Metabolic Equivalent (MET)

Metabolic Equivalent of Task, or MET, is a way to measure the energy cost of physical activities. One MET is defined as the energy expended at rest, equivalent to consuming about 3.5 milliliters of oxygen per kilogram of body weight per minute. Activities are categorized by their MET values: light activities (like walking slowly) might be around 2-3 METs, while running can range from 8 to over 20 METs. This helps individuals understand how different exercises influence their energy expenditure and can guide fitness and health choices.