Increased velocity at VO2max and load carriage performance in army ROTC cadets: prescription using the critical velocity concept.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of using the critical velocity (CV) concept to prescribe two separate high-intensity interval training (HIT) exercise programs aimed at enhancing CV and load carriage performance. 20 young adult participants (male = 15, female = 5) underwent a 4-week training period where they exercised 2 d wk-1. Participants were randomly assigned into two groups: (1) HIT or (2) Load Carriage-HIT (LCHIT). Pre- and post-training assessments included running 3-minute All-Out Test (3MT) to determine critical velocity (CV) and distance prime (D') and two load carriage tasks (400 and 3200 m). There were significant increases in CV (p = 0.005) and velocity at V˙ O2max (vV˙ O2max) (p = 0.037) among the sample but not between training groups. Improvements were observed in 3200 m load carriage performance time (p < 0.001) with a 9.8 and 5.4% decrease in the LCHIT and HIT groups, respectively. Practitioner summary: Critical velocity has shown efficacy as a marker for performance in tactical populations. With the addition of load carriage, there is a reduction in the individual's CV. The CV-concept-prescribed exercises (HIT and LCHIT) 2 days per week for 4 weeks showed improvements in CV, vV˙ O2max and load carriage performance. The use of the CV concept provides a method to prescribe HIT to increase running and load carriage performances in tactical populations.

Dynamics of pleasure-displeasure at the limit of exercise tolerance: conceptualizing the sense of exertional physical fatigue as an affective response.

The search for variables involved in the regulation and termination of exercise performance has led to integrative models that attribute a central role to the brain and utilize an array of psychological terms (e.g. sensation, perception, discomfort, tolerance). We propose that theorizing about exercise regulation would benefit from establishing cross-disciplinary bridges to research fields, such as affective psychology and neuroscience, in which changes along the dimension of pleasure-displeasure are considered the main channel via which homeostatic perturbations enter consciousness and dictate corrective action (slowing down or stopping). We hypothesized that ratings of pleasure-displeasure would respond to the severity of homeostatic perturbation and would be related to time to exhaustion during exercise performed at an unsustainable intensity. In a within-subjects experiment (N=15, 13 men and 2 women, age 23.4±2.2 years; maximal oxygen uptake 46.0±8.0 ml kg-1 min-1), we compared the slope of ratings of pleasure-displeasure (acquired every 1 min) during cycling exercise at a power output 10% above critical power until volitional termination under glycogen-loaded and glycogen-depleted conditions. As hypothesized, ratings of pleasure-displeasure declined more steeply under glycogen depletion (P=0.009, d=0.70) and correlated closely with time to exhaustion under both glycogen-loaded (r=0.85; P<0.001) and glycogen-depleted conditions (r=0.83; P<0.001). We conclude that in exercise, as in other domains, changes in pleasure-displeasure may be the main channel via which homeostatic perturbations enter consciousness. This proposal may have important implications for conceptualizing and identifying the neurobiological mechanisms of the sense of exertional physical fatigue.

Energetics of male field-sport athletes during the 3-min all-out test for linear and shuttle-based running.

PURPOSE: All-out, non-steady state running makes for difficult comparisons regarding linear and shuttle running; yet such differences remain an important distinction for field-based sports. The purpose of the study was to determine whether an energetic approach could be used to differentiate all-out linear from shuttle running. METHODS: Fifteen male field-sport athletes volunteered for the study (means ± SD): age, 21.53 ± 2.23 years; height, 1.78 ± 0.68 m; weight, 83.85 ± 11.73 kg. Athletes completed a graded exercise test, a 3-min linear all-out test and two all-out shuttle tests of varied distances (25 m and 50 m shuttles). RESULTS: Significant differences between the all-out tests were found for critical speed (CS) [F(8.97), p < 0.001), D' (finite capacity for running speeds exceeding critical speed) [F(7.83), p = 0.001], total distance covered [F(85.31), p < 0.001], peak energetic cost ([Formula: see text]) [F(45.60), p < 0.001], peak metabolic power ([Formula: see text]) [F(23.36), p < 0.001], average [Formula: see text] [F(548.74), p < 0.001], maximal speed [F(22.87), p < 0.001] and fatigue index [F(3.93), p = 0.027]. Non-significant differences were evident for average [Formula: see text] [F(2.47), p = 0.097], total [Formula: see text] [F(0.86), p = 0.416] and total [Formula: see text] [F(2.11), p = 0.134]. CONCLUSIONS: The energetic approach provides insights into performance characteristics that differentiate linear from shuttle running, yet surprising similarities between tests were evident. Key parameters from all-out linear and shuttle running appear to be partly interchangeable between tests, indicating that the final choice between linear and shuttle testing should be based on the requirements of the sport.

