Talk Test

If you don’t want to track your heart rate, there are other ways to determine your intensity during exercise. One method is the talk test.

When you are exercising at a moderate intensity level, you shouldn’t be so winded that you cannot talk. You should still be able to carry on a conversation with your workout partner. However, you should be working hard enough that you do not have enough breath to sing.

If you are doing intervals or performing at a more vigorous intensity level, your ability to hold a fluent conversation may be more stilted.