Understanding Perceived Exertion

Perceived exertion is a crucial concept in endurance performance, encompassing both physiological and psychological elements. The brain continuously assesses how hard an athlete is working and adjusts perceptions based on various factors, including fatigue and stress levels. The relationship between actual workload and perceived effort is not linear; as workload increases, perceived effort rises exponentially. This means that an athlete's ability to push through challenges is often more influenced by their mental state than by physical limitations.