Validation of the 3-Minute All-Out Exercise Test for Shuttle Running Prescription.

Saari, A, Dicks, ND, Hartman, ME, and Pettitt, RW. Validation of the 3-minute all-out exercise test for shuttle running prescription. J Strength Cond Res 33(6): 1679-1685, 2019-A 3-minute all-out exercise test (3 MT) for running has been developed to determine critical speed (CS) and finite capacity for running speeds > CS (D') which allow for the prediction of time limits (TLIMs) associated with running different distances. Most team sports require shuttle running; however, the 3 MT was validated for uninterrupted, track running and not shuttle running. The purpose of this study was to examine the efficacy of shuttle running 3 MT to determine CS and D'. A total of 12 subjects were tested using a baseline 3 MT along with 3 separate distance time trials of all-out shuttle running to determine true CS and D'. The 3 MT (2.94 ± 0.39 m·s) and the true CS (3.00 ± 0.36 m·s) for shuttle running did not differ (p = 0.71) and had a coefficient of variation (CV) of 7.7%. Conversely, D' from the 3 MT exceeded true D' by 42 m (p = 0.04, CV = 36%). The TLIMs estimated for the 3 different distances were within ∼2-6% (p = 0.60). Based on these outcomes, the shuttle run 3 MT may offer a suitable method for prescribing shuttle running interval training.

Validity of a customized submaximal treadmill protocol for determining VO2max.

INTRODUCTION: A customized submaximal exercise test for cycle ergometry was reported as a superior estimate of maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max) in comparison to the traditional YMCA ergometry test. PURPOSE: Following similar methodology, we sought to validate a customized submaximal treadmill test (CustomTM) compared with the widely used Bruce submaximal protocol. METHODS: Participants (29 women and 21 men; age = 31.37 ± 11.44 year, BMI = 24.02 ± 3.03) performed a graded exercise test (GXT) with a subsequent exhaustive, square-wave bout for the verification of "true" VO2max. In counterbalanced order, subjects then completed submaximal protocols. The CustomTM protocol consisted of two 3-min stages estimated at 35 and 70% of VO2max, where VO2max was estimated with a linear regression equation utilizing sex, BMI, age, and self-reported physical activity. RESULTS: VO2 values from the GXT and verification bout were 47.2 ± 7.7 and 47.0 ± 7.7 ml kg-1 min-1, respectively (ICC = 0.99, CV = 2.0%, TE = 0.83 ml kg-1 min-1), with the highest value used as "true" VO2max (47.7 ± 7.7 ml kg-1 min-1). Neither the Bruce (45.95 ± 6.97 ml kg-1 min-1) nor the CustomTM (47.3 ± 9.4 ml kg-1 min-1) protocol differed from "true" VO2max. The CustomTM had a "very large" measurement agreement with "true" VO2max (ICC = 0.78, CV of 9.1%, TE = 4.07 ml kg-1 min-1). Bruce had a "large" measurement agreement with "true" VO2max (ICC = 0.62, CV of 10.0%, TE = 4.51 ml kg-1 min-1). CONCLUSION: The CustomTM was superior to the Bruce protocol, because it included a stage below and above gas exchange threshold, yielded a better measurement agreement for "true" VO2max, and was more time efficient.

Normative Data for Critical Speed and D' for High-Level Male Rugby Players.

