ACE Personal Trainer Practice Exam

What does the METS (Metabolic Equivalent) measure?

1. Heart rate variability during exercise

2. Energy expenditure during physical activities

3. Muscle strength comparisons

4. Flexibility of joints at rest

The correct answer is: Energy expenditure during physical activities

METS, or Metabolic Equivalent of Task, is a standardized measurement that quantifies the energy expenditure of physical activities. One MET is defined as the rate of energy expenditure while at rest and is equivalent to approximately 3.5 mL of oxygen consumed per kilogram of body weight per minute. This measurement allows personal trainers and fitness professionals to evaluate the intensity of different activities by comparing them to the baseline resting metabolic rate. Using METS, trainers can assess how many times more energy an activity requires than resting and can help clients set appropriate fitness goals based on their energy expenditure levels during various exercises. This is particularly useful for creating individualized workout plans that consider a client’s fitness level and energy demands of specific activities. In contrast, heart rate variability assesses the fluctuation in time intervals between heartbeats, and muscle strength comparisons would involve evaluating the maximum amount of force generated by muscles, neither of which directly relates to energy expenditure. Flexibility at rest pertains to the range of motion of joints, which also does not involve metabolic considerations. Hence, the focus on energy expenditure is what validates the selection of the answer regarding METS.