EPOC: IS IT REAL? DOES IT MATTER?

Excess postexercise oxygen consumption (EPOC), often referred to as the afterburn, is a highly debated topic in the field of exercise science. After an exercise bout, energy expenditure (EE) remains elevated while the body slowly returns to homeostasis. This is identified through an elevated oxygen consumption (V . O2) above preexercise restingV . O2 that typically remains elevated for 1 to 2 hours with usual moderate-intensity exercise. The excess oxygen is used to create the energy necessary to restore the body after exercise. Current fitness trends emphasize the concept of increased EPOC to create exercise programs that maximize EE during recovery, often done with the intent to aid in weight loss and weight maintenance.