Does an aerobic workout cause an individual’s resting metabolic rate to stay elevated for a long time after a workout (the so-called “after burn” effect)?
In general, the available scientific data indicate that the amount of energy expended after an aerobic workout tends to be very small. The number of calories burned during the recovery is dependent upon the intensity and the duration of the workout. Following exercise of unusual intensity and duration, your metabolic rate may remain elevated for as long as 24 hours — but at levels that are just barely above resting baseline levels. In general, approximately 15 extra calories are burned during recovery for every 100 calories expended during an exercise bout.
