Which MET range defines Moderate Intensity?

• A. 3-6 METs
• B. <3 METs
• C. >6 METs
• D. 1-2.5 METs

Answer: (A)

METs measure how much energy an activity costs compared with resting. Moderate intensity sits in the middle of the range: it’s higher than light activities but not as high as vigorous effort. At this level your heart rate and breathing pick up, and you can still carry on a conversation in short phrases rather than sing a full song. Think brisk walking, casual cycling on level ground, dancing, or water aerobics—these kinds of activities are typically classified as moderate because they require noticeably more effort than resting, but they're still sustainable for a longer period. In contrast, light-intensity activities stay below this level, while vigorous activities push well above it. This mid-range classification is what defines moderate intensity in exercise guidelines.