03/30/2026
How do you know if your exercise is hard enough?
Two simple tools can help: RPE (Rate of Perceived Exertion) and the talk-sing test.
RPE: This is a scale from 1–10 that measures how hard your body feels it’s working.
1–2 = very light
3–4 = light
5–6 = moderate
7–8 = vigorous
9–10 = maximal effort
Most beneficial exercise happens in the moderate-to-vigorous range — enough to challenge your body, but not so hard that you risk injury or excessive fatigue.
Talk-Sing Test:
If you can sing while exercising → intensity may be too low.
If you can talk comfortably but not sing → intensity is likely in the right range.
If you can barely speak → intensity may be too high.
Using these tools helps you exercise safely while still getting results.
If you’re unsure how to find the right intensity for your goals or your body, physiotherapy can help you structure your program and progress safely.
