Perceived Rate of Exertion (PRE)

One of the most important aspects of this program is the establishment of what is called your Perceived Rate of Exertion or PRE. This is a subjective rating system on a scale of 1-10 based on how hard you are working out. Only you can determine what your PRE is.

A PRE of 1 is the equivalent of you doing absolutely nothing, just sitting on the couch and not even reaching for the remote. A PRE of 10, on the other hand is the closest you get to passing out from the intensity of the exertion. Depending on the type of exercise, your PRE should be between 7 and 8 throughout the duration of the 30 minute workout.

As I said above only you can determine what your PRE is. Your PRE should correlate with the specified percentage of your Maximum Heart Rate (MHR) for any particular exercise. I recommend that you combine an exercise program with a close monitoring of your heart rate.

I have prepared a couple of sample exercises with examples of the type of PRE and MHR you should be reaching for with each exercise. To view these exercises please click here.