The purpose of the RPE scale in exercise is to assess an individual's perceived exertion during physical activity. RPE stands for Rate of Perceived Exertion, allowing exercisers to quantify how hard they feel they are working on a scale typically from 1 to 10. This subjective measurement helps individuals monitor their exercise intensity, preventing overexertion or undertraining. Using the RPE scale can aid in structuring workouts, calibrating exercise efforts, and ensuring that training aligns with personal fitness goals or health constraints.