What does MET stand for?

The term MET stands for Metabolic Equivalent. This concept is used to quantify the amount of energy expenditure during physical activities compared to resting metabolic rate. One MET is defined as the energy cost of sitting quietly, which is approximately 3.5 mL of oxygen consumed per kilogram of body weight per minute for an average adult.

Using MET values allows trainers and health professionals to express the intensity of various activities in a standardized manner. For instance, activities might be described as 2 METs, indicating that they require double the energy expenditure compared to resting. Understanding METs is crucial for personal trainers when designing exercise programs, as it helps in assessing a client's fitness level and ensuring that training intensities match their goals and capabilities.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately reflect the meaning of MET in the context of exercise physiology. For example, "Metabolic Energy Total" and "Maximum Energy Transfer" do not align with established terms in the field, and "Muscle Efficiency Test" is not a recognized measurement related to energy expenditure classifications.