Talk test

The talk test gauges aerobic exercise intensity by how easily a client can carry on a conversation.^{1International Personal Trainer Academy, Certified Personal Trainer Textbook, p. 211.} ACSM calls it valid and reliable, a reasonable stand-in for the lactate threshold, ventilatory threshold and respiratory compensation point across a broad range of people.^{2Ozemek et al., ACSM’s Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription, 12th ed., p. 347.} ACSM recommends it as a primary method for prescribing and monitoring intensity.^{2Ozemek et al., ACSM’s Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription, 12th ed., p. 347.}

Have the client recite something familiar or read a passage of about 30 words, then ask whether they can speak comfortably.^{2Ozemek et al., ACSM’s Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription, 12th ed., p. 347.} A yes means they’re probably below the ventilatory threshold, an unsure answer means near it, and a no means above it.^{2Ozemek et al., ACSM’s Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription, 12th ed., p. 347.}

In practice

• Easy full conversation or singing means low intensity; talking comfortably with breaths between sentences means moderate; only a few words at a time means high.^{1International Personal Trainer Academy, Certified Personal Trainer Textbook, p. 211.}
• To find a VT1 heart rate, raise the workload in small steps (such as 0.5 mph, 1% grade or 15 watts) every 60 to 120 seconds and have the client speak at each stage.^{3International Personal Trainer Academy, Certified Personal Trainer Textbook, p. 194.} VT1 is reached when they can’t string together 5 to 10 words between deep breaths; record the heart rate there.^{3International Personal Trainer Academy, Certified Personal Trainer Textbook, p. 194.}
• Viada’s version uses a 20-word sentence and 30-second stages, stopping when the client can’t finish the sentence without a breath or real effort.^{4Viada, The Ultimate Hybrid Athlete, p. 306.}
• A pregnant client should be able to keep up a conversation and should ease off if they can’t talk without getting out of breath.^{5Ozemek et al., ACSM’s Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription, 12th ed., p. 409.}