Page 26 - Expressions April_Clear

strength coaches executed long rest periods after strenuous workout sessions. More than any
real studies giving concrete evidence, long periods of rest for athletes was a safe bet and
allowed for the coaches to rest, hence the offseason.

With the advancements in sports science and sports medicine, research over the past ten-
fifteen years has revealed the contrary. Example after example gives light to the fact the high
caliber abilities athletes body languishes during long periods of complete rest and inactivity.
Neglecting athlete's abilities and skills give way to what is called Ring Rust. It is a real thing
turning an athlete's abilities off for a while, then rebooting those attributes to perform at the
same level can be harmful in terms of injury and takes time for high-level production and
performance. That talk is being had right now with the current environment of COVID-19.
Athletes are standing down from competition, and as they do so, their bodies are languishing.

Without COVID-19, athletes, athletic trainers, strength coaches, and those influencing the
health and wellbeing of these athletes would be engaged in a full and total strategy and system
to train in some nature year-round with ample active rest. Long periods of rest would not be in
the program. Athletes would have dynamic rest and recovery protocols allowing fluidity in
abilities and skills. Athletic trainers would deploy intrinsic rehabilitation and prehabilitation
protocols. Strength coaches implementing different training systems and phases throughout
the year, with rest being in the form of cross-training, allowing for the athletes to rest using
different muscle groups other than those regularly utilized during their sport. The only time
long periods of rest can be justified is after a severe injury or accident to the athlete that may
require intrusive surgery. Even then, orthopedic surgery practices and technology have helped
make long periods of rest before entering rehabilitation a thing of the past. The understanding
provided by these advancements gives a clear picture. High caliber athlete's bodies need
tending to keep from languishing. Optimal performance requires growth in ability and skills,
which long periods of complete rest and inactivity can't extend.

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