Strength and conditioning experts set the record straight about a strength-training rule of thumb.

Exactlyhow long should you rest between sets?

(See also:What’s the Difference Between Muscular Endurance and Muscular Strength?)

how long should you rest between sets? a woman doing a child’s pose stretch on a yoga mat, with her phone, a set of dumbbells, and two weight plates at the top of the mat

Photo: Getty Images/kovaciclea

(PS: Here’show often you should be doing heavy strength-training workouts in the first place.)

Just Starting Out

Rest for:longer than you think you need

Fairly new to strength training?

(Also: Don’t miss thisstrength training workout that’s perfect for beginners.)

“For more inexperienced exercisers, longer recoveries can promote self-efficacy,” he says.

(Up next:Common Weight Lifting Questions for Beginners Who Are Ready to Lift Heavy)