RPE (Rate of perceived exertion)

Rate of perceived exertion (RPE) is a subjective scale for how hard exercise feels to you. The two most common versions are the 6-to-20 Borg scale and the 0-to-10 modified scale. RPE correlates reasonably well with your heart rate, lactate, and VO2, in trained people. It is widely used in longevity and endurance plans, to autoregulate your training load, manage fatigue, and complement objective recovery metrics like HRV and resting heart rate.

Last reviewed: June 22, 2026

This definition is educational and is not medical advice, a diagnosis, or treatment. Talk to a doctor about any health decisions. Read our full medical disclaimer