Examples of vigorous exercise of 7 METs or greater would include: Heart rate and respiratory rate are elevated Sweating Can only speak in short sentences or phrases rather than carrying on fluid conversations (which would be indicative of moderate or lower intensity activity). Running: flat terrain < 6 min miles Briskly hiking, walking or climbing uphill Cross country skiing (about 3 mph) Cycling flat terrain (greater than 10 mph) or hard on a exercise bicycle or rowing machine Heavy gardening: digging, hoeing, chopping wood, lifting heavy loads and working for sustained periods of time Playing COMPETITIVE sports with lots of constant running (basketball, hockey, soccer, volleyball, singles tennis, racquetball). Obviously this depends upon the level of play and effort but to qualify would require sustained effort with minimal break or stoppage.