The talk test method of measuring exertion simply measures whether someone is able to sing or talk during exercise. While exercising at a light intensity level, a person should be able to sing while performing the workout.

While exercising at a moderate intensity level, people should be able to carry on a conversation comfortably. If they are too out of breath to carry on a conversation, they are exercising at a vigorous level and should reduce their intensity level. Follow this good rule of thumb for staying within an appropriate level of exertion: a person should be able to carry on a conversation, but should be working out hard enough that they don’t really want to talk.

Again, according to the parameters of the talk test, a person who is gasping and unable to talk has probably reached or exceeded his or her aerobic zone. The intensity of the workout may be too hard at this point and should be modified.