Kramer, M, Clark, IE, Jamnick, N, Strom, C, and Pettitt, RW. Normative data for critical speed and D' for high-level male rugby players. J Strength Cond Res 32(3): 783-789, 2018-The critical speed (CS) concept helps characterize the aerobic and anaerobic fitness of an athlete. Rugby players should, hypothetically, have modest CS values but extremely high curvature constant (D') values, yet, normative data are currently unavailable. To develop normative data of CS and D' for high-level male rugby players, a total of 30 male rugby players were recruited from the Eastern Cape of South Africa. All subjects performed the running 3-minute all-out exercise test (3 MT) using global positioning system (GPS) technology to determine CS and D'. The GPS data were used to determine the total distance and velocities performed, and to examine for pacing effects. Summary statistics of mean ± SD are provided. High total running speeds for the initial 150 seconds (S150s = 5.79 ± 0.59 m·s), and total distance (3 MT distance = 871.5 ± 71.9 m) were observed. A total of 13 of 30 subjects surpassed the 300 m D' value (mean D' = 288.2 ± 49.1 m). The CS of the total group was 3.87 ± 0.55 m·s. All 3 MT-derived data were categorized using standard nine (stanine) tables that allowed for the generation of normative data with which future performances, performances across similar sporting domains, and more accurate contrasts across the literature can be compared. Skewing of CS and D' was observed between forwards and backs, therefore, between-group differences in neither CS nor D' were observed (p > 0.05). Comparisons with previous literature indicate that male rugby players have higher CS values than female rugby players. When compared with Olympic distance runners, male rugby players have markedly higher D' values and markedly lower CS values. The 3 MT provides a useful procedure for assessing and prescribing high-intensity interval training for rugby athletes.

Acute moderate exercise does not attenuate cardiometabolic function associated with a bout of prolonged sitting.

Epidemiological studies suggest that prolonged sitting increases all-cause mortality; yet, physiological causes underpinning prolonged sitting remain elusive. We evaluated cardiometabolic function during prolonged sitting (5 h) in 10 adults with and without 30 min of moderate exercise leading up to the sitting. Mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR) and posterior tibial artery blood velocity were measured at baseline and every hour subsequently. Blood glucose was measured at baseline, 3 and 5 h, with consumption of a caloric beverage at 1 h. Seated MAP and HR values were ~17 mmHg (P < 0.001) and ~4 bpm (P < 0.05) higher for the moderate exercise versus sitting conditions. A ~ 4 cm·s(-1) (16%) (P < 0.05) decline in posterior tibial artery blood velocity from prolonged sitting was observed, with no benefit conferred from moderate exercise. Postprandial glucose metabolism was not different between conditions (P > 0.05). We conclude prolonged sitting may be related to decreased posterior tibial artery blood velocity. Moreover, an acute bout of moderate exercise does not seem to attenuate cardiometabolic function during prolonged sitting in healthy, young adults.

Validity of the 3-Minute All-Out Exercise Test on the CompuTrainer.

The 3-minute all-out exercise test (3MT) has emerged as a useful procedure for identifying critical power (CP) and the finite work capacity above CP (W') within a single visit. The CP concept enables for the prediction of exhaustive time limits (T(LIMs)) for a wide range of severe intensity power outputs and is a method for prescribing high-intensity interval training (HIIT). Road cyclists often use the CompuTrainer for indoor HIIT. The purpose of this study was to validate the 3MT for use on the CompuTrainer. On 4 separate visits, 10 competitive cyclists performed a 3MT, and three separate constant-load bouts projected to yield exhaustive T(LIMs) of 3, 6, and 9 minutes, respectively, using the Computrainer. Actual CP and W' were calculated using the linear work-time (W-t) and power-inverse time (1/t) models. The results for CP (W) from the 3MT (215 ± 40), the W-t model (212 ± 36), and the 1/t model (213 ± 36) did not differ (F = 2.96, p = 0.11, η2(p) = 0.43). Similarly, the results for W' (kJ) for the 3MT (11.2 ± 4.0), the W-t model (12.1 ± 6.5), and the 1/s model (11.7 ± 6.3) did not differ (F = 2.40, p = 0.15, η2(p) = 0.375). We conclude that use of the 3MT and the CP concept for performance assessment and HIIT prescription on the CompuTrainer is a valid procedure.

Influence of Load Carriage on High-Intensity Running Performance Estimation.

Load carriage is a necessary burden for tactical athletes. A combination of training modes, including aerobic conditioning and progressive load carriage, may lead to improved performance. The critical speed (CS) concept enables the practitioner to prescribe high-intensity interval training (HIIT) time limits (TLIMs) from a single 3-minute all-out exercise test (3 MT). We sought to examine the effect of a standard load carriage (18.86 kg) on CS and the finite running capacity > CS (D'). A group of trained subjects (age: 26 ± 5 years, height: 181 ± 4 cm, body mass [BM]: 90 ± 14 kg) completed a loaded and unloaded (UL) 3 MT. The CS was reduced by 0.66 ± 0.24 m·s (p < 0.01) in the loaded condition. There was a small nonsignificant increase in D' (21.25 ± 39.53 m, p = 0.07). The higher the % load carriage relative to BM is, the greater decline in CS (r = 0.83, p < 0.01). A revised CS with load carriage from the UL 3 MT may be calculated using: adjusted CS = original CS + ([-0.0638 × %load]) + 0.6982. Our results indicate that revised CS and TLIMs for fixed distance, fixed time, or fixed speed HIIT prescriptions may be derived from a UL 3 MT. Such calculations would enable more expeditious training for tactical athletes. We recommend further research involving implementation of HIIT using this new method.

