole wheat pastas and breads), so simple carbs are white breads and pastas? This morning 1/2 hour before the ride I ate a piece of whole wheat toast with peanut butter and honey on it, and lots of water. Carbs, protiens, fats and a simple sugar, right? What would you recommend?

The ride today was only an hour, but hard. I ate again when I got home.

I answered my own question (webmd.com). For those who are curious:

Simple carbs are the sugars that occur naturally in fruits, vegetables and dairy products; and in processed foods such as breads, cereals, yogurt, spaghetti sauces, candy and pastries.

Complex carbs are primarily starches, sources of which include whole grain breads, rice, pasta, potatoes and beans.

So I probably didn't get enough simple carbs. I'll try that next time.

I have had this happen many times while rock climbing and occasionally when cycling. As a matter of fact it happened to me after a 30 km TT last week. It felt like my leg had a mind of its own and if it had not been clipped in it would have gone off to do its own thing. It was a super TT though!! The feeling is actually quite "neat" and who doesn't want to feel like the King once in awhile.

I don't think it is just a matter of diet. Prolonged exertion where you are really grinding it out will cause this effect not matter what you eat.

Originally posted by Shannon-UT
I answered my own question (webmd.com). For those who are curious:

Simple carbs are the sugars that occur naturally in fruits, vegetables and dairy products; and in processed foods such as breads, cereals, yogurt, spaghetti sauces, candy and pastries.

Complex carbs are primarily starches, sources of which include whole grain breads, rice, pasta, potatoes and beans.

So I probably didn't get enough simple carbs. I'll try that next time.

Yup, it (not enough simple sugars in your blood) may or may not be the culprit, but @ worst you can rule it out.

If you can't fix the problem, buy a pair of blue suede clipless shoes and ride on! :D

I get it and it never bothers me at all!:D

Can't say I've ever experienced this, however after really exerting myself I sometimes experience a feeling of coolness in my legs. I get 'goose pimples' on my legs only, I'm not sure why but I like to think I'm getting an adrenalin rush specifically for my legs.


Originally posted by bac
If you can't fix the problem, buy a pair of blue suede clipless shoes and ride on!

Very funny :D

Nothing like a lil "sewing machine leg" to make your 5.10 climb into a 5.11c.. woo hoo. Gotta love that burn =)

cant say I have ever gotten that cycling thou.

If you're looking for the simple carbs, try and use something like gatorade or gu- the quickie carbs that you can use quickly because it takes a short time for the body to break down these carbs you'll need for energy.

Sometimes, when you over-fatigue your muscle, it can't fully contract, and you get that shakiness. If you just provide the body with the electrolytes it needs, you can reverse that quickly or at least prevent it if you're properly eating during your ride (or just before you leave for your ride if it's a short one). A banana, gu or gatorade may have the electrolytes you need to prevent this from happening. Give them a try.

Koffee

Some believe that after cresting the top of hills, you should keep pedalling, even if you are coasting and there is no resistance. It keeps the muscles moving and helps purge them of the lactic acid if you've gone anaerobic, or other by-products of energy conversion if you've remained aerobic. It also helps in the cold as it keeps the muscles from cramping or locking up.

I try to do it as often as I can (remember) when touring and commuting.

I think it has to do with overworking a specific muscle (in this case quads) since on uphills you are pushing hard on the quads and not much else. I used to get elvis leg when lifting weights and working a specific muscle. A big part of it is a matter of strength. Train on a fixed gear; it will improve your strength and spin drastically. As Rowan suggests, refraining from coasting can help a lot with improving circulation and preventing cramps. The fixed gear bike is efficient at this by not giving you the option to coast.

I ahve had that after a really hard running workout, and driving home, with my foot on the brake at a stop light, my leg just started to shake. It scared the crap out of me, and then I had to put in the clutch to shift into gear...lets just say it was a rough launch, and I probably took a few miles off of that particular clutch...

Originally posted by uciflylow
I get it and it never bothers me at all!:D
Hmmm .... Let's see, uciflylow claims he is from Tennessee. Graceland is in Tennessee. Uciflylow gets "Elvis leg". Coincidence? Or not?

Only about 120 miles from Graceland!:D

I don't think that has anything to do with the jumpy leg though? HeHeHe

I think it's sorta neet and it doesn't bother me at all.