Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE)
[rayt uhv pur-seevd eg-zur-shun]
/reɪt əv pərˈsivd ɪɡˈzɝʃən/
Noun
A subjective scale used to measure the intensity of exercise based on an individual's perception of effort, fatigue, and physical stress.
Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE) is a subjective scale used by athletes to gauge exercise intensity. Typically ranging from 1 to 10, it reflects how hard you feel your body is working. A higher RPE indicates greater effort. For example, a 1 might be a leisurely walk, while a 10 could be an all-out sprint. RPE helps runners adjust their training intensity without relying solely on heart rate monitors. It matters because it allows for personalized training, accounting for daily variations in fatigue and stress, and helps prevent overtraining by encouraging athletes to listen to their bodies.