Alternative procedures for the three-minute all-out exercise test.

The cycling 3-minute all-out exercise test (3 MT) provides the measures of critical power (CP) and the curvature constant (W') for the relationship between power and time limit to exhaustion in the severe exercise domain. The original procedures for the 3 MT required a preliminary graded exercise test (GXT) to establish the linear factor and the fixed load for the test. We evaluated a new procedure of establishing the load for the 3 MT using a percentage of body mass (% BM). Fifteen subjects of varied fitness levels completed a custom GXT-verification protocol to establish the gas exchange threshold and V[Combining Dot Above]O2max, a 3 MT using a load derived with the linear factor, and a 3 MT using a % BM. The subjects also completed a subsequent exhaustive bout at 10% above CP. The CP and W' estimated from either protocol did not differ. The CP estimates were consistent (α = 0.97, SEM = 7.1 W, coefficient of variation = 4%); however, W' was less reliable, a finding true of any method of measuring W'. The V[Combining Dot Above]O2 evoked during the 3 MT was lower than the values evoked by the exhaustive GXT-verification bouts and the 10% above CP bout after the 3 MT. All individual V[Combining Dot Above]O2 values in the 10% above CP bout were "≥" values measured in the 3 MT. Our findings indicate that several viable procedures for administering the 3 MT are plausible.

Acute response of high-intensity and traditional resistance exercise on anaerobic power.

Quantifying the maximal work capacity (W') above the aerobic critical power (CP) has emerged as a method for estimating anaerobic work capacity. Slower cadence, lower-load resistance training (RT), colloquially referred to as high-intensity training (HIT), is purported to be a better metabolic stressor than faster cadence higher-load RT, but to date, this belief has not been supported by research. We compared the acute effects of HIT and traditional RT bouts on average power within a 150-second time period (P(150 s)), CP, and W', as measured from a 3-minute all-out exercise test using cycling ergometry (3 MT). Eight recreationally active male subjects (mean ± SD: age 22 ± 2 years, body mass 85 ± 14 kg, and height 18 ± 9 cm) completed a baseline 3 MT 10 repetition maximum testing on leg press and leg extension machines, and post-bout 3 MTs after an HIT (4:2 second cadence) or a traditional RT bout (1:1 second cadence). Measurements of CP from the 3 MTs were similar between the baseline, post-HIT (α = 0.96), and post-traditional RT bouts (α = 0.98). Neither HIT (269.2 ± 51.3 W) nor traditional RT (275.1 ± 51.3 W) evoked depreciations (p > 0.05) in P(150 s) from the baseline (275.1 ± 45.4 W). Moreover, estimates of W' at the baseline (8.3 ± 3.2 kJ) were unaffected (p > 0.05) either by the HIT (7.6 ± 2.3 kJ) or by the traditional RT (8.3 ± 1.3 kJ) bouts. These data indicate that the 4:2 cadence is insufficient to exhaust a person's capacity for high-intensity work. Longer RT durations, either by slower cadences or by multiple sets, are necessary to evoke substantive declines on W' and should be investigated.

Gas exchange threshold and VO2max testing for athletes: an update.

Standardized graded exercise test (GXT) protocols are ineffective for testing endurance athletes. Scientists have called for the abandonment of traditional techniques for corroborating "true" maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max), as measured during a GXT. Instead, a new technique, the verification bout subsequent to the GXT, has emerged for establishing the "true" VO2max. The addition of the verification bout reframes how the GXT should be viewed. In this article, we summarize the methods for developing custom GXT protocols, identifying threshold and interpolating power or outdoor running velocity, and implicating the verification bout.

Do the noncaffeine ingredients of energy drinks affect metabolic responses to heavy exercise?

