Many athletes use the off-season to let nagging injuries heal.
Others back off to more moderate training levels with intentions of using the extra time to enjoy outdoor winter activities. Another option is to use the December through March period to improve next season's performance. Cross-training, resistance training, tempo training and interval sprinting are among the methods for accomplishing this. It involves engaging in an activity other than your usual sport, so that aerobic fitness level is maintained. For example, runners may choose cycling or cyclists may run, either of which is done at a relatively moderate pace for long duration.