My Experience with RPE Training: How I Learned to Love Cardio

Are you tired of constantly checking your fitness watch during runs to track your progress? Well, there’s a new trend in running that might just change the game for you – RPE training.

RPE training, or rate of perceived exertion training, is a method of running that focuses on how you feel during your workout rather than relying on digital tracking devices. Instead of constantly monitoring your heart rate and pace, RPE training encourages you to listen to your body and adjust your effort level accordingly.

Personal trainer Josh Davies explains that RPE training involves rating your perceived level of exertion on a scale of zero to ten, with zero being no exertion and ten being maximal effort. This subjective measure of effort has been shown to be just as effective as traditional heart rate monitoring in guiding your workout intensity.

The key to RPE training is understanding that not every run needs to be a sprint. In fact, most of your runs should feel easy, with only 20% of your runs being more challenging. By tuning into your body and adjusting your effort level based on how you feel, you can improve your endurance and pace without overworking yourself.

While RPE training may not be for everyone, many runners have found it to be a more intuitive and freeing way to approach their workouts. By focusing on how you feel rather than what your fitness tracker says, you can develop a better understanding of your body and tailor your training to meet your individual needs.

So, if you’re tired of constantly checking your watch and want to enjoy your runs without the pressure of digital tracking, RPE training might be worth a try. Listen to your body, adjust your effort level, and see how this mindful approach to running can transform your workouts.