Which coaching cue would be least effective during a Push phase?

During a Push phase, the objective is to challenge participants to reach a higher intensity level, typically characterized by an effort that feels noticeably harder than a standard pace. The key to this phase is to encourage members to push beyond their comfort zones and to elevate their heart rates.

The cue to "Take a slow, steady pace" does not align with the energy and intensity required during a Push phase. This instruction might lead participants to maintain a less challenging intensity, which can undermine the purpose of this phase—finding and sustaining an effort that feels uncomfortable yet achievable.

In contrast, cues that emphasize maintaining high intensity, slight increases in speed, and focusing on form and breathing while exerting effort are much more effective for promoting the desired outcomes during the Push phase. Therefore, the chosen coaching cue would be least effective in motivating participants to push themselves as intended during that segment of the workout.