Energy intake post-exercise is associated with enjoyment independently of exercise intensity

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of exercise intensity on energy intake post-exercise and its relationship with enjoyment and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) generated by exercise. Methods: For this, nine sedentary overweight men performed high-intensity intermittent exercise and steady-state exercise, totaling 30 min for both exercise sessions, and energy intake post-exercise was evaluated. Rating of perceived exertion and enjoyment scores were also measured immediately post-exercise. Results: There was no difference in the amount of calories ingested post-exercise between conditions, enjoyment scores and RPE. There was a negative correlation between enjoyment and energy intake (r = − 0.552 [strong]; p = 0.018). Conclusions: These data demonstrated that independent of exercise intensity, enjoyment scores were related to post-exercise energy intake.