Articles
Exercise intensity: How to measure it
Moderate exercise intensity
Vigorous exercise intensity
Overexerting yourself
How to determine your target zone
How to tell if you're in the zone
Target heart rate tips
Content
Choosing your exercise intensity
Understanding exercise intensity
Gauging intensity by how you feel
Gauging intensity using your heart rate
Reap the rewards of exercise intensity
Gauging intensity by how you feel
Here are some clues to help you judge your exercise intensity.
Moderate exercise intensity
Moderate activity feels somewhat hard. Here are clues that your exercise intensity is at a moderate level:
- Your breathing quickens, but you're not out of breath.
- You develop a light sweat after about 10 minutes of activity.
- You can carry on a conversation, but you can't sing.
Vigorous exercise intensity
Vigorous activity feels challenging. Here are clues that your exercise intensity is at a vigorous level:
- Your breathing is deep and rapid.
- You develop a sweat after only a few minutes of activity.
- You can't say more than a few words without pausing for breath.
Overexerting yourself
Beware of pushing yourself too hard too often. If you are short of breath, are in pain or can't work out as long as you'd planned, your exercise intensity is probably higher than your fitness level allows. Back off a bit and build intensity gradually.
