Training FAQ #9: How long should I rest between sets?

[TheAnima!Packist]

When its strength I want to get, is 1-2min for a set of 6 and less than 1 for a set anything larger than 6?

[zachlloyd]

Typically i rest long enough to change the weight or for me to slightly catch my breath. 45 secs tops, typically its about 20-30 secs.

[Potter]

I really do similar to Nihility, though I never really paid attention to time. I typically rest long enough, for either type, to get some of my wind, but i wanna get that strength back too so i can still keep decent form.

[BOSS]

Lifting + stopwatch = crossfit

[In Flames]

I rest 30 seconds between straight sets and 60 seconds between super-sets and tri-sets, than again I'm not a powerlifter.

[BOSS]

I rest 30 seconds between straight sets and 60 seconds between super-sets and tri-sets, than again I'm not a powerlifter.

No need to rest excessively, but even if you're goal is just size, you'll be limited by your strength. If you get stronger then you can do all your rep work at higher weights. But you won't get stronger if you don't give yourself a chance to do some heavy sets without being out of breath first

[Tauscheck]

I rest untill I feel mentaly and physicaly ready, for me I dont like to rush into a set just because the clock said to. The smaller iso lifts like cables or isolated dumbells maybe 30 sec to 2 min but the barbell and larger movements maybe 3 to 5 mins.

[In Flames]

No need to rest excessively, but even if you're goal is just size, you'll be limited by your strength. If you get stronger then you can do all your rep work at higher weights. But you won't get stronger if you don't give yourself a chance to do some heavy sets without being out of breath first

True to a certain extent. Muscle size has more to do with the amount of food you take in more than how strong the muscle is. I've been training this way for years and I've never looked back or looked better. When I get ready for a photo shoot I jump rope between sets. This is one of the most killer workouts I've ever done.

Example for Chest.

4 rounds 12-15 reps
Incline BB Bench Superset Incline DB Fly's
60 seconds jump rope

4 rounds 12-15 reps
Flat DB Bench Superset Cable Cross Overs
60 seconds jump rope

4 rounds 12-15
Weighted Dips Superset DB Pull-overs
60 seconds jump rope

[BOSS]

True to a certain extent. Muscle size has more to do with the amount of food you take in more than how strong the muscle is. I've been training this way for years and I've never looked back or looked better. When I get ready for a photo shoot I jump rope between sets. This is one of the most killer workouts I've ever done.

Example for Chest.

4 rounds 12-15 reps
Incline BB Bench Superset Incline DB Fly's
60 seconds jump rope

4 rounds 12-15 reps
Flat DB Bench Superset Cable Cross Overs
60 seconds jump rope

4 rounds 12-15
Weighted Dips Superset DB Pull-overs
60 seconds jump rope

Yeah that does look a little different from what I've done before photo shoots. So is this just to lean out in a couple days then?

[In Flames]

Yeah that does look a little different from what I've done before photo shoots. So is this just to lean out in a couple days then?

Yeah, I don't train like that everyday. But i do always train with the 30-60 second rest periods similar to the old pro Serge Nubret. It just works for me and my goals. Everyone trains differently though. My plan is far from perfect but it gets the job done for me.

[Wrath]

Yeah small body parts I wait maybe 1 min. When I want to go Heavy on a movement I will give my self a few mins

[MR. C]

I go between 3-5 min

[Jay Nera]

Yeah that does look a little different from what I've done before photo shoots. So is this just to lean out in a couple days then?

You don't practice your double unders before photo shoots?

[Pale Rider]

i like around 3 min rest between sets

[skibasgym]

As a powerlifter, I rest 1-1/2 mins between sets for sub-max effort training. For max effort reps, I rest up to 5 mins depending how I feel.