RPE = Rating of Perceived Exertion.

This table, based on the research of Borg is great for figuring out the
intensity of exercise. It is used in research Studies for that purpose, and
may also be used in training programs to describe perceived exertion in
exercise sessions. There are 2 versions of this scale. A 0-10 Scale and
another Scale rating between 6-20.

Here’s the 1-10 Scale:

rating

description

0

NOTHING AT ALL

0.5

VERY, VERY LIGHT

1

VERY LIGHT

2

FAIRLY LIGHT

3

MODERATE

4

SOMEWHAT HARD

5

HARD

6

7

VERY HARD

8

9

10

VERY VERY HARD (MAXIMAL)

Here’s the 6-20 Scale:

rating

description

6

7

Very, Very Light

8

9

Very Light

10

11

Fairly Light

12

13

Somewhat Hard

14

15

Hard

16

17

Very Hard

18

19

Very, Very Hard

20

Maximal Exertion

References

. Borg GAV. Borg’s Rating of Perceived Exertion and Pain Scales.
Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics, 1998.

The 1-10 Scale is great and very easy to use though of course if you want or
need more detailed information than I would recommend the 6-20. After you
get really good as a Personal Trainer you should be able to tell what is
very challenging for a client or what is not and this is a great way to get
there perceived exercise intensity.

Remember Scales are another way to assess your client and the more data you
have on your clients or research participants the better and more accurate
you can be with how you can help or know what will work best for each
person.

Thanks for the Question Melisa from

in great health and happiness

Scott White
Personal Power Training
Professional Fitness Trainer

B.S. in Kinesiology
480-628-1607

[email protected]

www.personalpowertraining.net

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