Glossary

Flexion

 

Flexion

A component of the flexion/extension family of skiing skills, it refers to the flexing that occurs in various body joints.  Commonly in skiing, it happens in various amounts and combinations at the ankles, knees and waist.   Flexion results in a shortening of the body. It weakens a joints ability to support a load, and recruits the muscles that surround that joint to bear the extra burden.  That said, it's an important component of good skiing that's used continuously as a skier goes from turn to turn.  The principle of long leg short leg is an example of an area where flexion is crucial.