What does MET stand for in exercise terminology?

In exercise terminology, MET stands for Metabolic Equivalent of a Task. This concept is used to measure the energy expenditure of physical activities in relation to resting metabolic rate. One MET is defined as the rate of energy expenditure while at rest, which is approximately 3.5 milliliters of oxygen consumed per kilogram of body weight per minute.

Using METs allows for a standardized way to describe the intensity of various physical activities, making it easier to compare energy expenditure across different exercises. For instance, activities like walking, running, cycling, or even sedentary tasks can be expressed in terms of METs to indicate how much more or less energy is expended compared to resting. This provides valuable insight for health professionals and individuals engaged in exercise planning, facilitating quantifiable assessments of physical activity intensity and cardiovascular endurance.

The other options, while they may sound relevant, do not accurately describe the MET concept in exercise physiology.