. Author manuscript; available in PMC: 2021 Aug 6.

Published in final edited form as: J Am Coll Cardiol. 2019 Mar 17;74(10):1376–1414. doi: 10.1016/j.jacc.2019.03.009

TABLE 4.

Definitions and Examples of Different Intensities of Physical Activity

Intensity	METs	Examples
Sedentary behavior^*	1–1.5	Sitting, reclining, or lying; watching television
Light	1.6–2.9	Walking slowly, cooking, light housework
Moderate	3.0–5.9	Brisk walking (2.4–4 mph), biking (5–9mph), ballroom dancing, active yoga, recreational swimming
Vigorous	≥6	Jogging/running, biking (≥10 mph), singles tennis, swimming laps

Sedentary behavior is defined as any waking behavior characterized by an energy expenditure ≤1.5 METs while in a sitting, reclining, or lying posture. Standing is a sedentary activity in that it involves ≤1.5 METs, but it is not considered a component of sedentary behavior.

MET indicates metabolic equivalent; mph, miles per hour.