RPE - Rating of Perceived Exertion

RPE stands for Rating of Perceived Exertion. It's a scale used to measure how difficult a set is.

Gunnar Borg came up with the concept of RPE in the 1980s. My coach Mike Tuchscherer started using it for powerlifters in the mid-2000s. I have used RPE in my own training since 2011.

Stronglifts can use RPE to help you estimate your 1 rep max when you set a program.

  1. Go to Stronglifts > Programs
  2. Tap a program > Select a template > Select Assistance Work
  3. Tap Change Weights
  4. Tap Max Lifts

Here you can enter the RepsxWeightxRPE that you did. Your RPE input helps us determine your one rep max more accurately to calculate your starting weights.

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