NETA Personal Trainer Practice Exam 2025 - Free Personal Trainer Practice Questions and Study Guide

The recommended amount of MET-minutes for weekly cardiovascular exercise according to the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) is 500 to 1000 MET-minutes. This range is based on evidence that suggests this level of physical activity is sufficient to provide substantial health benefits, including improved cardiovascular fitness, weight management, and reduced risk of chronic diseases.

MET-minutes are calculated by multiplying the MET value of an activity by the number of minutes spent performing that activity. For instance, a brisk walk might have a MET value of around 4, so walking for 30 minutes would yield 120 MET-minutes (4 METs x 30 minutes). Accumulating these MET-minutes throughout the week can help individuals meet their fitness goals.

While other ranges provided in the options mention higher MET-minutes, these amounts exceed what is typically necessary for general health benefits for the average individual, even though higher levels of physical activity may be appropriate for certain populations, such as athletes or those with specific fitness goals. Therefore, the selection of 500 to 1000 MET-minutes represents a balanced and achievable target for most people looking to improve their cardiovascular health.