Stickshift imbalance/correction - JP Fitness Forums

Phaedrus49er · 03-31-2008, 07:42 AM

This has to be one of the oddest serious posts I've made on here, and I've posted here a LOT

I've driven a stickshift vehicle since late 2002 (small car) and recently upgraded to a mid-sized truck with a notably heavier clutch. I noticed a strength imbalance (left leg over right leg) awhile back, and I suspect all the clutch work to be the main culprit. With this new vehicle, I've noticed more pervasive fatigue in my left leg, which obviously carries over to the gym.

That being said, I'm seriously considering adding some open-chain (right, Lisa?

) unilateral work for my right leg (specifically a limited-ROM leg press) in an attempt to balance the, well, imbalance. I've noted before in my training log how my left leg seems to fatigue faster than my right during squats, so I'm assuming this is the same reason. Thoughts, suggestions, snide remarks, all welcome as usual.

Sinker · 03-31-2008, 09:06 AM

Snide Remark: Accelerate more, shift less.

ZachL · 03-31-2008, 10:52 AM

I do think that driving a stick shift might cause an imbalance. But then, shouldn't driving an automatic cause a similar (if less drastic one?). When do brake, do you hit the clutch immediately or wait till the last second. Maybe you spend too much time on the clutch!

Phaedrus49er · 03-31-2008, 10:58 AM

I tend to stay in gear while braking until my speed drops to where I'd have to downshift anyway, stopping or not. However, when at a complete stop, I'm always in first gear (meaning holding down the clutch)--it's just a safety precaution I take to avoid some f*cknut rear-ending me. I don't trust anyone else on the roads around me. Ever.

StuWard · 03-31-2008, 11:02 AM

You're better off to be in neutral with your foot on the brake at a stop. Otherwise, f someone rearends you, you will likely pop the clutch and travel further out into traffic than you would otherwise.

RacerBill · 03-31-2008, 11:40 AM

Stu's right. Plus you're wearing out your clutch bearing.

For the imbalance issue, I suppose it depends on how much you drive. My dad used to have a truck with a heavy clutch, and I found I needed to move the seat up or my left leg would tire quickly because I was pushing at the very end of my ROM.

Lisa~ · 03-31-2008, 11:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phaedrus49er

I'm seriously considering adding some open-chain (right, Lisa?

) unilateral work for my right leg (specifically a limited-ROM leg press)

You got it. Flogging no longer required.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sinker

Snide Remark: Accelerate more, shift less.

HAHAHAHAHA!

As far as the imbalance issue, I don't really know the answer. My thought is that the single-leg leg press wouldn't hurt you, so try it.

AFI82 · 03-31-2008, 11:57 AM

I've noticed an imbalance too, I've driven a manual for the last 7 years or so. Mine seems to be in my left shin, nowhere else though. Long bouts of SS cardio make the front side of my left leg very sore.

I've got no suggestions as to what you can do. Just wanted to let you know that you aren't the only weird one out there.

bigDman · 03-31-2008, 12:00 PM

my friend who drives race cars left leg is noticbly bigger then his right it is rather funny

kingkop182 · 03-31-2008, 02:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RacerBill

Stu's right. Plus you're wearing out your clutch bearing.

Funny enough, my mechanic said the same thing to me recently. Plus I have a horrible habit of pressing the clutch to early when coming to a stop.

As for the imbalance, I suppose it's possible. My clutch is 'soft/light' so I’ve never really thought about it

Frank.S · 03-31-2008, 06:35 PM

clutchless shifts + left foot braking.. that out to balance you out. +youll be 10x the winter driver, too.

I wish i still had my rally car

Lost Dog · 03-31-2008, 06:43 PM

Plus, your right arm must be freakin' huge, man!

It's like Matthew complaining that his right forearm is so ript from twisting all the doorknobs with his right hand.

I totally feel for you, though. I can see how my right hand is a little more developed than my left from my racquetball days.

Matthew · 03-31-2008, 06:51 PM

I don't think it's the doors, LD

Switch hands more often.

MindPower · 03-31-2008, 07:08 PM

Edit: Matthew beat me to it

Phaedrus49er · 04-01-2008, 04:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frank.S

clutchless shifts + left foot braking.. that out to balance you out. +youll be 10x the winter driver, too.

I wish i still had my rally car

I did a lot of clutchless shifting with my last car as the transmission was a little more forgiving; being a four-cylinder didn't hurt. I haven't attempted a clutchless shift in this vehicle (V-6 pickup), but I know it's doable, just a little more tedious.

JoshDunn · 04-01-2008, 04:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lisa~

As far as the imbalance issue, I don't really know the answer. My thought is that the single-leg leg press wouldn't hurt you, so try it.

Maybe add a calf raise at the end of the leg press. More plantarflexion than knee or hip extension in gears I think.

Phaedrus49er · 04-01-2008, 04:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RacerBill

Stu's right. Plus you're wearing out your clutch bearing.

For the imbalance issue, I suppose it depends on how much you drive. My dad used to have a truck with a heavy clutch, and I found I needed to move the seat up or my left leg would tire quickly because I was pushing at the very end of my ROM.

Ya know, I hadn't considered the clutch bearing issue. I do tend to pop it out of gear without a clutch when coming to a slow, gradual stop. I've noticed the seat position thing awhile back, too, which gives me some hip flexor work