Measuring Physical Activity Intensity
"The clearer your goal, the better your chance to succeed." —Anonymous
The intensity of physical activity, or how hard your body is working, is
typically categorized as light, moderate, or vigorous based on the amount
of energy or effort a person expends in performing the activity. See General Physical Activities
Defined By Level of Intensity
(PDF-1.4K) for a chart that lists the intensity levels
of many types of activities.
This section describes the following methods of estimating the relative intensity of any physical activity as it applies to your own level of health.
- Talk Test
- Target Heart Rate and Estimated Maximum Heart Rate
- Perceived Exertion (Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion Scale)
- Metabolic Equivalent (MET) Level
- What are some examples of activities and their intensity levels?
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Page last updated: May 22, 2007
Content Source: Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity and Obesity, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
