How many minutes between sets?

SarahBeth0625
SarahBeth0625 Posts: 685 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Just as the title says, how much of a break do you take between? I usually do about 2 minutes. Sufficient?

Replies

  • GetSoda
    GetSoda Posts: 1,267 Member
    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.)
  • rick_po
    rick_po Posts: 449 Member
    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.
  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 49,027 Member
    1 minute would be better for fitness.

    A.C.E. Certified Personal/Group FitnessTrainer
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  • cwolfman13
    cwolfman13 Posts: 41,865 Member
    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.
  • SarahBeth0625
    SarahBeth0625 Posts: 685 Member
    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.
  • MisterDerpington
    MisterDerpington Posts: 604 Member
    At least 3 on compound lifts.
  • melindasuefritz
    melindasuefritz Posts: 3,509 Member
    0
  • MisterDerpington
    MisterDerpington Posts: 604 Member
    0

    I'm pretty sure that's called cardio.
  • phjorg1
    phjorg1 Posts: 642 Member
    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.
  • 6spdeg
    6spdeg Posts: 394 Member
    i do 1 min in between and if i start drop sets then 30 sec.
  • ndj1979
    ndj1979 Posts: 29,136 Member
    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...
  • BonaFideUK
    BonaFideUK Posts: 313 Member
    until you can lift the weight again.

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