Rest Periods On Rippetoes

[illmaticmindsta]

I've been on Rippetoes for a month or so now and am making incredible gains in strength and probably some in size as well (though I haven't really measured). Seriously, I'm pretty ****ing impressed at how much my strength has increased.

However, as I increase to ever heavier weights I'm noticing that my rest times between sets need to be longer. Like, today I tried 250lbs bench. I did the first set X 5 no problem. However I only waited 2 minutes to perform the next set which I couldn't complete (could not complete the 5th rep).

Obviously this means I need to wait longer in between sets, but does this mean that I'm starting to level off as far as strength goes? In other words, if you wait longer in between sets as the weight goes up are you really getting stronger? Or are you just reaping the benefits of longer rest periods? If I am starting to plateau (which shouldn't be the case as I'm told that one should be able to make consistent gains on Rippetoes from anywhere from 4 months to a year) what can I do to curb this and continue gaining strength?

[caerus13]

Rest as long as you need, but not so long that you start to cool down. Rest periods can be up to 8 minutes sometimes (or longer).

[illmaticmindsta]

Rest as long as you need, but not so long that you start to cool down. Rest periods can be up to 8 minutes sometimes (or longer).

Dang you serious? I was under the impression that, say, about 3 would be the max...

I mean, all the other exercises seem to be running smoothly but Squat and Bench - for whatever reason these are taking alot more recovery time than they did in the beginning. This normal though?

[abg]

Yes, he's serious. Rest what you need to. 4-5 minute rests, especially once you get to heavier weights, isn't that uncommon. Some people go even longer

[sheed30]

Rest as long as you need, but not so long that you start to cool down. Rest periods can be up to 8 minutes sometimes (or longer).

This is pretty much right. as long as your muscles don't get too cold you should be fine. when is did SS, i would usually wait an avg of 4-6 minutes between sets

[illmaticmindsta]

Good to hear because these squats are DESTROYING my legs lol

[abg]

Good to hear because these squats are DESTROYING my legs lol

How so?

[PeterGibbons316]

I've waited as long as 10 minutes between squat sets. Usually closer to 5 minutes depending on the exercise.

[illmaticmindsta]

How so?

I mean I'm tired as **** for the rest of the day after doing them...

[teyink]

Rest time between sets is another variable that needs to be controlled. Buy a timer and use it to keep the rest between sets consistent. Needing to rest longer and longer between sets is an indication that you are not ready to move up to that weight. A person that can do 250x5 with two minutes between sets is stronger than someone that needs 5 minutes between sets.

Just pick a rest time and keep it consistent so that you can track your progress better. I use 2:30 between sets and try to keep it consistent. I'm not saying that 2:30 is necessarily best, but try to keep a consistent rest time or it is impossible to accurately gauge how you are progressing on your program.

[PeterGibbons316]

Rest time between sets is another variable that needs to be controlled. Buy a timer and use it to keep the rest between sets consistent. Needing to rest longer and longer between sets is an indication that you are not ready to move up to that weight. A person that can do 250x5 with two minutes between sets is stronger than someone that needs 5 minutes between sets.

Just pick a rest time and keep it consistent so that you can track your progress better. I use 2:30 between sets and try to keep it consistent. I'm not saying that 2:30 is necessarily best, but try to keep a consistent rest time or it is impossible to accurately gauge how you are progressing on your program.

Disagree. If you are training for strength then just take as long as you need. If you are concerned with your endurance then maintain consistent rest times between sets and/or try to improve them.