I roller blade eight months of the year and spend the other four in the gym. Although roller blading is still coming out of the gate, it's climbing the ladder of recognition. It is not much of anything where I live except a recreational sport. I don't race except against the clock. I do visit the skating forums but have a difficult time convincing others that there is a need to off season train in other areas besides skating.

Needless to say I come up against a lot of resistance. I full body train with pull-ups, chin-ups, push-ups, do multiple forms of lunges and use weights for resistance training on my legs. I also use multiple aerobic machines to keep my cardio in top form, stair master, jacobs ladder and stationary bike. 

I have been under the belief that cross training is very important in injury prevention. I also believe in the concept of muscle confusion. If the muscles are not challenged the cessation of growth can occur. Muscles will adapt to a specific training method and therefore prevent further development and increased performance. 

Am I totally wrong in my understanding of the importance of off season and cross training to enhance muscle growth and stimulation and increase over all physical performance.