Fitness Lit Breakdown with Dr. Nick Trubee artwork

Using RPE vs a percentage of your 1-rep max in your training

Fitness Lit Breakdown with Dr. Nick Trubee

English - February 22, 2023 18:00 - 24 minutes - 16.6 MB - ★★★★★ - 17 ratings
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Next Episode: Dr. Hannah Brandt

There have been countless research studies done on understanding training outcomes based on working at differing percentages of your 1-rep max. It's tried and true. But it may be leaving out a very important detail. It does not take into account your level of preparedness the day of training. We all have had days where (for example) 100 pounds feels light and effortless on the bench press. Then next week comes along and the same 100 pounds feels like 200 pounds. If you were to use a percentage of your 1-rep max you may be over-prescribing load based on your capacity for that specific day.
However, using RPE (rating of perceived exertion) may take time and practice to understand and apply correctly, but allows you in real time to assess your level of preparedness and apply the correct amount of stress on your body to progress and train daily.
In this episode I give a simple and tangible picture of the nervous system and how that relates to using these two methods of assigning intensity/workload into your training sessions. Enjoy!