RPE: How Hard Should Exercise Feel?

Instead of guessing weight or chasing soreness, we use RPE (Rate of Perceived Exertion) to guide intensity.

RPE is a 0–10 scale that describes how challenging a set feels.

RPE Scale (Simplified)

• 0–2: Very easy (warm-up, recovery)

• 3–4: Easy, could repeat many reps

• 5–6: Moderate, working but controlled

• 7–8: Challenging, near your limit with good form

• 9–10: Max effort (rarely needed in rehab)

Our Sweet Spot

Most rehab and performance work lives at:
RPE 6–8

This is hard enough to create physiological change, without overwhelming the system.