Load Chart Practice Exercises: A Convenient Method for Describing Functional Capacity

The MET concept provides a convenient method to describe the functional capacity or exercise tolerance of an individual, as determined from progressive exercise testing and to define a repertoire of physical activities in which a person may participate safely, without exceeding a prescribed intensity level. This concept is based on the idea that the energy expenditure of various physical activities can be expressed as multiples of the resting metabolic rate.

One of the key benefits of using a load chart practice exercise is that it allows individuals to compare the intensity levels (in METS) for selected exercise protocols stage by stage. For example, if an athlete completes 8 repetitions of the squat at 160 lbs, the estimated 1RM would be 200 lbs. This can be useful in determining the estimated maximum weight that an individual can lift.

Training load charts can also be used to calculate estimated 1-repetition maximum (1RM) values from multiple repetitions completed. For example, if an athlete completes 8 repetitions of the squat at 160 lbs, the estimated 1RM would be 200 lbs. This can be useful in determining the estimated maximum weight that an individual can lift.

In addition to calculating 1RM values, load charts can also be used to determine the energy cost of various physical activities. The energy cost of an activity can be determined by dividing the relative oxygen cost of the activity (ml O2/kg/min) x by 3.5. For example, if the relative oxygen cost of a particular exercise is 10 ml O2/kg/min, then the energy cost of that exercise would be 35.

The MET concept represents a simple, practical, and easily understood procedure for expressing the energy cost of physical activities as a multiple of the resting metabolic rate. One metabolic equivalent (MET) is defined as the amount of oxygen consumed while sitting at rest and is equal to 3.5 ml O2 per kg body weight x min.

In conclusion, load chart practice exercises provide a convenient method for describing functional capacity or exercise tolerance of an individual. It can also be used to calculate estimated 1-repetition maximum (1RM) values from multiple repetitions completed and determine the energy cost of various physical activities.

Load chart practice exercises