The Claim

Is resting more than 90 seconds between sets better for muscle growth than resting 60–90 seconds?

Source: Give it a rest: a systematic review with Bayesian meta-analysis on the effect of inter-set rest interval duration on muscle hypertrophy

What the research says

Supports is higher

Support is ahead, but a single strong opposing study can change this.

Supports
55score
Challenges
0score

These are independent scores, not a percentage. Higher-grade studies count more, so a single strong opposing study can outweigh several weaker ones.

Quantitative
1 study reviewed
In plain English

Resting more than a minute and a half between sets doesn’t seem to help your muscles grow any more than resting for about a minute — after that, extra rest doesn’t add benefit.

See the scientific wording

Rest intervals longer than 90 seconds show no appreciable hypertrophic advantage over intervals of 60–90 seconds for arm or thigh muscle growth, as effect sizes approach zero and credible intervals include no meaningful benefit, suggesting volume load preservation plateaus beyond 90 seconds.

What the research says

1 study
  1. Study: Give it a rest: a systematic review with Bayesian meta-analysis on the effect of inter-set rest interval duration on muscle hypertrophy

    Network meta-analysis showed SUCRA values and effect sizes for rest intervals >90s (long and very long) were not meaningfully different from intermediate (61–119s) durations for arms and thighs, with wide credible intervals overlapping zero and no consistent ranking advantage.

Score breakdown, mechanism chain, raw evidence, ideal studies needed & 1 supporting studies

Fit Body Science verdict — we translate health claims into clear verdicts backed by peer-reviewed research.

Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.