Final answer:
Tapering involves reducing training volume by 40-60% while maintaining or increasing exercise intensity to allow recovery and maintain conditioning before a competition.
Step-by-step explanation:
The process of tapering refers to the diminishing phase of training athletes undertake before a major competition. During a taper, the training volume is generally reduced by 40-60%. However, the exercise intensity is maintained at the same levels as competition or even increased in certain sessions to maintain physiological adaptations and performance readiness. This strategic decrease allows the athlete's body to recover from the accumulated fatigue of training while preserving the benefits of conditioning.