A subjective scale used to rate how hard exercise feels, from very light to maximum effort.
FULL EXPLANATION
Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE) is a subjective measure of exercise intensity based on how hard you feel you're working. The most common scale runs from 1-10, where 1 is very light effort and 10 is maximum effort.
RPE is valuable because it accounts for individual variation in fitness, fatigue, and daily readiness. It correlates well with objective measures like heart rate and can be used to regulate training intensity without equipment.
WHY IT MATTERS
RPE provides a practical, equipment-free method for regulating training intensity and can help prevent overtraining by accounting for daily variations in readiness.
HOW TO IMPROVE
Develop RPE accuracy by comparing perceived effort with objective measures (heart rate, pace, power) over time. Use RPE consistently in training logs.
NORMAL RANGES
1-10 scale: 1-2 very light, 3-4 light, 5-6 moderate, 7-8 hard, 9-10 very hard to maximum. Some use modified Borg scale of 6-20.
RELATED TERMS
Training Volume
The total amount of work performed in training, typically calculated as sets x reps x weight.
Zone 2 Training
Low to moderate intensity cardio training that maximizes fat oxidation and builds aerobic base without accumulating significant fatigue.
Lactate Threshold
The exercise intensity at which lactate accumulates in the blood faster than it can be cleared, marking the transition from sustainable to unsustainable effort.
More in Fitness Metrics
View all →Training Volume
Well-EstablishedThe total amount of work performed in training, typically calculated as sets x reps x weight.
Zone 2 Training
Well-EstablishedLow to moderate intensity cardio training that maximizes fat oxidation and builds aerobic base without accumulating significant fatigue.
Lactate Threshold
Well-EstablishedThe exercise intensity at which lactate accumulates in the blood faster than it can be cleared, marking the transition from sustainable to unsustainable effort.