Discrepancy in Definition of RPE

Other Discussions Programming Discussion
1

I have gotten the idea that RPE ratings at least for RPE 7 and above could be as 10 minus the number of additional reps you could have added to the end of the set (e.g. 2 more potential reps → 10 - 2 = RPE 8). I also assumed that your definition of RPE was the same as Mike Tuchscherer, since the RPE graphic included in the PDF for The Bridge is the same as the one on the RTS website.

https://articles.reactivetrainingsystems.com/2017/12/05/how-to-use-rpe-in-your-training-correctly/

However, I also saw this post by Mike Tuchscherer on the RTS forum, which he says is from the RTS Manual. The definition of the different RPE levels is different. The values in the E1RM table in the forum post also are different from the chart in the PDF for The Bridge.

10- Maximal. No reps left in the tank.

9- Last rep is tough, but still 1 rep left in the tank.

8- Weight is too heavy to maintain fast bar speed, but is not a struggle. 2-4 reps left.

7- Weight moves quickly when maximal force is applied to the weight. “Speed weight”

6- Light speed work. Moves quickly with moderate force.

5- Most warm-up weights

4- Recovery. Usually 20+ rep sets. Not hard, but intended to flush the muscle.

http://forum.reactivetrainingsystems.com/content.php?20-Excerpt-From-Chapter-2-of-the-RTS-Manual

Has Mike revised his definition of RPE since the date of that post (January 2013)?

2

I would say the take home from this is, to not over shoot your RPE. If in doubt, under shoot than over shoot.

3

It’s almost as though Mike might have been evolving his training methods over the past half-decade :wink:

4

I figured the most obvious explanation would be that he changed the RPE scale since then, but wondered if there could be a different explanation (e.g. different RPE scales for different classes of lifters, different RPE scales depending on the kind of programming).