When you stop, it doesn’t go back to “resting” immediately, but remains elevated for a short time. This causes an increase in calorie burn, even after you’ve stretched, showered, and eaten your post-workout snack. The additional energy expenditure that occurs after your workout is known as the afterburn effect.

How long does the afterburn effect last?

There have been several studies to determine how many hours EPOC, or afterburn, can last, and the consensus is that the effect peaks in the first hour after exercise and continues for up to 72 hours. That means your body could keep burning extra calories for as long as three days after a workout!

Is the EPOC effect real?

Unlike most fitness myths, EPOC is in fact a real effect that contributes to caloric expenditure. However, this doesn’t perfectly translate to fat loss… although it can help. The amount of fat you burn ultimate depends on a few factors, like how much fat you have to start with and your metabolism rate.