What is Exercise RPM?

The RPM for an exercise is the tempo at which the exercise is performed. The reps are counted per minute, and 44RPM would mean 44 repetitions per minute. When RPM is defined but the working time is shorter than a minute, then the minute is divided by the time, for example, if the working time is 30 seconds at 44RPM then that would be 22 reps per 30 seconds.

Another example is a fast tempo for the hip hinge kettlebell swing is approximately 44RPM at a fast tempo and 32RPM at a slow tempo. This means that 44 kettlebell swings are performed per minute at a fast pace, and 32 at a slow pace. At a fast pace that is 1 repetition every 1.4 seconds and 1.9 seconds at a slow pace.

Keeping track of your RPM is beneficial when working for endurance, i.e. to last longer without putting the kettlebell down. For example, if you’re performing snatches for endurance, and you start like a bull at the gate with 28RPM you might last 2 to 3 minutes and do a total of 80+ reps, but at 20RPM you would have lasted 10 minutes or more with a total volume over 200. 

Knowing and keeping track of your RPM for pacing and sprinting is important when you’re working on increasing your endurance. Knowing when to sprint is going to give you that edge to get higher numbers.

Our Website

On our website, when available, the RPM is displayed for a slow and fast tempo. If the exercise is built upon another then that information will flow through. In other words, if you are looking at the single-kettlebell hip hinge full snatch you will most likely see the RPM for the hip hinge snatch. The hip hinge snatch is built upon the hip hinge and you might also be able to access the RPM for that particular movement.