What is EPOC?

EPOC is excess post-exercise oxygen consumption. What is it and why should it be important to you? EPOC refers to the state in which your body's metabolism is elevated after exercise. You are probably aware that when you are doing physical activity, your body is burning calories as your muscles need energy to perform the activity. Depending on the type of activity that you do, when you are done with the physical activity your body will use increased amounts of oxygen to replace your energy stores, lower your body temperature and return you to a resting state. EPOC is a "caloric afterburner" -- your body is burning more calories after you are done your physical activity than prior to starting the activity. EPOC is important because it helps you to maximize how many calories you burn. Not all activities work equally to increase the magnitude of EPOC that you experience after your workout. Typically, to experience a greater EPOC after working out, you should train at a higher intensity -- interval training for cardio (where you cycle your heart rate through different zones corresponding to different percentages of your maximum heart rate) or circuit resistance training are especially good at producing greater levels of EPOC. As with all exercise programs, consult your doctor and personal trainer to ensure that any physical exercise you do is appropriate and safe for your level of fitness and medical condition.