How long should I be resting between sets?

davis978
davis978 Posts: 103 Member
edited November 9 in Social Groups
I've been lifting since April. I'm doing StrongLifts 5x5. Here are my current lifts:
S-140
BP-87.5
OP-65
R-80
DL-135

When I started lifting, I followed the 90s/3m/5m recommendation closely. But now that I am working with more challenging weights, I often find that I need to rest a little longer. For instance, often after getting 5 reps on my first two sets, I feel that I'm just not "ready" to go again after three minutes. I sense that if I wait 3 minutes I will probably miss at least one rep on my third set, but if I wait 5 minutes, I might get all my reps. I usually wait the 5 minutes.

Is the 90s/3m/5m recommendation based on science? I realize that you can't rest too long between sets, but what's too long? Am I "cheating" myself by waiting 5 minutes, or should I just go with what feels right?

Thanks for your help!

Replies

  • PwrLftr82
    PwrLftr82 Posts: 945 Member
    Rest as long as you need to. Personally I don't usually rest longer than 60-90 sec between lifts because I'm on a serious time crunch at the gym.
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