No DFP, No Problem - Part 4!

Good morning, 'RooNation!

Today, we wanted to talk about the intensity of physical activity. There are many methods for quantifying intensity but today I would like to focus on metabolic equivalents (METs). 

According to the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), METs are a useful, convenient, and standardized way to describe the absolute intensity of a variety of physical activities.  

1 MET is equal to 3.5 ml/kg/min of oxygen which is roughly the amount of oxygen your body uses sitting down.

• Light physical activity requires less than 3 METs

• Moderate physical activity requires between 3 METs and less than 6 METs

• Vigorous physical activity requires greater than or equal to 6 METs  

For many of us, when we think about physical activity we think about going to the gym, going for a run, playing basketball, etc.

Physical activity could also be washing the car, mowing the lawn, sweeping, vacuuming, mopping, and many other household chores.  

Remember, the ACSM and the American Heart Association (AHA) recommends…

• Moderate intensity, Aerobic physical activity for a minimum of 30 min for 5 days per week

or

• Vigorous intensity, Aerobic physical activity for a minimum of 20 min for 3 days per week

Below is a list of a few activities that gives you an idea of how many METs it takes to perform certain activities that do not require a gym. No DFP, No Problem!