The Effect of Standard Sets and Circuit Weight Training with different Intensities on Response of Excess Post Exercise Oxygen Consumption (EPOC) in Young Men

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of two programs of standard sets and circuit weight training with different intensities on response of excess post exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC) in young men. For this purpose, twelve healthy men (mean±SD: age, 21.92±1.1 years; height, 175.17±4.55cm; weight, 69.74±7.5kg) were voluntarily selected and participated in two stages of tests (resistance exercises at 50% and 75% of one repetition maximum). Excess post exercise oxygen consumption was measured before (baseline) and after resistance exercises for 90 minutes, each 30 minutes. Data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA with repeated measures, dependent t test and independent t test. The results showed that after both types of exercise, oxygen volume (VO2) significantly increased after 90 minutes when compared to the baseline (P=0.001). However, at the third 30 minutes after resistance exercise with 50% 1RM, VO2 did not significantly increase. The caloric consumption significantly increased for half an hour after resistance exercise with 50% and for an hour after resistance exercise with 75% 1RM. Respiratory exchange ratio (RER) significantly decreased following 90 minutes after both types of exercise when compared to the baseline (P=0.001). However, resistance exercise with 75% 1RM resulted in a greater increase in EPOC and caloric expenditure at three 30 minutes than resistance exercise with 50% 1RM. But there was no significant difference in RER between resistance exercises with 50% and 75% 1RM. In conclusion, these findings indicated that resistance exercise with standard sets and higher intensity resulted in greater EPOC during recovery until 90 minutes after exercise, so that if this type of training method is followed, it can be considered as a standard program to lose weight.