Describing Muscle Metabolism, Exercise/Recovery, and EPOC
The difference between the resting rate of oxygen consumption and the elevated rate following exercise is called EPOC (Excess Post-Exercise Oxygen Consumption).
During strenuous exercise, the body typically consumes an extra 11 L of oxygen.
This additional oxygen is needed to rebuild the muscles' stores of myoglobin and to oxidize and dispose of the carbon dioxide load.
To meet the body's demands, heavy breathing is required.
This oxygen debt is repaid by heavy breathing.