Ski & Fitness Glossary

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L

Lactate Threshold
The lactate threshold (LT) is the exercise intensity at which lactate starts to accumulate in the blood stream. This happens when it is produced faster than it can be removed (metabolized). This point is sometimes referred to as the anaerobic threshold (AT), or the onset of blood lactate accumulation (OBLA). When exercising below the LT intensity any lactate produced by the muscles is removed by the body without it building up. The lactate threshold is a useful measure for deciding exercise intensity for training and racing in endurance sports (e.g. distance running, cycling, rowing, swimming and cross country skiing), and can be increased greatly with training.

Lactic acid (lactate)
A byproduct of anaerobic (or high-intensity) exercise that collects in the muscles and causes soreness, stiffness and fatigue.

Langlauf
A German word meaning 'long-running', used to describe ski racing.

Lateral Projection
Transferring weight from the downhill to the uphill ski while moving on a traverse

Lateral stepping
Stepping one ski out sideways and parallel from the other ski - often used when turning in slalom races.

Latissimus dorsi or "lats"
the pair of fan-shaped muscles across your middle and lower back that attach the arms to the spine. They work to pull your arms down and back, and give you good posture when they are toned. Rock climbing, swimming and rowing all use these muscles.

Ligament
A flexible, non-elastic tissue that connects bone to bone. For example, the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) of the knee connects the kneecap to the femur (thigh) and the tibia (shin). Ligament injuries can be sprains or tears.

Lighted loipe
A set track with lights for night skiing, common in Scandinavia.

Lip
The acute angle at which the wall terminates.

Loipe
See set tracks.

Long-range waxes
See wide-range waxes.