How long should I rest between sets?

It depends on your goal. Roughly: 60 to 90 seconds for hypertrophy, 2 to 5 minutes for heavy strength. The point of a timer is that your rest stays consistent instead of your phone distracting you.

Can I time only the rest?

Yes, set the work time low and the rest to what you need. