Measure of Intensity
Heart Rate is typically used as a measure of exercise intensity. Heart rate can be an indicator of the challenge to the cardiovascular system that the exercise represents.
The most precise measure of intensity is oxygen consumption (V02). V02 represents the overall metabolic challenge that an exercise imposes. There is a direct linear relationship between intensity of aerobic exercise and V02. Our maximum intensity is a reflection of our maximal oxygen consumption (V02max). Such a measurement represents a cardiovascular fitness level.
V02 is measured in METs (mL/kg/min). One MET is considered to be the average resting energy expenditure of a typical human being. Intensity of exercise can be expressed as multiples of resting energy expenditure. An intensity of exercise equivalent to 6 METs means that the energy expenditure of the exercise is six times the resting energy expenditure.
Intensity of exercise can be expressed in absolute or relative terms. For example, two individuals with different measures of VO2max, running at 7 mph are running at the same absolute intensity (miles/hour) but a different relative intensity (% of VO2max expended). The individual with the higher VO2max is running at a lower intensity at this pace than the individual with the lower VO2 max is.
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