Rest Time Between Sets — Timer Or Just Go By Feel?

[Phill]

How do you guys manage rest time between sets?

Do you use a timer (like a Beper or app)?

Do you stick to fixed times (30s, 60s, 90s, etc.) depending on the goal?

Or do you just go by feel?

Personally, I use a Beper set to 1 minute and follow it strictly.
Without it, I tend to take longer breaks without even realizing how much time is passing. The timer helps me stay consistent and keep the pace up.

Also, (if) you're enhanced, do you find that shorter rest times work better since recovery is faster, or do you still keep longer rests for strength?

Curious about everyone's approach, especially in relation to intensity, hypertrophy, and performance.
Do strict rest periods really matter, or is it overhyped?

Let’s hear how you guys do it.

 

[Dirtnasty]

Feel. 1 minute really isn’t enough time to revover inbetween sets and science shows your leaving gains on the table. 3 minutes would be it if I was setting timer linger in compound movements

 

[Dirtnasty]

I also use the gym for socializing which is much more important to me than lifting is.

 

[Ripgut]

I used to time it out. Now I go by feeling. Seems more enjoyable to me. Sets don't feel rushed. Only time I need to rush is a super set or drop set. That's all the rushing I need. If I was to guess I'd say my sets go from anywhere from a minute to a minute half in between. rather focus on my next set than how much time I got. But, that's just what I enjoy and feel it gives me the most out of my workout....

 

[Poppy]

I have a cheapo large-ish clock with a second hand in my gym.

For sets (compound movements) above 85% or so, I will take 2-3 minutes or “as long as it takes “ to feel sufficiently rested.

For the single joint movements, I usually work neck and abs as an active rest with no more than 15-30 seconds rest (if any) between circuits.

My long sessions like squats and associated movements takes approximately 45 minutes. I don’t spend too much time in the gym.