Time between sets?

[Scrumhalf]

In my quest to reduce the time I spend in the gym every day, I have been cutting down on the time between sets from 2 min. to 1 min. to about 45 seconds now. 45 seconds seems to be the minimum for me to fully recover from the previous set. My question is whether there is an optimum time for muscle building - i.e. can too short a recovery time between sets affect gains?

I am now down to about 45 min. including showering for my workouts. The splits are day 1 - chest/shoulders, day 2 - back/abs, day 3 - arms, day 4 - legs.

[shortz]

It depends somewhat on training style, how heavy you're going and your goal.

For hypertrophy, IMO, rest periods should be right around 1-2 minutes. 45 seconds can be optimal is you are not going really heavy.

For power, you are going to be going quite heavy and rest times can be longer, up to 5 minutes if going for singles, doubles or triples.

Obviously for neuromuscular facilitation and muscular endurance, rest periods should be short and TUT starts to be more of an issue.

[Shibby]

Pretty much what shortz says. When I train people I just tell them "As long as you need, but no longer than you have to". Nothings worse than getting cold.

[Scrumhalf]

Thanks! Just the info I needed....