Uploaded December 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago

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Everyone throws these terms around, but do you actually know what they mean for YOUR training?

Here's the breakdown:
RPE 7 = 3 reps left in the tank
RPE 8 = 2 reps in reserve
RPE 9 = 1 rep left
RPE 10 = True failure (0 reps left)

Why this matters:
When your program says "RPE 8" and you're actually hitting RPE 10 every set, you're overtraining. When you think you're at RPE 9 but you actually have 4 reps left, you're undertraining.
Most people are guessing. And guessing = inconsistent gains.
Use this as your reference:

Can you do 3 more reps with good form? RPE 7
Maybe 2 more? RPE 8
Definitely only 1 more? RPE 9
Absolutely nothing left? RPE 10

Learning to accurately gauge this is a skill that takes practice, but once you dial it in, your programming becomes WAY more effective.

Stop leaving gains on the table because you don't understand the numbers.
Save this for your next workout 📌

Comment your usual RPE!

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