Weight lifting routines are comprised of the exercises you do combined with the amount of sets and reps.
But there is another component and it might just be the most important.
How much time to rest between each set? Before I explain why my view on the subject of how much rest to take between each set is the best, let me give you some back ground information.
The single most universally accepted principal of building muscle is that compound exercises (those that work multiple muscles and joints), builds the MOST muscle in the shortest time frame.
By nature these moves require a maximum effort each time, especially if you include the second most widely accepted principal of weight lifting, that being "use as much weight as you can.
" Combining these two principals done sincerely, will produce the most muscle in the least time.
Now everybody is unique so a universally accepted rest amount has evolved into a time range.
Most of your "bodybuilding gurus" recommend anything from as little as 30 seconds, to as much as 3 or 4 minutes.
So here's a question I always think of when I read these "experts" muscle building plans: How could I possibly know before I buy one of these programs if I am a 30 second responder or a 4 minute one, relative to my own body? I absolutely whole heartedly DISAGREE with the assertion that they can tell you the optimum rest period for what'll work best for you.
I also disagree with the notion that you can GUESS which of the programs and their recommendations for rest will work based on "well this sounds like something that will work.
" There is an absolute way to determine what is the best amount of rest to take between each set, and by best I mean the exact one that will help YOU build the most muscle in the shortest time.