EPOC (Excess Post-exercise Oxygen Consumption)

Excess Post-exercise Oxygen Consumption (EPOC) refers to the increased rate of oxygen intake after intense exercise, as your body works to return to its resting state. During this recovery period, your body repairs tissues, replenishes energy stores, and clears metabolic byproducts like lactic acid. This process requires extra oxygen, leading to an elevated metabolic rate. In simpler terms, after a workout, your body continues to burn calories and use oxygen at a higher rate for some time, contributing to energy expenditure and improving fitness even after you’ve finished exercising.