Resting Between Short and Long Sets
April 14, 2009 | Leave a Comment
Getting a sufficient amount of daily rest is important when it comes to the amount and power of an exercise program. So, what is the difference between short and long rest periods? A long rest interval decrease metabolic stress and gives greater recovery and more force output during subsequent sets. Now, short rest periods between sets stop recovery. However, it increases the stress of exercise.
According to researchers from Kennesaw State University in Georgia, the effects of 1 minute and 2.5 minute rest periods between sets. During the experiment, researchers calculated hormone levels, strength and muscle size during a 35 day study.
Can Rest Periods Affect Hormone Levels?
The 2.5 minute rest periods have absolutely no effect on hormone levels, muscle strength and muscle size except for the arm size, which amplified to 50%. The 1 minute rest periods set off greater increases in cortical levels including testosterone levels during the first week of the experiment.
So, rest periods do not have an affect on hormone levels. To take advantage of the results of this experiment, we recommend beginning with the 1 minute rest period for the first week of an exercise program.
(Source: Journal Strength Conditioning Research, published online, December 2008)
