Name a reliable method for monitoring training intensity.

Heart rate monitoring is a reliable method for tracking training intensity because it provides quantitative data on the physiological response of the body to exercise. When individuals engage in physical activity, their heart rate increases in relation to the intensity of the effort. By measuring heart rate, trainers and athletes can determine whether they are working within a specific training zone, which can be tailored to achieve different fitness goals, such as improving cardiovascular endurance or maximizing performance in tactical scenarios.

Using heart rate as a metric allows for objective monitoring that is beneficial for both high-intensity and low-intensity workouts. It also helps prevent overtraining or undertraining by indicating whether an athlete is performing at the appropriate intensity level for their current fitness state. Advanced devices and apps now facilitate heart rate monitoring, making it accessible for a broad range of training environments and populations.

While other methods, such as the perceived exertion scale, can offer insights into how hard a person feels they are working, these are subjective and may not accurately reflect the physiological demands of the exercise. Measurements like bodyweight changes and workout duration can provide valuable information about overall fitness progress but do not directly measure exercise intensity in the way heart rate monitoring does.