EPOC Training
Posted at www.BloomtoFit.com
The phrases EPOC and EPOC Training get thrown around a lot these days. A lot of people
have heard about EPOC but are unaware what the term really means.
Let me clarify.
When we begin to exercise, our body decides which energy system to use depending on the
intensity of the exercise. At the start of exercise, depending on the difference between the
demands before exercise and during exercise, there is usually a short delay in meeting
necessary oxygen demands. This is why a warm-up is so crucial!
As we progress our activity,
the oxygen demands are
eventually met (the time is
dependent on intensity).
When we stop exercising and
the need for a higher supply
of energy is reduced, the body
continues to take in extra
oxygen – more than would
ordinarily be consumed at
rest in the same time period.
This excess oxygen is what we
refer to as EPOC or Excess
Post-Exercise
Oxygen
Consumption. This oxygen is
used for recovery processes that bring the body back to steady state. We’ll get into how this
all relates to EPOC Training in a second.
We often refer to EPOC as oxygen deficit. The duration and intensity of the exercise
performed determines how long this recovery period will last. Light to moderate activity
causes a very mild stimulus to the body and thus requires a short and typically
unnoticeable recovery period. On the other hand, high-intensity exercise can result in
recovery periods that can last hours or even days.
EPOC has many responsibilities but all you need to know is that it’s used for recovery and
replenishment of your energy systems.
So why is this important for you?
After exercise, the body continues to expend energy to assist with the recovery of the
energy systems. Thus, the longer the recovery period, the longer your body continues to
expend energy.
So how can you take advantage of EPOC and incorporate EPOC Training into your routine?
It’s very simple. By incorporating some high-intensity workouts in your weekly routine,
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