How long do you rest between sets when lifting?

[SVT Lurch]

I always seem to get in a hurry and end up not really resting at all between sets. Say I'm doing bench, while "resting" after my first set, I'll go do leg press. Then while I'm "resting" after that set, I'll do my second one on bench. How much am I hurting (helping...stamina? :confused: ) myself by doing this? BTW I think it's because we were always rushed in the weight room before practice, so it just became habit.

[black5.0lx]

15 to 30sec then get back at it

[poopnut2]

Depends on what workouts. When I'm doing Squats or something that requires a lot of energy, I'll rest like a minute, sometimes a little more between sets. Just whatever feels right. Easier things like curls or something that's more of a target excercise, maybe like 30 seconds tops.

[93powerranger]

well if youre going from one workout to the next...like from bench to tricep pushdowns.....youre doing more circuit ...but if you're doing bench rest then bench you should rest about 30 seconds.

[5111]

I have read various articles that say that 3 minutes is the maximum and that after that your muscles begin to cool down.

That being said, I think that it depends on your workout. If you are mostly looking to build mass and get stronger, then you want to allow your muscles to rest as much as possible so that you can get better lifts each time. If I am going heavy I usually wait 2-3 minutes between lifts. If fat burn and a high heart rate is your goal then rest less between each set. I wait 30 seconds to a minute between sets on these days.

[unkoricky]

Depends how much weight & if i have a spotter..

[White_lightning]

depends on how i feel. and how heavy im going. If you are doing high rep sets, i rest less then with higher weight sets.

[Tyrone Biggums]

30 seconds.

[exlude]

As little as I can to successfully complete the next set (usually around 15-20 seconds), unless it's a "to failure" workout.

[PooterWS6]

I grab a swig of water 20 seconds away, then get back to it...
After a heavy set I may wait a minute or two before starting on another muscle group, but dont wait too long between sets on one muscle group...

[93coupett]

I always seem to get in a hurry and end up not really resting at all between sets. Say I'm doing bench, while "resting" after my first set, I'll go do leg press. Then while I'm "resting" after that set, I'll do my second one on bench. How much am I hurting (helping...stamina? :confused: ) myself by doing this? BTW I think it's because we were always rushed in the weight room before practice, so it just became habit.


I try to wait about a year in between each gym visit :D

[AL P]

I take a little longer, like a minute or two. But I generally lift heavy and I also run 2-3 miles before I lift.

[The Raven]

I take a little longer, like a minute or two.


Same here, unless I'm doing high reps, or Whitelightning won't stop gabbing.

[SVT Lurch]

I take a little longer, like a minute or two. But I generally lift heavy and I also run 2-3 miles before I lift.
I guess I should've mentioned I run afterwards too. :o
Whitelightning won't stop gabbing.
LMAO! :D

[blkscorpion80]

Depends how much weight & if i have a spotter..



best answer yet! It all depends on the weight and the number of set/reps. What does feeling good have to do with it. If you don't feel good you shouldn't be at the gym.

[SVT Lurch]

No one said anything about feeling good? :confused:

[ruffdaddy]

2:45ish on presses and squats.

1:30ish on curls, triceps, etc.