What effort level does '8' refer to on the Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion Scale?

On the Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion Scale, a rating of '8' corresponds to the effort level that is categorized as "really hard." This scale ranges from 6 to 20, where lower numbers indicate very light exertion and higher numbers represent greater levels of effort. Specifically, "really hard" is used to describe an intensity level where an individual feels they are working significantly and might be approaching their limits. It reflects a level of exertion that is noticeably challenging but not yet at the point of maximum difficulty, which is typically represented by subsequent higher numbers. Understanding this scale is crucial for effectively gauging exercise intensity, allowing individuals to align their training with their fitness goals while monitoring their exertion levels accurately.