Question about "resting between sets"

Hi all,

I'm wondering if anyone has any information regarding what to do, or not do, during the resting time between sets. I really struggle to just stand there and wait between weight sets. Often I'll do jumping jacks or use an aerobic step without any additional height and just do low steps for the resting period. I like what this does for my calorie burn and heart rate, but I want to make sure I'm not hindering my workout in other ways.

Thanks for your thoughts, opinions, and information!

Well, resting between sets is just that. It's to give your muscles the chance to

a) Remove the build up of latic acid

b) Get oxygen and nutrients back to the muscles

Since these require blood flow to the muscles, light aerobic work moving the muscles is probably not a bad thing, especially considering that your skeletal muscles help "pump" blood back to the heart. In fact, sitting and not moving at all between sets is about the worst thing you can do. Personally I just pace between sets to help keep blood flowing through my muscles

Original Post by kmk33:

Hi all,

I'm wondering if anyone has any information regarding what to do, or not do, during the resting time between sets. I really struggle to just stand there and wait between weight sets. Often I'll do jumping jacks or use an aerobic step without any additional height and just do low steps for the resting period. I like what this does for my calorie burn and heart rate, but I want to make sure I'm not hindering my workout in other ways.

Thanks for your thoughts, opinions, and information!

 

 I hear what you mean...I went through the same thing...usually between sets...I just either stretch more, or do simple calve exercise...like standing on something, and doing calve raises without weight...just body weight. 

OSU!!

As you said yourself, you're increasing your caloric burn ... as well, you're getting a more efficient workout (per time period) because you aren't standing around leaning on the weights (as I see many people do in the gym -- I always tell 'em: the weights can stand up by themselves, they don't need your help )

Also, by doing more of a "circuit" you increase your overall conditioning and endurance. The goal is for maximum strength, minimum weight with maximum endurance ...  If you stand around, you're encouraging your muscles to grow bulky, which is certainly what you don't want.

Thank you all for input - it's appreciated!