The RPE you log after every session gives your coach a number, but a number doesn't tell the whole story. This article, part of the guide to being coached by a sports coach, details what's worth mentioning beyond RPE alone, and how to pass it on without spending hours on it.
RPE isn't always enough
Two sessions with the same RPE can have very different stories : one hard because the program is progressing normally, the other hard because you slept badly or went through a stressful week. The number alone doesn't make that distinction; it's on you to add it when it matters.
What's worth mentioning
An unusual sensation
Discomfort, stiffness, or localized fatigue outside the ordinary is worth a note, even a brief one. Your coach can't adjust for what they don't know.
The context of your week
A heavy work week, travel, a lack of sleep : this context often explains a higher-than-usual RPE, and stops your coach from misreading it as a sign the program is poorly calibrated.
Your motivation
Low motivation that's lasted several sessions is worth mentioning : your coach can adjust the program or simply factor it into their tracking, rather than discovering it much later.
Your coach doesn't have a tracking tool yet?
A ready-made message, sent in one click.
Suggest ProJump to my coachHow to say it simply
No need for a long message : a sentence alongside your RPE is usually enough. "RPE 8, but a heavy work week" already says a lot more than a number alone. See How to Rate Your Perceived Effort Well for the baseline of what you communicate every session.
Key takeaways
- The same RPE can hide very different stories; context helps your coach interpret it correctly.
- An unusual sensation, a heavy week, or dropping motivation are worth a note.
- A brief sentence alongside RPE is usually enough.
- Reporting a good session is just as useful as reporting a hard one.
- No need to make it a systematic exercise, only when it's out of the ordinary.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a detailed message after every session?
No, a brief note is enough most of the time. Save longer messages for situations that are truly out of the ordinary.
Should I report a good session, not just difficult ones?
Yes, that helps too. A session that felt surprisingly easy is useful information, just like a hard one.
Will my coach change my program every time I mention something?
Not necessarily; they keep this information in mind to adjust at the right time, not necessarily right away.
What if I have nothing particular to report?
Nothing : RPE alone is enough then. It's not an exercise to fill in at all costs.
How do I report pain specifically?
That's a specific case that deserves its own approach, particularly regarding a healthcare professional.