I heard something a few months back about a Russian (I think) gymnastics coach who advocated and indeed enforced a month of complete rest upon the members of his national squad. Was I being spun a yarn here in the hope that I'd rest for a month and be a laughable lard arse upon my return or was this likely fact?
The reason I ask is that due to a pulley injury and a bout of illness, I haven't climbed 'properly' in a month now. Injury-wise, I feel more than ready to resume normal service, but I can't help wondering if enforced rest may have helped me in certain ways. I understand that sounds nonsensical but I feel much lighter and in better condition than when I was training/climbing prior to injury.Obviously I won't know if this is fact or fantasy until tomorrow when I pull down (hoping the former!) 'properly'.
I know very little of the effects of prolonged rest in sport and would like to know more about it from those in the know.
EDIT - Just made the schoolboy error and forgot there was a thread on this not that long ago
Still, its always good to hear some science fact I suppose. My apologies.