Energy drinks (EDs) such as Red Bull (RB) are marketed to enhance metabolism. Secondary ingredients of EDs (e.g., taurine) have been purported to improve time trial performance; however, little research exists on how such secondary ingredients affect aerobic metabolism during heavy exercise. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of the secondary ingredients of RB on aerobic metabolism during and subsequent to heavy exercise. In double-blind, counterbalanced, and crossover fashion, 8 recreationally trained individuals completed a graded exercise test to determine the gas exchange threshold (GET). Subjects returned on 2 separate occasions and ingested either a 245 ml serving of RB or a control (CTRL) drink with the equivalent caffeine before engaging in two 10-minute constant-load cycling bouts, at an intensity equivalent to GET, with 3 minutes of rest between bouts. Accumulated liters of O2 (10 minutes) were higher for the first bout (17.1 ± 3.5 L) vs. the second bout (16.7 ± 3.5 L) but did not differ between drinks. Similarly, excess postexercise oxygen consumption was higher after the initial bout (RB mean, 2.6 ± 0.85 L; CTRL mean, 2.9 ± 0.90 L) vs. the second bout (RB mean, 1.5 ± 0.85 L; CTRL mean, 1.9 ± 0.87 L) but did not differ between drinks. No differences occurred between drinks for measures of heart rate or rating of perceived exertion. These results indicate that the secondary ingredients contained in a single serving of RB do not augment aerobic metabolism during or subsequent to heavy exercise.

Applying the critical velocity model for an off-season interval training program.

The critical velocity (CV) model offers an opportunity to prescribe and to test empirically different velocity-time (V-t) configurations of high-intensity interval training (HIIT); however, such experiments are lacking. We evaluated a group of competitive, female soccer players (age = 19 ± 1 years, height = 168 ± 6 cm, mass = 61 ± 6 kg) completing 1 of 2 different HIIT regimes: a short group (n = 6) completing higher V and shorter t configurations, and a long group (n = 10) completing lower V, longer t configurations. Both groups trained 2 d·wk for 4 weeks. For each workout, both groups ran at velocities exceeding CV and designed to deplete identical fractional percentages of the finite work capacity above CV (D'). The metrics of CV and D' were evaluated at pretraining and posttraining using the 3-minute all-out exercise test on an indoor track using video digitizing of displacement relative to time. Despite differences in the V-t configurations, both groups increased their CV (+0.22 m·s, +6%) and decreased their D' (-24 m, -13%; p < 0.05). We conclude that 2- to 5-minute HIIT bouts are suitable for increasing CV, in previously trained athletes, but they result in a decline of D'. To increase D', we suggest examining HIIT of intensities that are <2 minutes and >130% of maximum oxygen uptake.

Evaluation of circuit-training intensity for firefighters.

Firefighters are required to perform a variety of strenuous occupational tasks that require high levels of both aerobic and anaerobic fitness. Thus, it is critical that firefighters train at an appropriate intensity to develop adequate levels of aerobic and anaerobic fitness. Circuit training is a unique training method that stresses both energy systems and therefore may be a viable training method to enhance firefighter preparedness. Thus, the purpose of this study was to compare the aerobic and anaerobic intensities of a circuit-based workout to physiological data previously reported on firefighters performing fire suppression and rescue tasks. Twenty career firefighters performed a workout that included 2 rotations of 12 exercises that stressed all major muscle groups. Heart rate was recorded at the completion of each exercise. Blood lactate was measured before and approximately 5 minutes after the workout. The workout heart rate and post-workout blood lactate responses were statistically compared to data reported on firefighters performing fire suppression and rescue tasks. The mean circuit-training heart rate was similar to previously reported heart rate responses from firefighters performing simulated smoke-diving tasks (79 ± 5 vs. 79 ± 6% maximum heart rate [HRmax], p = 0.741), but lower than previously reported heart rate responses from firefighters performing fire suppression tasks (79 ± 5 vs. 88 ± 6% HRmax, p < 0.001). The workout produced a similar peak blood lactate compared to that when performing firefighting tasks (12 ± 3 vs. 13 ± 3 mmol·L(-1), p = 0.084). In general, the circuit-based workout produced a lower cardiovascular stress but a similar anaerobic stress as compared to performing firefighting tasks. Therefore, firefighters should supplement low-intensity circuit-training programs with high-intensity cardiovascular and resistance training (e.g., ≥85% 1-repetition maximum) exercises to adequately prepare for the variable physical demands of firefighting.

Effect of hang cleans or squats paired with countermovement vertical jumps on vertical displacement.

