What does the Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) scale generally range from?

The Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) scale is a widely used tool to gauge the intensity of an individual's exercise based on their personal perception of effort. The most commonly referenced version of the RPE scale ranges from 6 to 20. This scale was developed by Dr. Gunnar Borg and allows individuals to rate their exertion during exercise on a numerical scale where a rating of 6 corresponds to no effort at all and a rating of 20 corresponds to maximal effort.

Using this scale, trainers and clients can communicate effectively about exercise intensity, and it helps in monitoring training loads. The scale is particularly valuable because it makes it easier to correlate perceived exertion with physiological measures, such as heart rate. The range of 6 to 20 aligns with readings that can be multiplied by 10 to roughly estimate heart rate. This aspect of the scale enhances its practicality in both fitness and clinical settings.

The other ranges provided do not align with the traditional RPE scale used in most fitness contexts.