Rate of Perceived Exertion

The Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE) is a simple way to measure how hard you're working during physical activity—no fancy equipment needed! On a scale from 1 to 10, you rate how you feel, with 1 being very light effort (like a casual stroll) and 10 being your absolute max effort (like sprinting up a hill). 

Using RPE helps you listen to your body and adjust your workouts whether you're walking around the campground or doing strength training in your RV. It’s especially helpful for seniors, beginners, and anyone looking to stay active on the road without overdoing it. RPE is a great tool for safe, effective RV fitness and active aging.

 

Printable RPE Chart

Healthy U blog 

Visit our Healthy RVing Blog—your go-to guide for staying fit, feeling great, and living your best life on the road! We’re here to help you navigate healthy living with tips on RV-friendly workouts, easy travel meals, wellness routines, and mobile lifestyle hacks. Hit the road with confidence and discover how simple and fun it can be to stay healthy while RVing!

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6-Week Progressive Plan for Joint Health     

Follow along with this printable 6-week plan for a full body workout for all of your joints including ankles, knees, hips, back, shoulders, and core. The exercises start at a beginner level and progress to advanced beginner by the end of six weeks.

Joint Health Plan
seniors on bikes

Healthy U - Resource for RV Fitness Education 

Ready to take your RV fitness journey to the next level? This is where you’ll find everything you need to stay active, motivated, and healthy on the road. Whether you're just starting out or have been living the RV life for years, our educational section is packed with practical tips, expert advice, and easy-to-follow guides on RV workouts, nutrition, mindset, and more.

From learning how to build an efficient workout routine in your RV to understanding how to fuel your body while traveling, this section is your one-stop shop for all things RV fitness education. Let’s dive into lessons that empower you to stay fit, healthy, and inspired, no matter where the road takes you.

Get Physical Activity

You can get your daily physical activity all at once, or short spurts during the day. For example: golf for at least 30 minutes, or go for a brisk walk for 10 minutes, work in the garden for 10 minutes, and ride bike for 10 minutes. Just be sure to get 30 minutes of moderate activity at least 3 weekdays and one weekend day. 

Some moderate activites include:

  • Bicycling.
  • Golf (without a cart).
  • Pickelball.
  • Brisk Walk.
  • Gardening.
  • Hiking.
  • Dancing.
  • Vacuuming.
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    Listen To Your Body!

    The Borg Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE) scale was created to help you tune into how your body feels during physical activity. This 15-point scale ranges from 6 (no effort at all) to 20 (maximum effort), making it a useful tool for gauging workout intensity—no equipment needed! Each number reflects how hard you're working based on your breathing, heart rate, and overall fatigue. 

    A rating between 12 and 14 is considered moderate exercise, which is ideal for boosting fitness and staying active, especially for RVers and older adults. If you find yourself at an 18 or higher, it's a good idea to ease off a bit to avoid overexertion or injury. Using the Borg scale is a smart, simple way to make your workouts safer and more effective—perfect for anyone looking to stay healthy on the road.

    Pay attention to these warning signs. All are expected with physical activity, but should not be excessive: