What is an appropriate level of exertion labeled as 'somewhat hard' on the Borg Scale?

The Borg Scale, also known as the Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE) scale, is a widely used tool for assessing an individual's perception of how hard they are exercising. This scale ranges from 6 to 20, with each number corresponding to a subjective level of exertion. A score of 11 indicates a level of exertion described as 'somewhat hard.' At this level, individuals recognize that the activity is challenging but still manageable and can typically sustain the effort.

In practice, a score of 11 suggests that the individual is experiencing a moderate level of intensity; they are conscious of their effort, yet they would still be able to continue the activity for a while longer. This level of exertion can be particularly useful for guiding patients or clients in exercise programs, ensuring they engage in appropriate activities that match their fitness levels and training goals.

The other options represent different perceived levels of exertion: a score of 9 corresponds to 'very light,' while scores of 15 and 17 indicate higher levels of difficulty, described as 'hard' and 'very hard,' respectively.