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How many minutes between sets?

SarahBeth0625
Posts: 685 Member
Just as the title says, how much of a break do you take between? I usually do about 2 minutes. Sufficient?
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Replies
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You will recruit more muscle fiber the shorter the rest. I typically play it by ear and start with a 1 minute rest. If the next set is a little easy, I'll drop to 45 seconds. If it was too difficult, up to 1:30. The most I'll rest is 2:00, and that's if I fail a rep during the set.
If I want a challenge, I'll try something like 10 sets of 3 near my 1 rep max, with 30 seconds rest.
However, with heavy deadlifts, I might rest 3-5 minutes. Mostly because I need my back to be fully recovered (disc issues.)0 -
When I'm lifting heavy, compound movements, I rest until I have my breath back. Where I am right now, for most lifts, about 2 minutes between sets. While I'm warming up, maybe 1 minute, sometimes less if I'm impatient.
I know a lot of programs specify the rest period between sets. Most say shorter rests the longer you go along. But I've found I need longer rest the heavier the weights are.0 -
1 minute would be better for fitness.
A.C.E. Certified Personal/Group FitnessTrainer
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Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition0 -
On my heavy sets I take about 2 minutes to make sure I can get the weight up. With my assistance work I only take a minute or so...if I can't get the weight up I just drop set and move on. I don't want to do that with my primary lifts though...I want the full benefit of those primary, compound lifts.0
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Thank you! I guess it depends on what I'm doing. I do 2-3 minutes between my pushups (regular), but I'm doing 30-35 pushups in a set. When I'm on the leg press or overhead pass, I guess it's more like 1:30.0
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At least 3 on compound lifts.0
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I'm pretty sure that's called cardio.0 -
the closer to your 1rep max you get, and more you can lift, the longer time you need in between sets. for me 5min+ is not uncommon.0
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i do 1 min in between and if i start drop sets then 30 sec.0
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depends ..deads, squats, bench press usually about 2min 30 seconds..
dumbbell incline/decline ...pull ups/chin ups 2 minutes...
sometimes 60-90 seconds if I am going for more of a high intensity type work out...0 -
until you can lift the weight again.0
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