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
www.personalpowertraining.net
www.seotutorialprogram.com
www.fitnessmodelbook.com
www.traineru.com
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