Energy expenditure following a bout of non-steady state resistance exercise

Little is known about the effect of non-steady state resistive exercise on postexercise energy expenditure. Using a counterbalanced design, energy expenditure was measured by indirect calorimetry in six adult males (mean age +/- SD = 24.5 +/- 6.1) for 30 min before and 60 min after a single 42 min bout of weight lifting, and again on a separate day for 30 min before and 60 min after a 42 min control period of quiet sitting. For the exercise condition the subjects performed 4 sets of upper and 3 sets of lower body resistive exercises at weights equivalent to a 12 repetition maximum for each respective lift. Metabolic rate remained significantly elevated at the end of the 60 min recovery period compared to the control condition, although the excess postexercise oxygen consumption accounted for only approximately 19 additional kcal expended. These data suggest that while postexercise metabolic remains elevated for at least one hour following a moderate level of resistive exercise, the caloric cost of this elevation during a one hour recovery period is small and similar to that induced by steady-state exercise of moderate intensity.