What is a MET?
The term MET refers to “metabolic equivalent”, a unit used to estimate the metabolic cost of physical activity. The value of 1 MET is approximately equal to a person’s resting energy expenditure.
All activities can be categorized as multiples of resting energy expenditure. An activity like walking is considered to be 4 METS because it requires an energy expenditure 4 times greater than that required at rest.
Notes:
The unit of METS is commonly used in the Exercise Science field to describe intensity of physical activity. The use of a common unit to categorize all activities provides a way to compare activities and to track intensities of physical activity for research purposes.
Graphic courtesy of Polar Electro Oy - all rights reserved.