Cardiovasular Training Intensity Based on Feel

Another way to monitor cardiovascular training intensity is to use a "perceived exertion scale". This basically means listening to your body in terms of pushing yourself, and gradually increasing the intensity as you progress. One scale goes from 1-10, with a 1 meaning you are at rest, 5 being a moderate intensity (e.g. comfortable walk), and with a 10 meaning you are going as hard as you can. This method will work well if you can push yourself, but if you need a lot of external motivation then this method may not be very helpful for you.