Daily physical activity and type 2 diabetes: A review

Table 1 Excerpt of various daily physical activities and their associated metabolic equivalents

Daily physical activity	METs
Walking
Very slow, < 3.2 km/h	2
Slow, 3.2-4.0 km/h	2.8-3.0
For pleasure, moderate pace, 4.5-5.1 km/h	3.5
Brisk, 5.6 km/h	4.3
Very brisk, 6.4-7.2 km/h	5.0-7.0
Stair climbing, slow pace	4
Stair climbing, fast pace	8.8
Gardening	3.8
Yard work	3.0-6.0
Mowing lawn	5.5
Shoveling	5.3-7.5
Housework
Washing dishes	1.8-2.5
Cleaning	2.3-3.8
Cooking	2.0-3.0
Child care	2.0-3.0
Elder care	2.3-4.0

Each activity is quoted from Ainsworth et al[15] (2011 Compendium Physical Activities). METs: Metabolic equivalents.