How much rest time between sets?

Keeping track of time with the big clock!

How much rest time will depend on your goal and training plan, let start with simplicity:

0 to 30 seconds: you are looking to build endurance, cut up, or lose weight.

30 seconds to 2 mintues: your goal is muscle tone, muscle mass, and weight loss.

2 to 5 minutes: your goal is power and muscle mass.

5 minutes or more: you are a championship body builder, a world class power lifter, you brought your cell phone into the gym, you started a conversation with someone and are taking too long, you don't know what you are doing, you are watching the gym tv, or you are wasting someone else's time that is waiting for that machine, or you have no clue about working out.

Now... To go a but more in-depth. You don't have to always commit to one of those formulas. I typically go slow in the beginning to get some power sets in and in the end I'm 90% of the time not resting at all. If your goal is overall development stick with an overall program. You can of course phase things as well, month one power, month two mass, month three endurance. Experiment with what is best for you and what you get results from. Remember it's not what works best, it's what works best for you!

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Consult a doctor or medical professional before beginning any diet or fitness program.