RPE (Rate of Perceived Exertion)

Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE) is a scale used to measure how hard you feel you are working during physical activity. Typically ranging from 0 to 10, it helps individuals assess their effort based on sensations like fatigue, breathlessness, and muscle strain. For instance, a rating of 3 might mean you're feeling somewhat hard at work, while 8 suggests intense exertion. This subjective tool allows people to gauge their intensity levels, making it useful for training, rehabilitation, and understanding personal limits without relying solely on heart rate or other metrics.