What is the ideal resting period.....

Nobody · Dec 17, 2005

Between each set? Somehow, I've been either;

1) Lazy
2) Easily distracted.

I always just kind of wait around and look around at the dumbest most random things ever after each set for about 2 or 3 minutes before I even realize it....

PotentialPhreak · Dec 17, 2005

i usually stick with 1-2 minutes...but usually around 2 mins. For me it is easy to do it this way and not feel lazy simply because I'm usually spotting for my workout partner during the rest period

Crazylegs · Dec 17, 2005

1-2 mins for size, 3-5 mins for strength, 30-60 secs for muscular endurance. It may seem trivial, but it actually does make a signifigant difference.

Nobody · Dec 17, 2005

Okay, I want to train for strenght. I'll make a new topic, crazylegs, please help me out.

evolution · Dec 18, 2005

1-2 minutes is good. You'll start developing a sense of when to lift again.

Streamline · Dec 19, 2005

i do 90 - 120 seconds and to keep busy during sets i stretch and move around to keep the blood flow going

Champr23 · Dec 20, 2005

So, let me get this straight 3-5mins is for strength. So that person would be able to lift more weight without getting much bigger? Is that what is meant by strength?

Is this how someone can have more strength but weigh the same and be the same size as the other person? Because my friend (older) is near the same build as me, 8lbs heavier and he says he benchs 250lbs and my max is 145lbs.

Biggie · Dec 21, 2005

Yeah when you're training for strength you'll gain a lot of strength but a normal amount of mass. So you'll still get a little bigger, but not incredibly. And when you train for mass, you'll get more size gains and a little less strength.

newf · Dec 21, 2005

Rest intervals also depends on you fiber makeup but crazylegs hit the general guidelines.

Champr23 · Dec 21, 2005

Ok kewl but what do you mean by fiber makeup? and are those guidelines generally accepted everywhere?

newf · Dec 21, 2005

People have different muscle fiber makeup. Some have a high percentage of fast twitch (sprinters, power althetles), some slow twitch (endurane runners) and some are just average with both makeups.

Those with fast twitch would respond better to high load/intensity work while slow twitch would respond better to high volume/reps.

The rest intervals are based on fiber makeup also but its not so much has a difference. Crazylegs pretty well hit the general areas.

jpfitness · Dec 21, 2005

You can train with 4 major lifts "circuit style" where you are moving from one exercise to the next without much rest, but giving the target area 3-5 minutes for a full recovery. For example, if your four exercises were squat, bench press, bent-over row, RDL, you could do them all in sequence, and your quads will be fully recovered by the time you come back around to squats. Very efficient method of training. You can get in and out of a workout in 30 minutes that way. Or do some Crossfit style combos and finish yourself off soundly in 10 minutes!