What does the "RPE" scale measure?

The "RPE" scale stands for Rate of Perceived Effort. It is a subjective scale used to help individuals gauge the intensity of their exercise based on personal perception. This scale typically ranges from 1 to 10 or 6 to 20, depending on the version being used. The RPE scale allows participants to assess how hard they feel they are working during physical activity, taking into account factors such as fatigue, breathlessness, and muscle strain.

Using the RPE scale can help trainers and individuals monitor exercise intensity and make necessary adjustments to training programs to ensure they are within the desired intensity range for fitness goals. This is particularly useful because it takes into consideration individual differences in fitness levels, mood, and other physical and psychological factors that may affect performance.