EPOC

When you begin your workout, your body demands more oxygen than you have in reserve meaning that your body is now in an oxygen deficit. This is why you start to breathe faster and deeper (it's your body's way of getting more oxygen).

Excess post exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC) is the measurably increased rate of oxygen intake following strenuous activity. It is intended to erase the body's oxygen debt.

This is important because EPOC is used during recovery to restore the body to homeostasis (normal function), rebalance hormones, replenish fuel stores, cellular repair and anabolism (muscle growth) to name a few. This process requires more fuel. Where does that fuel come from? It comes from the breakdown of fatty acids (fat stores) in your body.

This process starts soon after your workout is complete and can last up to 24hrs after your workout depending on the intensity and duration. What does all of this mean for you?

For those of you that are looking to lose weight... this is where it happens. High intensity interval training with weights (ex: CF) leads to better fat loss. This does not mean that you will get "huge" and muscle bound. It does mean that as you build muscle you burn fat. So... bump up the intensity and get to work.