What is the term for extra calories burned after a high-intensity exercise session?

The term for extra calories burned after a high-intensity exercise session is known as Excess Post-Exercise Oxygen Consumption (EPOC). After engaging in rigorous workouts, your body continues to consume oxygen at an elevated rate to restore itself to its pre-exercise condition. This includes processes such as the replenishment of oxygen stores, the removal of lactic acid, and the restoration of muscle glycogen.

EPOC is significant because it indicates that calories are still being burned even after exercise has stopped. The amount of calories burned during this recovery period can be higher after high-intensity workouts compared to lower-intensity activities, making EPOC a crucial factor for individuals looking to maximize fat loss and improve overall fitness. The lingering increased metabolism can contribute to an enhanced calorie deficit if weight loss is a goal, highlighting the effectiveness of high-intensity exercise in a fitness regimen.

The other terms, while related to energy and metabolism, refer to different concepts. SAR (Specific Energy Expenditure during Activities of Daily Living), MET (Metabolic Equivalent of Task), and BMR (Basal Metabolic Rate) do not specifically capture the unique metabolic effects following high-intensity workouts like EPOC does.