Measuring Physical Activity Intensity

	Measuring Physical Activity Intensity 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?

"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.

*This document is available in Portable Document Format (PDF). You will need Acrobat Reader (a free application) to view and print this document.

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This page last updated February 27, 2003

United States Department of Health and Human Services
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
Division of Nutrition and Physical Activity