Get Your RPE On

For our recommended workouts, the Fit Bottomed Girls use a common and scientifically recommended way to determine exercise intensity, the Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE) scale. A sexy name, I know.

The FBGs use the scale in workouts because it does a really good job of catering exercise to you and your abilities, no matter how fit you are. Basically, the scale puts a number value on how hard you feel like you’re exercising, going from a 6 to a 20. On average, an RPE of 12 to 14 is considered moderate intensity, so you’ll notice that most FBG workouts are typically designed right around there.

Here’s the scale in all of its RPE glory:

6—No exertion at all
7—Extremely light
8
9—Very light, walking slowly
10
11—Light
12
13—Somewhat hard, but you feel OK to continue and can talk
14
15—Hard
16
17—Very difficult, you can continue but you really have to push yourself to do so
18
19—Extremely difficult, this is about the hardest you’ve ever pushed yourself
20—Maximum exertion

If you’re interested in reading more about the scale, click here to get the scientific mumbo jumbo. Now go get your RPE on! —Jenn