Complex training is characterized by pairing resistance exercise with plyometric exercise to exploit the postactivation potentiation (PAP) phenomenon, thereby promising a better training effect. Studies on PAP as measured by human power performances are equivocal. One issue may be the lack of analyses across multiple sets of paired exercises, a common practice used by athletes. We evaluated countermovement vertical jump (CMJ) performance in 19 women, collegiate athletes in 3 of the following trials: (a) CMJs-only, where 1 set of CMJs served as a conditioning exercise, (b) heavy-load, back squats paired with CMJs, and (c) hang cleans paired with CMJs. The CMJ vertical displacement (3-attempt average), as measured with digital video, served as the dependent variable of CMJ performance. Across 3 sets of paired-exercise regimens, CMJ-only depreciated 1.6 cm and CMJ paired with back squats depreciated 2.0 cm (main effect, p < 0.05). Conversely, CMJ paired with hang cleans depreciated 0.30 cm (interaction, p < 0.05). Thus, the best complex training scheme was achieved by pairing CMJs with hang cleans in comparison to back squats or CMJs in and of themselves. Future research on exercise modes of complex training that best help athletes preserve and train with the highest power possible, in a given training session, is warranted.

Optimization of the Critical Speed Concept for Tactical Professionals: A Brief Review.

Tactical professionals often depend on their physical ability and fitness to perform and complete occupational tasks to successfully provide public services or survive on the battlefield. Critical speed (CS), or maximal aerobic steady-state, is a purported measure that predicts performance, prescribes exercise, and detects training adaptions with application to tactical professionals. The CS concept has the versatility to adapt to training with load carriage as an integrated bioenergetic system approach for assessment. The aims of this review are to: (1) provide an overview of tactical populations and the CS concept; (2) describe the different methods and equipment used in CS testing; (3) review the literature on CS associated with tactical occupational tasks; and (4) demonstrate the use of CS-derived exercise prescriptions for tactical populations.

The standard difference score: a new statistic for evaluating strength and conditioning programs.

Inferential statistics help the strength and conditioning specialist to determine if a team is responding to a strength and conditioning program overall; however, such statistics do not detect unusual responses among individuals such as those who may be overtraining. This article introduces the standard difference score (SDS), a new statistic for evaluating strength and conditioning programs. The SDSs are standard scores (z score) derived from a change in a raw strength and conditioning performance score. They are simple to calculate and sort, easy to plot, and can be aggregated to detect athletes exhibiting extreme performance changes from a battery of tests. Standard difference scores, when evaluated with skewness, can be substituted for conventional exploratory statistics generated with higher end statistical software programs.

An Examination and Critique of Current Methods to Determine Exercise Intensity.

Prescribing the frequency, duration, or volume of training is simple as these factors can be altered by manipulating the number of exercise sessions per week, the duration of each session, or the total work performed in a given time frame (e.g., per week). However, prescribing exercise intensity is complex and controversy exists regarding the reliability and validity of the methods used to determine and prescribe intensity. This controversy arises from the absence of an agreed framework for assessing the construct validity of different methods used to determine exercise intensity. In this review, we have evaluated the construct validity of different methods for prescribing exercise intensity based on their ability to provoke homeostatic disturbances (e.g., changes in oxygen uptake kinetics and blood lactate) consistent with the moderate, heavy, and severe domains of exercise. Methods for prescribing exercise intensity include a percentage of anchor measurements, such as maximal oxygen uptake ([Formula: see text]), peak oxygen uptake ([Formula: see text]), maximum heart rate (HRmax), and maximum work rate (i.e., power or velocity-[Formula: see text] or [Formula: see text], respectively), derived from a graded exercise test (GXT). However, despite their common use, it is apparent that prescribing exercise intensity based on a fixed percentage of these maximal anchors has little merit for eliciting distinct or domain-specific homeostatic perturbations. Some have advocated using submaximal anchors, including the ventilatory threshold (VT), the gas exchange threshold (GET), the respiratory compensation point (RCP), the first and second lactate threshold (LT1 and LT2), the maximal lactate steady state (MLSS), critical power (CP), and critical speed (CS). There is some evidence to support the validity of LT1, GET, and VT to delineate the moderate and heavy domains of exercise. However, there is little evidence to support the validity of most commonly used methods, with exception of CP and CS, to delineate the heavy and severe domains of exercise. As acute responses to exercise are not always predictive of chronic adaptations, training studies are required to verify whether different methods to prescribe exercise will affect adaptations to training. Better ways to prescribe exercise intensity should help sport scientists, researchers, clinicians, and coaches to design more effective training programs to achieve greater improvements in health and athletic performance.