Energy Requirements for Some Common Activities

Energy Requirements for Some Common Activities

Less than 3 METs 3–5 METs 5–7 METs 7–9 METs More than 9 METs Self-care  Washing/shaving Cleaning windows Easy digging in garden Heavy shoveling Carrying loads upstairs (objects more than 90 lb) Dressing Raking Level hand lawn mowing Carrying objects (60–90 lb) Climbing stairs (quickly) Light housekeeping Power lawn mowing Carrying objects (30–60 lb)   Shoveling heavy snow Desk work Bed making/stripping       Driving auto Carrying objects (15–30 lb)       Occupational  Sitting (clerical/ assembly) Stocking shelves (light objects) Carpentry (exterior) Digging ditches (pick and shovel) Heavy labor Desk work Light welding/carpentry Shoveling dirt     Standing (store clerk)   Sawing wood     Recreational Golf (cart) Dancing (social) Tennis (singles) Canoeing Squash Knitting Golf (walking) Snow skiing (downhill) Mountain climbing Ski touring   Sailing Light backpacking   Vigorous basketball   Tennis (doubles) Basketball         Stream fishing     Physical Conditioning  Walking (2 mph) Level walking (3–4 mph) Level walking (4.5–5.0 mph) Level jogging (5 mph) Running (>6 mph) Stationary bike Level biking (6–8 mph) Bicycling (9–10 mph) Swimming (crawl stroke) Bicycling (>13 mph) Very light calisthenics Light calisthenics Swimming, breast stroke Rowing machine Rope jumping       Heavy calisthenics Walking uphill (5 mph)       Bicycling (12 mph)

Source: Modified from WL Haskell: Rehabilitation of the coronary patient, in NK Wenger, HK Hellerstein (eds): Design and Implementation of Cardiac Conditioning Program. New York, Churchill Livingstone. 1978.