Does exercise “afterburn” help burn fat?
Exercise “afterburn” or excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC) refers to the number of calories expended above resting values after a workout. Both cardiovascular and resistance training programs may elicit an EPOC of 65-150 (primarily fat) calories post-workout. (The actual number depends on the exercise intensity.) Many fitness professionals suggest that since 1 pound of fat is equal to 3,500 calories, EPOC is an insignificant factor in the fat burning process. However, if someone exercises 5 days a week, over the course of a year EPOC would be 26,000 calories, or 7 pounds of fat (5 workouts per week x 52 weeks x 100 EPOC calories per workout = 26,000 calories). Now, that’s meaningful. Q: Where does resistance training factor in? A: One of the most important benefits of resistance exercise in a weight loss program is the preservation of muscle mass, even on very low calorie diets. Resistance training is also one of the best protective interventions to maintain the resting met
