Resting between squat reps?

[Kregna]

I'm following the SS template, 3x5 squats, bench, etc....

I've been holding my breath for squats and breathing out at the top but find I need to take a few seconds (sometimes as much as 4) to get my breath back back and do the next rep. I do this between most reps. I try cutting this down but I get really out of breath if, at the top of the squat, I just take enough time to breathe out and in quickly.

I take it this isn't great? I've seen rippetoe doing it in a squatting vid, though admittedly he was lifting a lot more

[MrMisanthrope]

From what I've read, it doesn't start hurting your testosterone or your other anaerobic training benefits as long as you don't wait more than 1 minute between reps, as long as the weight is heavy enough for you.

[Bostongeorge617]

My own broscience and reasoning. Tempo is something that a lot of people have individual preferences for and ideas as to what works better. I'd like to believe that in the end, the exertion you put on your muscles is what truly matters. If someone can do 10 non-stop reps, or can do 10 reps at a 20% (arbitrary) weight increase while briefly pausing between reps the work likely evens out in the long run. I'm curious to see what others think.

*edit* regarding the post above mine...I would never encourage anyone to rest 1 minute between reps.

[Lector606]

I'm following the SS template, 3x5 squats, bench, etc....

I've been holding my breath for squats and breathing out at the top but find I need to take a few seconds (sometimes as much as 4) to get my breath back back and do the next rep. I do this between most reps. I try cutting this down but I get really out of breath if, at the top of the squat, I just take enough time to breathe out and in quickly.

I take it this isn't great? I've seen rippetoe doing it in a squatting vid, though admittedly he was lifting a lot more

Maybe your reps are taking too long? You shouldn't need this much time, except maybe before your last rep in a tough set.

[Kregna]

My own broscience and reasoning. Tempo is something that a lot of people have individual preferences for and ideas as to what works better. I'd like to believe that in the end, the exertion you put on your muscles is what truly matters. If someone can do 10 non-stop reps, or can do 10 reps at a 20% (arbitrary) weight increase while briefly pausing between reps the work likely evens out in the long run. I'm curious to see what others think.

*edit* regarding the post above mine...I would never encourage anyone to rest 1 minute between reps.

An interesting point of view

Maybe your reps are taking too long? You shouldn't need this much time, except maybe before your last rep in a tough set.

I'm increasing the weight each session and every rep is a killer BUT I'm still getting my 3x5 so surely it's okay?

[Bostongeorge617]

Had a situation happen just yesterday that had me musing about a variation of this very topic.

I was squatting yesterday, and by my 6th set my tempo was slower. Towards the last few reps of the set, I'd pause and take about 3-4 seconds to catch my breath. Another guy deadlifting behind me, trying to be helpful, was giving me the handmotion to keep pushing them out and came up behind me to spot. I appreciated it, but I think that ultimately me resting 2 additional seconds and doing the rep unassisted is equal in work to resting shorter, failing, and having a spotter assist for forced reps.

Not to mention I don't want anyone spooning with me in the squat rack.

[Kregna]

Had a situation happen just yesterday that had me musing about a variation of this very topic.

I was squatting yesterday, and by my 6th set my tempo was slower. Towards the last few reps of the set, I'd pause and take about 3-4 seconds to catch my breath. Another guy deadlifting behind me, trying to be helpful, was giving me the handmotion to keep pushing them out and came up behind me to spot. I appreciated it, but I think that ultimately me resting 2 additional seconds and doing the rep unassisted is equal in work to resting shorter, failing, and having a spotter assist for forced reps.

Not to mention I don't want anyone spooning with me in the squat rack.

haha that was good of him to offer to spot you but yes I see your point, it makes sense