Target heart rate (HR) is a great way to measure exercise intensity to get the most out of your workout. (Click here to learn how to calculate your target heart rate.) For most people, it provides an accurate way to measure the safety of an activity in relation to the percentage of your maximum heart rate. However, for some people, because of several medications that regulate HR (such as beta blockers) or the inability to acquire a device that monitors HR, using HR alone to measure exercise intensity can be challenging.

That’s where the rate of perceived exertion (RPE) comes in. RPE is a great alternative to measuring HR for individuals wanting to gauge their exercise intensity when measuring HR alone is not an option.

The Borg RPE scale is a subjective scale from 6 to 20 that allows you to identify how much effort certain activities require. Using this scale, you can easily self-monitor low-, moderate-, and high-intensity exercise and target how challenging your workout should be. Most exercise for the average person should fall into the moderate-intensity category.

  • Low-intensity exercise: 9-11
  • Moderate-intensity exercise: 12-14
  • High-intensity exercise: 15-17

There are three primary ways RPE can be used.

  1. Measure progress over time in relation to your fitness level.

Let’s say a particular activity felt like a 14 the first time you attempted it. When repeated several weeks later after regular exercise, the activity may now feel like an 11, thus showing you have gotten stronger and/or increased your endurance over those weeks.

2. Measure the safety of an activity.

For example, when an exercise feels like a 17 and it should feel more like a 13, you know to slow down, decrease weight, or decrease repetitions to prevent injury or illness.

3. Use RPE in combination with target HR to determine and monitor appropriate exercise intensity and safety.

For most people, there is a strong correlation between RPE and target heart rate during exercise. The Borg RPE scale value, if multiplied 10 times, should equal your approximate target HR during an activity of that intensity. For example, if you are walking at a moderate intensity with an RPE value of 12, your target heart rate should be approximately 120 beats per minute. Please note: these estimates are designed for individuals who are not taking any HR-regulating medications.

So, where should your RPE fall? For most people, the American College of Sports Medicine recommends 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity cardiovascular exercise and 2-3 days per week of strength training at moderate intensity. For both types of exercise, RPE values should fall between 12-14 on the Borg scale, but no higher than 16. However, it depends on the activity that you are doing and what is safe for you. If you are new to exercise or have an illness or chronic diagnosis, it is always recommended to start slowly with your exercise at a lower intensity (lower RPE values) while you build your strength and endurance.

As always, if you are unsure of the safety of your workout routine, check with your therapist, exercise physiologist, or physician for some direction! Sheltering Arms’ exercise physiologists can help you create a customized exercise program specific to your needs. To schedule a consultation, click here or call (804) 764-5275.

References:

AdventHealth Orlando. (2020) Retrieved from: https://www.adventhealth.com/hospital/adventhealth-orlando/blog/helping-parkinsons-patients-make-most-time-home

American College of Sports Medicine, et al. ACSM’s Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription. Tenth edition. Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer, 2018.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020) Retrieved from: https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/basics/measuring/exertion.htm

Share This Post:

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
RehaBlog

More Posts

5 Strengthening Exercises Following Lower-Limb Amputations

During inpatient rehabilitation, your therapy team will guide you through a personalized strengthening program designed to support your recovery. This program focuses on building the key muscle groups needed for safe and effective mobility with a prosthesis. Continuing these exercises at home is essential for maintaining progress and maximizing independence.

Managing Phantom Limb Pain

Losing a limb is a life-changing experience—physically, emotionally, and mentally. One of the more unexpected and often misunderstood aspects of limb loss is phantom limb pain (PLP). Despite the limb no longer being there, individuals may continue to feel sensations—sometimes painful—where the limb used to be. But why does this happen, and what can be done about it? Let’s break it down.

Spring Into Action with the Proper Garden Tools and Accessories

Now that spring has sprung, it’s time to tend those gardens! Just be careful not to overextend your body into positions that have been dormant all winter. Gardening can require you to bend, lift, and twist in ways that can injure your back, knees, or other parts of your body. While garden tools can make your digging and planting easier, sometimes the use of tools encourages poor positioning or increases the chance of injury.

5 Exercises For Concussions

A concussion is defined as a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) induced by direct or indirect force transmitted to the head. Looking at the statistics, there were 27.16 million new TBI cases globally in 2019. Nationally, there were approximately 214,110 TBI-related hospitalizations in 2020 and 69,473 TBI-related deaths in 2021.² Approximately 80% of all TBIs are classified as mild head injuries (CDC). These numbers highlight the significant public health impact concussions have worldwide, and the importance of proper evaluation and management.

What to Wear to Physical Therapy

When heading to physical therapy, comfort and functionality are key. Your attire can significantly impact the effectiveness of your session, affecting your ability to move freely, follow your therapist’s instructions, and perform exercises with ease. The right clothing not only promotes flexibility but also allows your therapist to evaluate your movements and address areas that need attention. Here’s what to wear – and what to avoid – for a successful visit!

Start your Journey

Learn more about Sheltering Arms Institute

Contact a specialist at Sheltering Arms Institute to learn more about how you can gain more freedom in your everyday life.