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Exercise Intensity

Meaning

A measure of the physical effort expended during exercise, quantifying how hard the body is working relative to its maximum capacity. Clinically, this is often assessed using objective metrics like heart rate (as a percentage of maximum heart rate or heart rate reserve) or metabolic equivalents (METs), or subjectively via the Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE). The intensity of physical activity is a critical determinant of the acute and chronic hormonal adaptations, impacting everything from cortisol release to insulin sensitivity.