What metabolic effect does the "afterburn" phenomenon create in Orangetheory workouts?

The "afterburn" phenomenon, scientifically known as excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC), refers to the increased rate of oxygen intake following strenuous activity. During Orangetheory workouts, which involve high-intensity interval training, participants push their bodies into a state where they consume more oxygen after the workout than they did before. This leads to an elevated metabolism for a period of time post-exercise.

As the body works to recover, it uses extra energy to return to its resting state, repair muscle tissues, and replenish energy stores. This process is responsible for increasing the number of calories burned after the workout is completed, effectively enhancing the overall calorie expenditure compared to lower-intensity exercise.

This mechanism highlights the effectiveness of high-intensity training in maximizing calorie burn not just during the workout, but also in the hours that follow. Hence, the correct choice demonstrates the significant benefit of afterburn in relation to energy expenditure.