Final answer:
To perform the talk test, monitor your ability to speak during exercise; if you can talk but not sing, it's moderate intensity, and if you can only say a few words at a time, it's vigorous intensity.
Step-by-step explanation:
To use the talk test to determine the intensity level of your exercise, you would assess your ability to speak while engaging in physical activity. If you can have a conversation comfortably without needing to catch your breath, you are likely doing moderate-intensity aerobic activity. You should be able to talk but not sing a full song. However, if your workout is so intense that you can only utter a few words before needing to pause for breath, you are engaged in vigorous-intensity activity.
This simple, yet effective method does not require any equipment and can be used at any time during your workout to gauge whether you’re working within the recommended intensity levels for cardiovascular health as suggested by the 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines.