# \#rpe **URL:** https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/tag/rpe/21.md [Latest](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/tags.md) --- ## [Why use %1RM instead of RPE for back off sets?](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/t/why-use-1rm-instead-of-rpe-for-back-off-sets/19299)
**Author:** [@wbcox95](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/u/wbcox95)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [December 9, 2025, 4:03am UTC](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/t/why-use-1rm-instead-of-rpe-for-back-off-sets/19299 "2025-12-09T04:03:38Z")
I just purchased the bridge template, and have noticed that some of the work is not specified in terms of RPE, specifically when back off sets are involved. Here is one example: • 1 rep @ RPE 8 (90-93%) • 4 reps @ RPE … --- ## [jask558 The Bridge training log](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/t/jask558-the-bridge-training-log/8897)
**Author:** [@jask558](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/u/jask558)\ **Replies:** 282\ **Last updated:** [August 24, 2025, 12:32pm UTC](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/t/jask558-the-bridge-training-log/8897 "2025-08-24T12:32:31Z")
Hi everyone, I am starting the Bridge on Monday. Training history and stats: I have done bro-splits, Stronglifts and Madcow before. My 5 rms after Stronglifts were 95 kg squat, 80 kg bench, 130 kg deadlift and 50 kg pr… --- ## [RPE programming question](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/t/rpe-programming-question/18223)
**Author:** [@techdanielss](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/u/techdanielss)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [June 16, 2025, 5:32pm UTC](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/t/rpe-programming-question/18223 "2025-06-16T17:32:12Z")
Hi guys, I got some RPE questions below: Question number 1: I was reading some free templates of Powerbuilding, Strength and Bodybuilding programs and one thing left me confused. Why are you programming using different… --- ## [Progressive Overload II - question](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/t/progressive-overload-ii-question/18057)
**Author:** [@techdanielss](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/u/techdanielss)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [June 4, 2025, 5:20pm UTC](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/t/progressive-overload-ii-question/18057 "2025-06-04T17:20:44Z")
Hello! Before I ask the question, I want to thank you for sharing such useful information recently on this podcast. I’m learning a lot with this podcast and this community. Now, while listening to recent podcast “Progre… --- ## [What if RPE is too low for the last set?](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/t/what-if-rpe-is-too-low-for-the-last-set/14834)
**Author:** [@ToBeABeast](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/u/ToBeABeast)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [October 21, 2024, 5:05pm UTC](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/t/what-if-rpe-is-too-low-for-the-last-set/14834 "2024-10-21T17:05:23Z")
I might be overthinking this but let’s say I’m returning to training again after a few months. On day 1, I have to do squats: 1. 4 reps @ RPE 6 2. 4 reps @ RPE 7 3. 4 reps @ RPE 8 Let’s say I end up undershooting the w… --- ## [Training intensity considering advancement and RPE accuracy](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/t/training-intensity-considering-advancement-and-rpe-accuracy/14021)
**Author:** [@SmolBoy](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/u/SmolBoy)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [October 20, 2023, 5:58pm UTC](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/t/training-intensity-considering-advancement-and-rpe-accuracy/14021 "2023-10-20T17:58:49Z")
I just saw Jordan’s Instagram story (see below) and saw that training closer to failure may be more beneficial for novice trainees. What I’ve often heard as well as what the little research I have read came to conclude, … --- ## [Rather semantic question on progressive loading](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/t/rather-semantic-question-on-progressive-loading/12086)
**Author:** [@IsaacMtz](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/u/IsaacMtz)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [February 20, 2022, 3:44pm UTC](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/t/rather-semantic-question-on-progressive-loading/12086 "2022-02-20T15:44:05Z")
Defining “training stimulus” as the nuts & bolts of a program (sets, reps, load) and “training stress” as the resultant load placed on the individual based on fitness level, performance potential, etc., does training str… --- ## ["Normal" squat tempo?](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/t/normal-squat-tempo/9520)
**Author:** [@asdfpji](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/u/asdfpji)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [September 19, 2020, 12:27am UTC](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/t/normal-squat-tempo/9520 "2020-09-19T00:27:57Z")
TLDR: Should I squat more slowly and if so what is an approximately normal squat tempo? Details: I’ve noticed when watching myself squat, the reps are all super fast, even @8. I usually take ~3-4 seconds per squat on a… --- ## [Progressing lift weights in beginners program](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/t/progressing-lift-weights-in-beginners-program/9472)
**Author:** [@Roamer321](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/u/Roamer321)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [September 14, 2020, 3:24pm UTC](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/t/progressing-lift-weights-in-beginners-program/9472 "2020-09-14T15:24:12Z")
I am going into my 3rd week in the Beginners Program. This is how I progressed the weight from week 1 to 2. Please let me know if this is correct. I plugged my weights that I lifted with an RPE of 8 from week 1 into the… --- ## [Beginners template 1st phase: non of my lifts are going up](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/t/beginners-template-1st-phase-non-of-my-lifts-are-going-up/9370)
**Author:** [@Zerguu](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/u/Zerguu)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [August 28, 2020, 11:44pm UTC](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/t/beginners-template-1st-phase-non-of-my-lifts-are-going-up/9370 "2020-08-28T23:44:38Z")
Hello, I’m on 4th week of first phase and my rpe8s on all of my lifts haven’t increased since week 1. In fact some of them went down. Diet is good, over 150 grams is protein every day. Prior to this program I did 531 for… --- ## [RPE: Exertion and/or technique?](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/t/rpe-exertion-and-or-technique/8977)
**Author:** [@reygunz](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/u/reygunz)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [June 23, 2020, 11:16am UTC](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/t/rpe-exertion-and-or-technique/8977 "2020-06-23T11:16:26Z")
I am a typical American gym goer. I go for a few weeks and then get too busy to go to the gym missing it for some time. I have been deadlifting for a couple of years now and have some experience with RPE. I am currently … --- ## [Progress without RPE](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/t/progress-without-rpe/7991)
**Author:** [@Papesam](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/u/Papesam)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [May 7, 2020, 5:50am UTC](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/t/progress-without-rpe/7991 "2020-05-07T05:50:27Z")
I bought several of the templates from BBM and tried to learn RPE. I understand that this seems to be the best option. Adding weight every time isn’t great programming for long term. I know because it seems I get stuck a… --- ## [Beginner prescription phase 3](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/t/beginner-prescription-phase-3/8313)
**Author:** [@Chris.Bruce](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/u/Chris.Bruce)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [March 6, 2020, 1:59pm UTC](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/t/beginner-prescription-phase-3/8313 "2020-03-06T13:59:41Z")
Hello everyone, long time reader, first time poster with some questions about moving into phase 3 or week 9 of the beginner prescription. First off, it will be my first time doing singles and I’m wondering what weight I… --- ## [Trying to understand why I regressed on the last week of The Bridge](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/t/trying-to-understand-why-i-regressed-on-the-last-week-of-the-bridge/7997)
**Author:** [@nolove](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/u/nolove)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [February 20, 2020, 8:02pm UTC](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/t/trying-to-understand-why-i-regressed-on-the-last-week-of-the-bridge/7997 "2020-02-20T20:02:35Z")
I recently ran the 8 week program The Bridge and have purchased the Strength 1 Template, to use after in order to get prepared for my first meet. I was progressing so nicely on The Bridge and making great progress, espec… --- ## [Warm ups for 1 rep @ RPE 8](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/t/warm-ups-for-1-rep-rpe-8/8097)
**Author:** [@DkMetz](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/u/DkMetz)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [February 6, 2020, 3:18pm UTC](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/t/warm-ups-for-1-rep-rpe-8/8097 "2020-02-06T15:18:49Z")
Hi everyone: This has probably been answered before but what’s a good way to do warm up sets when working up to a top single at RPE 8? I’ll be starting Powerlifting 2 in a few weeks and the main lifts all work up to a … --- ## [Trying to understand why I regressed on the last week of The Bridge](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/t/trying-to-understand-why-i-regressed-on-the-last-week-of-the-bridge/8079)
**Author:** [@nolove](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/u/nolove)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2020, 2:43pm UTC](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/t/trying-to-understand-why-i-regressed-on-the-last-week-of-the-bridge/8079 "2020-02-05T14:43:25Z")
I recently ran the 8 week program The Bridge and have purchased the Strength 1 Template, to use after in order to get prepared for my first meet. I was progressing so nicely on The Bridge and making great progress, espec… --- ## [Question about HLM v2.1](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/t/question-about-hlm-v2-1/7826)
**Author:** [@Choose\_Your\_Reality](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/u/Choose_Your_Reality)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [January 3, 2020, 11:43pm UTC](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/t/question-about-hlm-v2-1/7826 "2020-01-03T23:43:27Z")
Soo…I was reading HLM template v2.1 that I will start next week and I have a question: on week 2, Squat w/ belt says: "6 reps@7, 6 reps@8, 6 reps @9 and then; Take 5% off the bar from 6@9 and do 12 reps (sets 4-6), no se… --- ## [Form Check: Squat 285 x 5 RPE 8.5?](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/t/form-check-squat-285-x-5-rpe-8-5/7159)
**Author:** [@Ligurio](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/u/Ligurio)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [October 1, 2019, 10:12pm UTC](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/t/form-check-squat-285-x-5-rpe-8-5/7159 "2019-10-01T22:12:39Z")
So this is supposed to be a 5@9 but it felt closer to a 5@8 or 8.5, which is surprising because last week’s 5@9 280x5 really did feel like a 9. For those of you with lots of experience with. RPE, what do you think the b… --- ## [Request clarification with high rep RPE](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/t/request-clarification-with-high-rep-rpe/6918)
**Author:** [@Crabcakelover](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/u/Crabcakelover)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [September 3, 2019, 2:06am UTC](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/t/request-clarification-with-high-rep-rpe/6918 "2019-09-03T02:06:32Z")
Hi everyone, I hope I’m not nagging you all with too many questions, but I am confused about RPE for high rep sets. I think I’ve got the hang of it for the 1-5 rep ranges, but I am new to high rep work and am afraid I ma… --- ## [RDL/Rows](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/t/rdl-rows/6862)
**Author:** [@BrandonD](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/u/BrandonD)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [August 26, 2019, 3:38pm UTC](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/t/rdl-rows/6862 "2019-08-26T15:38:58Z")
Hey gang, i did the 4 weeks of the free “beginner prescription” and I feel confident in moving onto the next phase of the recommend beginner template. I have a few questions; first being in regards to RDL’s, how should … --- ## [Please clarify my understanding of hypertrophy](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/t/please-clarify-my-understanding-of-hypertrophy/6711)
**Author:** [@erentacyildiz](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/u/erentacyildiz)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [August 9, 2019, 7:00pm UTC](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/t/please-clarify-my-understanding-of-hypertrophy/6711 "2019-08-09T19:00:50Z")
First of all let me give you the infographics through Chris Beardsley 1- Chris Beardsley on Instagram: "Here is a very simple overview of how hypertrophy happens. When we take into account the physiological mechanisms t… --- ## [Deadlifting / Backpain / RPE](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/t/deadlifting-backpain-rpe/6671)
**Author:** [@BrandonD](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/u/BrandonD)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [August 5, 2019, 11:18pm UTC](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/t/deadlifting-backpain-rpe/6671 "2019-08-05T23:18:49Z")
I wrote to Dr Feigenbaum on Instagram about being new to the novice strength progression and new to RPE. I don’t know if it’s an issue with form or just sensitive to higher reps but when I perform the deadlift at 8 reps … --- ## [My first workout on The Bridge 1.0](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/t/my-first-workout-on-the-bridge-1-0/4649)
