Ski & Fitness Glossary

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Rebounding
The recoil or spring effect when decambered (bent backwards) skis (due to turning forces) are "released" and bounce back into its natural position.

Rectus abdominis
The muscle extending the entire length of the abdomen, from the lower 3 ribs to the top of the pubic bone (below the navel). Works to keep you upright and lets you bend at the waist. Strengthening this muscle can help prevent lower back pain.

Recumbent bike
A bicycle on which you sit in a reclined position with your back supported and your feet out in front. It can be an indoor, stationary-type or a moving, outdoor-style bike. It works the buttocks and hamstrings more than upright bicycles, and unlike uprights, supports the back.

Repetition or "rep"
A single movement, as in doing one squat. This is going down and then going back up. For toning, strength and endurance do more reps at a lower weight.

Resistive cuffs and boots
Foam buoyancy devices placed on the ankles and/or wrists to create extra resistance for water aerobics and water running. Shown to increase workout intensity up to 5 times.

Restoration
Restoration is a series of moderate to low-intensity exercises designed to improve recovery. Low to moderate intensity exercise, hydrotherapy, proper nutrition, and massage can have a significant impact on the skier’s ability to recover for the next day on or off the slopes.

Retraction
Of the legs up under the body. Used to avoid sudden pressure increases due to terrain changes or turning. Also to avoid obstacles or terrain changes, such as moguls.

Reverse camber
When a great deal of pressure is applied to a ski, the ski will lose its natural arch, or camber, and will distort into the opposite direction, bowing downwards in the mid-section, rather than upwards. This aids turning, and also gripping.

Rhomboids
The muscles that pull your shoulder blades inward. They attach to the vertebrae at the base of the neck and go diagonally to the inside edges of the shoulder blades.

R.I.C.E
The formula for treating an injury such as a strain or sprain. The acronym stands for Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation.

Running groove
The long groove cut into the base of most skis to allow straight running and stability at speed.

Russian dance
A classical double-pole push followed by one to four skate steps prior to the next pole action, as a method a relaxing the upper body. Can be used with half skating.