While it is widely known that regular exercise can improve health, reduce the risk of diseases, and extend life expectancy, there is a type of exercise that may have the opposite effect under certain conditions, and that is intense exercise.
What Is Considered Intense Exercise?
There is an indicator used to measure the intensity of physical activity called the metabolic equivalent of task, or MET. One MET would equate to the energy used to sit quietly. Different levels of exercise intensity are indicated by different MET values. Sedentary: MET values of ≤1.5; for example, sitting or lying down
Low-intensity exercise: MET values of 1.6 to 3.0; for example, leisurely walking or standing in line at a store
Moderate-intensity exercise: MET values of 3.0 to 6.0; for example, brisk walking, vacuuming, or gardening
High-intensity/vigorous exercise: MET values of ≥6.0 High-intensity/vigorous exercise includes not only fast walking, running, and rope jumping, but also activities such as marathon running, triathlon, high-altitude or cross-country skiing, basketball, ice hockey, field hockey, rugby, handball, and high-intensity interval training….