What is rate of perceived exertion (RPE)

Rate of perceived exertion (RPE) is a measure of how hard a person feels like they are working during exercise. It is a subjective measure that is based on the person's own perception of their effort.

RPE is typically measured on a scale of 0-10, with 0 being no effort at all and 10 being maximal effort. A person's RPE can be influenced by a variety of factors, including the intensity of the exercise, the duration of the exercise, and the person's fitness level.

RPE can be a useful tool for tracking the intensity of a person's workouts. For example, if a person's goal is to perform a moderate-intensity workout, they might aim for an RPE of 5-7 on the scale. This can help ensure that they are working at the appropriate intensity to achieve their goals.

RPE can also be used to monitor progress over time. For example, if a person's RPE for a given exercise decreases over time, it may indicate that they are getting stronger or more fit. On the other hand, if their RPE increases over time, it may indicate that they are struggling to maintain their fitness level.

In conclusion, rate of perceived exertion (RPE) is a measure of how hard a person feels like they are working during exercise. It is a subjective measure that is based on the person's own perception of their effort and can be useful for tracking the intensity of workouts and monitoring progress over time.