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Guides / Rest between sets

How long should you rest between sets?

Short answer: long enough that your next set is as good as your last one.

01

Rules of thumb

  • Heavy compound liftsSquats, presses, rows: about 2 to 3 minutes.
  • Accessory and isolation workCurls, raises, extensions: about 60 to 90 seconds.
  • Supersets or circuitsRest after the pair, not between each move.
02

Resting too little?

Your reps drop sharply on set two, or you feel breathless before the muscle is the limit.

03

Resting too much?

The workout drags past an hour and you feel cold or distracted between sets.

04

Use a timer

Tracking rest takes the guessing out. The SMUVE Training Club lets you log sets, weight and rest on your phone.

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Quick answers

Is it bad to rest longer than 3 minutes?

Not harmful, but for most sessions it makes the workout long without much extra benefit.

Should I rest less to burn more?

Only if the goal and the exercise allow it. For strength, quality reps matter more than a short rest.

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