**Author:** [@DkMetz](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/u/DkMetz)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [January 15, 2019, 7:08pm UTC](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/t/my-first-workout-on-the-bridge-1-0/4649 "2019-01-15T19:08:16Z")
I finished up my SSLP, Two weeks ago I tested for 1RM: Squat 335, Press, 160, Deadlift 315, bench press 200. I decided to go with The Bridge 1.0 to begin my journey as a post-novice lifter! I am new to RPE and I was ho… --- ## [RPE Cues list (Work in Progress)](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/t/rpe-cues-list-work-in-progress/468)
**Author:** [@Serack](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/u/Serack)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [January 6, 2019, 9:59pm UTC](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/t/rpe-cues-list-work-in-progress/468 "2019-01-06T21:59:50Z")
A disclaimer: I’m planning to run “The Bridge” after my current programming runs out, but have yet to do RPE based programming. I do have a tendency to gather reference material in various corners of the internet though,… --- ## [Good Beginner Strength Hypertrophy Programs](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/t/good-beginner-strength-hypertrophy-programs/3085)
**Author:** [@ahalst](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/u/ahalst)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [August 22, 2018, 11:04am UTC](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/t/good-beginner-strength-hypertrophy-programs/3085 "2018-08-22T11:04:27Z")
Was wondering if someone could link me to a program that ideally works with The basic Compound movements as well as some accesories that would help bring up my arms. My bench is looking at 205 Squat- 200 Dead lift 315 … --- ## [TM-Anonymous Training Log](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/t/tm-anonymous-training-log/2837)
**Author:** [@TM-anonymous](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/u/TM-anonymous)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [August 4, 2018, 10:59pm UTC](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/t/tm-anonymous-training-log/2837 "2018-08-04T22:59:40Z")
Hi my name is redacted and I grinded out my LP used TM and found my self weak and injured. I started my LP Squats @185x5, Press 95x5, Bench 165x5, DL 275x5 and BW:187 @ 5ft 9’. I discovered SS as a weak Crossfitter and t… --- ## [12 Week Press Template % guidelines for an RPE Newb](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/t/12-week-press-template-guidelines-for-an-rpe-newb/2825)
**Author:** [@dherko](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/u/dherko)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [July 31, 2018, 3:19pm UTC](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/t/12-week-press-template-guidelines-for-an-rpe-newb/2825 "2018-07-31T15:19:45Z")
Just starting out on the 12 week press template after running the Bridge and PH3 before that. I’m fairly new to RPE and I’m a bit confused in week 1 of the program. When it says -20% from a single for 5X5 and -17% from a… --- ## [Miscalculating RPE](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/t/miscalculating-rpe/1968)
**Author:** [@MNNelson](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/u/MNNelson)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [June 12, 2018, 9:19pm UTC](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/t/miscalculating-rpe/1968 "2018-06-12T21:19:51Z")
Just started the Bridge 1.0 this week, and I’ve got what I think are 2 simple questions for the group about overshooting RPE. Say the template calls for 5@6, 5@7, 5@8. I do the 5@6 and the 5@7, and they both feel fine… --- ## [Lane's Log](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/t/lanes-log/1113)
**Author:** [@Lane\_Foulks](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/u/Lane_Foulks)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [May 16, 2018, 10:02pm UTC](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/t/lanes-log/1113 "2018-05-16T22:02:57Z")
I’m 37yo male, 6’2 242 lb. I’m an electrical engineer by day. After taking a few years off lifting, started SSNLP back in May 2017. Started doing Texas Method when that ran out back in the fall. TM after running it for … --- ## [Accumulating volume with triples](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/t/accumulating-volume-with-triples/1514)
**Author:** [@Dominic\_Simon](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/u/Dominic_Simon)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [April 10, 2018, 2:39pm UTC](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/t/accumulating-volume-with-triples/1514 "2018-04-10T14:39:29Z")
Hi I am new to this forum, pleasure to be a part of the BM community and I hope this question finds you well. I posted this question somewhere else earlier on this forum but I think it was the wrong place. My apologies … [Next page](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/tag/rpe/21.md?match_all_tags=true&page=1&tags%5B%5D=rpe)