METs, or metabolic equivalent of task, is a measure of energy. Dr. Bill Haskell from Stanford University conceptualized the Compendium of Physical Activities Guide according to the University of South Carolina’s Arnold School of Public Health.
We’ve learned from the Guide that “METS for certain golfing activities were revised downward from 1993 estimates based on measurement of the activity using indirect calorimetry.” Uh-oh. Put down the putter and pick up a mop, ax (if you’re like the late President, Ronald Reagan, and like to chop wood while vacationing) or a jump rope.
We’ve learned that just volunteering (and some brisk walking, carrying something and, better yet, pushing something) create a satisfactory level of METs while kneeling in church or at home (praying) produces just 1 MET:
Download the pdf file that measures activities and their relative METs, The Compendium of Physical Activities (it’s 12 pages in length so create a MET and reload the printer).
It’s obvious that bicycling, aerobic dancing (with 10 – 12 inch step), fire fighting and forestry, slag removal in the steel mill, handball and jai alai all produce higher METs. Surprisingly, roller skating is more productive than horseback riding only to be exceeded by roller blading. The substantial numbers of seniors involved in swimming, especially in the butterfly stroke, can be assured of an 11.
*Definition of Terms used in the Compendium
MET (Metabolic Equivalent): The ratio of the work metabolic rate to the resting metabolic rate. One MET is defined as 1 kcal/kg/hour and is roughly equivalent to the energy cost of sitting quietly. A MET also is defined as oxygen uptake in ml/kg/min with one MET equal to the oxygen cost of sitting quietly, equivalent to 3.5 ml/kg/min.
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