Tips » Weight Training
How much rest should I take between sets?
There is no set rest time. Pick a heart rate you wish to work in, and wait until your heart settles between sets. That's one way.
If you are supersetting antagonists, i.e. alternating chest press and cable rows, you could rest as little as 15 seconds because one muscle is resting while the work the other, and you have the added benefit of keeping your heart rate elevated. On the other hand, if you are doing extremely heavy lifts, 60 seconds may be a better rest period to allow adequate recovery before hitting it hard.
As you diminish rest, your heart rate will remain elevated longer, meaning you may have more optimal post-workout burn, however, your ability to work on the second or third sets will diminish, so it is a delicate balancing act.
In a rep range of 8 to 12 repetitions, I'd say anywhere between 45 seconds - 2 minutes would be optimal.