Are We Still Burning Calories After A Workout?

Metabolic Expenditure, 3 terms that you should know

The 3 big parts to understanding and burning more calories

Improve your body composition by understanding calorie burn

We all know by now, that your body is always burning calories - even while you are sleeping. But, are we only burning extra calories during our workout? The simple answer is no.

There are many different, complex factors that determine how many calories we burn while at rest and while active. Likewise, there are other complex factors that go into calorie burning. The key phrases we are going to focus on are

• energy expenditure
• resting energy expenditure
• post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC)

Energy expenditure is the scientific term that describes the total amount of calories your body burns while exercising, and while at rest throughout each day (not including being asleep) so total calories you burn per day.

Resting energy expenditure, is how many calories you are burning while COMPLETELY at rest (sleeping). Both of these components make up what is known as your total energy expenditure. It has been found that your resting energy expenditure is the biggest component of your total energy expenditure each day.

Post-exercise oxygen consumption, also known as EPOC refers to the body's ability to burn calories at a higher rate after exercise. This is commonly known as the “after-burn effect”. EPOC can last in the body anywhere from 30 - 180 minutes post - exercise, trying to get your body back to its resting state. So, how do you know how much EPOC your body is using after a workout? It all depends on the intensity of your workout. A higher intensity workout like compound exercises, heavy weights, and cardio requires the body to use more oxygen. This will inherently keep EPOC working in the body for longer.