Which of the following is a method for measuring exercise intensity?

Taking a pulse measurement is a well-established method for measuring exercise intensity because it provides direct data on how hard the heart is working during physical activity. When you exercise, your heart rate increases to supply more oxygen to the muscles, making pulse measurement a reliable indicator of exertion level.

By monitoring heart rate, individuals can determine whether they are exercising within their target heart rate zone, which is crucial for optimizing cardiovascular benefits and ensuring safety. This method also allows for the adjustment of exercise intensity—if the heart rate is too low, the individual may need to increase their intensity; conversely, if it's too high, they might need to reduce their effort to avoid overexertion.

In contrast, body composition analysis focuses on the body's fat and muscle distribution rather than how intensely one is exercising. Recording workout duration provides information about the length of time spent exercising but does not reflect the effort exerted during that time. Similarly, tracking muscle gains indicates strength progress but does not directly measure the intensity of aerobic or cardiovascular exercise. Therefore, taking a pulse measurement stands out as the most effective method for gauging exercise intensity.