Which of the following is NOT a primary method for planning and detecting exercise intensity?

Body mass index (BMI) assessment is not a primary method for planning and detecting exercise intensity. Instead, it is a measure of body composition that provides an indication of body weight relative to height, helping to categorize individuals as underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese. While BMI can be useful in assessing general health and risk for certain diseases, it does not measure how hard a person is exercising or their physical exertion during workouts.

In contrast, the other methods mentioned—oxygen uptake, heart rate monitoring, and perceived exertion—are directly related to assessing exercise intensity. Oxygen uptake indicates how much oxygen the body is using during physical activity and is an excellent measure of cardiovascular fitness and exercise intensity. Heart rate monitoring provides real-time feedback on how hard the heart is working during exercise, offering insight into exercise intensity. Perceived exertion, measured often through scales like the Borg Scale, reflects an individual's subjective assessment of their effort during physical activity, which can be a useful indicator of intensity. These methods are critical for designing effective exercise programs and ensuring that clients are working at appropriate levels of intensity.