Learn how to easily test your workout intensity.

As discussed previously in my blog post about the Fat Burning Zone Myth, the intensity of your cardio workout (and your strength training workout as well) is what makes or breaks your fitness goals. The talk test is commonly used to determine your workout intensity. Simply put:

If you can hold a conversation continuously with a friend during your workout, you are not challenging yourself enough and your workout intensity is low.

If you cannot talk at all, you are pushing yourself too much and run the risk of overtraining. At that point, your workout intensity is very high and potentially harmful.

Therefore, you want to be somewhat in the middle of these two scenarios. For example, if I came up and asked you a question in the middle of your workout, you could still answer me but you should definitely be a little out of breath and sweating pretty good. Your average workout intensity should be moderate to high for maximal results.

Easy enough? Then get to it!

Do your workouts hold up to the talk test? Post your comments below.