Weight training

theswanygirl

When working out with weights whether with dumbbells or machines is there a time frame you should rest between sets? I prefer to rest not more than 60 seconds between sets. Mostly so I can feel like a circuit training and to keep my heart rate going plus I don't want to spend so much time in the gym.

jemhh

It can vary from person to person based on goals. Here is an article that talks a bit about how you might decide on your rest period lengths: http://www.aworkoutroutine.com/how-long-to-rest-between-sets-exercises/

cajuntank

The only thing I would add to what @jemhh provided would be its also goal and preference dependent. The variable of rest periods between sets are of smaller consequence/importance to that of say overall work (i.e... Being able to do more sets or more weight completed due to extended rest is more important than less rest) if the goal is to become stronger or more muscle. But as you mentioned, if there is a time element that you might be bound by or enjoy the aerobic aspect of less rest, then go with whichever best suits your goals and/or preferences.

zbakrjc

I vary my rest times depending on how heavy I'm lifting that day. If I'm trying to load it up really heavy then I take a few more minutes between sets. Leg work requires longer rest periods. Typically I rest about 1 - 2 minutes between sets.

SonyaCele

it depends on your goals, what you are training for, what kinda lift you are doing , and how you feel. I rest 3-5 minutes between some sets and sometimes i just superset with no rest between several different exercises

cgvet37

As long as you need to complete the next set. It all depends on my routine.

tincanonastring

SonyaCele wrote: »

it depends on your goals, what you are training for, what kinda lift you are doing , and how you feel. I rest 3-5 minutes between some sets and sometimes i just superset with no rest between several different exercises

+1

HamsterManV2

Taken from my other post:

When moving maximum weight with you main lifts (i.e. squat, bench, deadlift), rest 3-5 minutes is appropriate when the weights get big. After 3 minutes, approximately 80% of your muscle’s ATP (energy) has been replenished, at 5 minutes, approximately 95% is back in the game, and at 8 minutes ~ 100% is there. If you are going for a PR, don't go in with 80%. If you can go in with only 2 minutes rest, you really are not pushing yourself as hard as you can.

My personal template:
Main Lifts: 3-5 minutes between sets
Secondary Lifts: 2-3 minutes, I usually superset something in there to save time.
Accessory lifts (i.e. curls, single muscle exercises): 1-2 minutes, superset to save time.

Edit: the above is for strength training with heavy weights. I see you are doing circuit, so my guidelines definitely differ from what you are doing. You can superset between 1-3 exercises with little to no break in between if you can handle it, though I find for every cycle I go through, I need a minute rest.