The Borg Scale of Perceived Exertion (RPE) is a numerical tool, ranging from 6 (No Exertion) to 20 (Maximal Exertion), used by coaches and athletes to subjectively gauge the intensity of their warm-up and training sessions. This scale is cleverly linked to heart rate, as multiplying the RPE score by 10 gives a decent estimate of the user's actual heart rate, with the target for a proper warm-up being 13 ("Somewhat Hard") to reach the target heart rate zone.

Fitness professionals rely on four basic measurements — Body Mass Index (BMI), Blood Pressure (BP), Resting Heart Rate (RHR), and Waist-to-Hip Ratio (WHR) — to broadly assess an individual's health and risk for metabolic complications. These simple metrics provide essential starting points for a training program and offer clear data on the effectiveness of lifestyle changes over time.

Body Mass Index (BMI) is an inexpensive and easy screening tool used to determine a healthy body weight by calculating the ratio of weight (in kilograms) to height (in meters squared). While a basic measure with an ideal range of 18.5 to 24.9, BMI has limitations because it does not measure body composition and may inaccurately classify highly muscular athletes as overweight or obese.

What basic health and fitness terms are generally accepted within the scientific community? This guide outlines the scientifically accepted key terms in the fitness industry, primarily drawn from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services guidelines. It clarifies distinctions between Physical Activity and Exercise, and different exercise modes, such as Aerobic, Resistance, and Flexibility Training. It aims to provide a clear foundation for understanding health and training.

How often should people train in a given week? A healthy lifestyle is needed for physical and mental well-being, as exercise significantly reduces the risk of major illnesses and weight gain, which currently affects a majority of the population. To mitigate these risks, adults should aim for either 150–300 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75–150 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity per week, with a basic schedule of 15–30 minutes of activity per weekday being an achievable starting goal.