Proper Resting Between Sets

I know many of us are limited on the time we can work-out, so we feel like we need to fly through our workouts to get everything done we want to get done. Today I wanted to write a little bit about the importance of proper resting periods. Rest periods can vary depending on what you are trying to get out of your work out. An endurance athlete is going to want to have very short rest periods between sets while someone who is working on power or strength needs to have a longer rest period to allow their body energy stores to be restored. In Essentials of Strength Training and Conditioning provided by the National Strength and Conditioning Association it teaches us the proper rest periods in a work out.

Strength and Power- 2-5 minutes between sets

Hypertrophy- 30-90 seconds between sets

Endurance- < or equal to 30 seconds

So as we adjust our rest periods it can help us reach our goals in the weight room. If you are trying to build up muscle and look ripped you wouldn't want to fly through your work out with 10-15 seconds between sets. As you provide the proper rest times you can reach your desired goals quicker and your body will react the way you want it to.