Ski & Fitness Glossary

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Edge-set
Tilting the skis quickly onto their uphill edges whilst across the fall-line, to produce a sudden braking action. Often used to create a platform from which the skier can spring into the next turn.

Edging
Tilting one or both skis onto either edge, usually to prevent slipping.

Electrolytes
Minerals such as sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium that act to keep your nerves firing and muscles moving, especially during exercise. They are lost through sweating and can be replaced by drinking sports/energy drinks.

Energy Efficiency Training (EET)
Energy Efficiency Training (EET) is not "cardio" or "aerobics" or work. EET is the science of using proper amounts of work and rest to develop the specific pathways used in different snow sports. The idea behind EET is that it is more than just "cardio." Cardio refers to the heart, and although the heart is obviously part of improving sport performance, the development of the proper energy system is the key. Development should not only take place in the heart, but also in the muscles at a cellular level. The term EET is used specifically to tell the skier or reader that the focus is on developing efficient energy sources so muscles used in snow sports can function at their peak.

Endorphins
Any of a group of proteins with potent analgesic properties that occur naturally in the brain. These are the brain chemicals that contribute to the "runner's high" or good feelings during and after exercise.

Extension
The opposite of compression, usually refers to straightening of the body, arms or legs.

External obliques
Muscles running diagonally downward and inward from the lower ribs to the pelvis that allows you to bend forward and twist at the waist. These lie on top of the internal obliques. The kayaking stroke uses these muscles much more than the arms!

Express chair
High speed chair lift