Which activity would MOST likely produce a moderate exercise intensity?

• A. Washing dishes (2.0 METs)
• B. Jogging at 6 mph (10 METs)
• C. Walking at 3.0 mph (3.0 METs)
• D. Digging ditches (8.5 METs)

Answer: (C)

Understanding exercise intensity with METs helps us categorize effort: moderate intensity generally falls around 3 to 6 METs. Walking at 3.0 mph is about 3.0 METs, which sits at the lower end of the moderate range. Washing dishes is lighter (about 2 METs), jogging at 6 mph is vigorous (about 10 METs), and digging ditches is also vigorous (about 8.5 METs). So walking at 3 mph best fits moderate intensity.