What is the term for the higher-than-normal energy expenditure during the recovery period after exercise?

The term for the higher-than-normal energy expenditure during the recovery period after exercise is known as excess post-exercise oxygen consumption, often abbreviated as EPOC. After intense physical activity, the body requires additional oxygen to help restore energy reserves, clear metabolic byproducts like lactic acid, and return the body to its resting state. This elevated level of oxygen consumption signifies an increased caloric burn even after the exercise session has ended, thus contributing to overall energy expenditure.

Understanding EPOC is crucial for fitness and nutrition planning, as it highlights the benefits of higher-intensity workouts that can increase total calorie burn beyond the exercise session itself. This concept can influence training programs aimed at maximizing fat loss and improving overall fitness.

The other terms listed refer to different physiological concepts. Metabolic rate generally pertains to the amount of energy expended at rest or during specific activities, not specifically the post-exercise context. Caloric deficit addresses a situation where energy intake is less than energy expenditure, leading to weight loss, but doesn't capture the phenomenon of increased energy expenditure after exercise. Active recovery refers to engaging in low-intensity exercise following a workout to help facilitate recovery but is not directly related to the concept of excess post-exercise oxygen consumption.