Topic: The Afterburn Effect
Afterburn, also known as EPOC (Excess Post Exercise Oxygen Consumption) is a term used for the effects that take place after your workout has been completed. Even though you have completed your workout and are on to the next item on your agenda, your body is still working its way to recovery.
Here’s some science behind it!
EPOC – EPOC describes the amount of oxygen required to get your body back to its resting level of metabolic function.
Your body uses oxygen to replace the energy and muscle glycogen (carbohydrates) you used while working out. The more oxygen used, the more calories you will continue to burn post-workout. The amount of oxygen used will be different for every individual, therefore you won’t know exactly how much afterburn will take place. Some factors that play a role in calories burned include; gender, age, lean body mass, fitness level and the intensity of the exercise.
Studies have shown that HIIT (high intensity interval training) workouts and Tabata workouts tend to produce the most afterburn effects vs. a workout that is in a steady state. Typically, if you are working out somewhere between 70-85% of your max heart rate, you will have more success in achieving afterburn. Don’t be confused, you can still benefit from afterburn while lifting weights! Be sure to keep up your intensity throughout the duration of your workout.
How can our gym assist you with hitting HIIT training during your workouts? Republic Fitness offers a Myzone belt which allows people to track their heart rates. This belt will notify you once you are at 80% of your heart rate capacity. These belts are offered right here at the gym, so no need to go searching! Use the links below to take a look at some of our Myzone team training classes as well as more detail about the Myzone belt!
https://healthworksfitness.com/teamtrainmyzone/
Overall, it seems as though afterburn is influenced by intensity vs. the duration of the exercise. Great news is you could potentially cut down on the hours in the gym, BUT you need to be putting in additional effort during your workout.
Your metabolism is constantly working to help the body function, so keep in mind your body is constantly burning calories…yes, even when resting! But, afterburn is a major factor in burning those extra calories and burning away some excess fat.
