RoidsNet Forum

Does the EPOC effect vary significantly when training in a high-androgen state? Theory suggests higher metabolic cost, but is it measurable?

The "afterburn" effect is often exaggerated by mainstream fitness media, but the underlying science of mitochondrial respiration post-effort is solid.

Exactly. Most studies show EPOC only accounts for 6-15% of the total energy cost of the exercise session. Not the "metabolic fire" people claim.

However, high-intensity resistance training (HIRT) has been shown to keep metabolic rate elevated for up to 38 hours in trained individuals. That adds up over a week.

Does anyone have data on how exogenous androgens affect this? Specifically, does the increased protein turnover from a cycle amplify the oxygen cost during recovery?

Theory suggests yes. Trenbolone, for instance, significantly increases RMR via uncoupling proteins. I would assume EPOC is magnified under those conditions.

@CommonSenseMD I’ve seen some anecdotal metabolic cart data suggesting a 20% increase in post-training oxygen consumption when users are on a gram of total gear.

Is that due to the gear itself, or simply because the user can handle 30% more volume/intensity which naturally drives more EPOC?

Probably both. Increased phosphocreatine resynthesis and lactic acid removal requires oxygen. More work = more waste to clear.

Let’s not forget the role of body temperature. Thermogenesis plays a huge part in the oxygen consumption curve post-workout.