Afterburn effect

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The "afterburn effect," also known as Excess Post-Exercise Oxygen Consumption (EPOC), is often marketed as a major benefit of high-intensity workouts like those promoted by fitness companies such as Orange Theory. This effect refers to the body's increased rate of oxygen intake following strenuous activity.

However, discussions by the hosts of the Mind Pump Podcast, including , , and , point out that the actual benefits of EPOC have been largely overhyped and are minimal. They debunk the effectiveness of the afterburn effect, noting that the difference it makes in total calorie burn is negligible and not as impactful as once believed. They mention a Men's Health article that criticized Orange Theory for exaggerating these benefits, which led to changes in how the fitness company markets the effect 1 2.

Afterburn Effect Debunked

Adam and Sal discuss how Men's Health debunked the afterburn effect of exercise, also known as Epoch. Orange Theory, which had marketed the benefits of Epoch, has changed its marketing strategy due to the article. The benefits of Epoch are negligible, and the hype around it is unfounded.

Mind Pump Podcast

1528: EPOC, Minimum Cardio Needed for a Healthy Heart & Lungs, Working Out Barefoot & More
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