What is the consequence of performing resistance training only during the off-season?

Performing resistance training only during the off-season can indeed lead to violating the "use it or lose it" philosophy. This principle suggests that if a skill or physical capacity is not regularly practiced or trained, it will diminish over time. In the context of running and overall fitness, if athletes focus solely on resistance training during the off-season, they may neglect other critical aspects of their fitness, such as endurance, agility, and speed, which are vital for their sport.

By not consistently integrating resistance training and other forms of fitness throughout the year, athletes may find that their strength and conditioning levels decrease as they transition back into the competitive season. This is particularly important for runners, as maintaining a balanced training regimen that includes resistance training year-round is crucial for sustaining performance levels and overall athleticism.

Other potential consequences highlighted in the other choices, such as maximizing muscle growth, decreasing overall fitness, or injury prevention, can be influenced by how and when resistance training is integrated into an athlete's training program. However, the primary concern with exclusively reserving resistance training for the off-season is the risk of not maintaining the necessary physical adaptations needed to support competitive performance throughout the year.