ACE Personal Trainer Practice Exam

What is the BORG scale's range for perceived exertion?

1. 1-10

2. 0-10

3. 6-20

4. 1-20

The correct answer is: 6-20

The Borg Scale, also known as the Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) scale, is specifically designed to help individuals assess their level of exertion during physical activity. It ranges from 6 to 20, where each number corresponds to a subjective estimation of how hard the person feels they are working. This scale has been developed to align with the heart rate, enabling users to estimate their heart rate by multiplying the number they choose by 10. For example, if someone rates their exertion as a 13 on the Borg Scale, that would correspond to an estimated heart rate of approximately 130 beats per minute. The choice of starting the scale at 6 rather than 1 aims to ensure that individuals can relate their exertion levels more closely to their physical states, as the numbers correspond to a standardized measure that is intuitive in terms of heart rate calculations. Thus, the Borg Scale effectively provides a valuable tool for trainers and clients alike to monitor and regulate exercise intensity in a meaningful way.