What does tapering allow an athlete to do?

Tapering is a strategic reduction in training volume and intensity leading up to a major competition or event. This allows athletes to restore energy stores and recover from the fatigue built up during intensive training periods. When an athlete tapers, their body has the opportunity to heal and adapt to prior training loads, which can enhance performance.

During tapering, optimal recovery occurs due to decreased training stress, allowing the muscles to repair and energy systems to replenish, particularly glycogen stores. As a result, athletes often experience a peak in physical condition just in time for competitions. This phase is critical not just for physical recovery but also for enhancing an athlete’s overall performance capabilities.

While aspects like mental toughness and specific technique focus can be pursued during training, those elements do not capture the primary physiological purpose of tapering, which is to ensure the athlete is in prime condition physically when it matters the most.