Definition
A subjective scale (usually 1-10 or 6-20) used to measure how hard you feel you're working during exercise. Science's way of asking 'but how do you *feel* about that?' to your cardiovascular system.
Example Usage
My coach asked for my rate of perceived exertion, and I said 'somewhere between dying and already dead' which apparently isn't on the official scale.
Origin
Developed by Swedish psychologist Gunnar Borg in the 1960s, originally as the 'Borg Scale'
Fun Fact
The original 6-20 scale was designed so that multiplying your RPE by 10 roughly equals your heart rate during exercise.
Source: Exercise physiology and clinical fitness assessment protocols
Related Terms
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See “rate of perceived exertion” in Corporate Speak, Gen-Z Slang, Pirate Speak, and more.
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