Postexercise oxygen consumption following heavy and light resistance exercise

Few studies have examined excess postexercise oxygen consumption (EPOC) following resistance exercise. This study was designed to (a) assess the magnitude and duration of EPOC following resistance exercise typical of recreational exercisers and (b) compare the magnitude and duration of EPOC following two resistance exercise protocols. Seven active male volunteers had respiratory gas-exchange parameters, rectal temperature, and heart rate measured for a 5-hr period during each of three conditions: After sitting quietly for 60 min (resting condition), after 60 min of resistance exercise using 75% of one repetition maximum (1-RM; heavy condition), and after 60 min of resistance exercise using 60% 1-RM (light condition). EPOCs following resistance exercise ranged from 0.7 to 27 L O, showing large interindividual differences. These values are modest but larger than values reported for isocaloric aerobic exercise. In 10 of the 14 trials, metabolic rate had returned to baseline levels within 60 min of the exercise. There were no significant differences (p>.05) between EPOCs following the heavy versus light conditions. The results suggest that EPOC following resistance exercise is unlikely to contribute significantly to modifications of body composition