Okay, I just don't understand the levels. The book is vague on that and I am such an analytical person that unless I am told what those levels really mean, I just don't get it. Can somebody give me an idea of what they consider their levels to mean in both the aerobic state as well as when weight lifting?

Level 5 - should be easy. Cardio = a brisk pace walking or biking - you could carry on a conversation just like normal. Lifting - very much like a warm up. You are not exerting yourself.

Level 10 - failure. Cardio = you are at your max; can't go any faster. This would be sprinting if you were running. Lifting - you are at failure. You could not do another exercise with proper form if your life depended on it.

The levels in between would be, well, in between I take an 8 to mean I am trying and it's not easy, but I am by no means hurting. A 9 is a stretch, but I know I can go further (cardio) and stronger (lifting).

It takes practice - you have to hit a 10 to know what your 9 will be. And I'll admit, it's easier to hit a 10 with lifting than cardio.

HTH
Nat