Why 10,000 Steps Might Not Be Enough: The Science of MET-Hours
Keywords: MET, Fitness Myths, Cardio, AppleWatch, WHO
"Hit my 10,000 steps today, I'm good!" This is how most people view fitness. But have you noticed that 10,000 steps of window shopping feels very different from 10,000 steps of power walking?
This brings us to the missing key: Intensity.
What is a MET?
MET (Metabolic Equivalent of Task) is the gold standard for measuring exercise intensity.
- 1 MET = Energy burned while sitting quietly.
- 3 METs = Walking.
- 8 METs = Running.
The Trap of "Steps"
"Steps" measure quantity, not quality. If you stroll 10,000 steps over 2 hours (approx 2-3 METs), your total MET-Hours might be low. But if you do 30 mins of HIIT (10 METs), your step count is lower, but your cardiovascular benefit is much higher.
The WHO actually recommends: At least 7.5 MET-Hours of physical activity per week. This is a 2D metric combining "Time" and "Intensity," far more scientific than just "Steps."
How to Track METs Easily?
Previously, you had to calculate manually: 30 mins running x 8 METs = 4 MET·h. Now, MET Goals uses your Apple Watch sensors to automatically detect activity type and intensity, tracking your weekly MET progress in real-time.
Stop just counting steps. Start counting the moments that make your heart beat faster.
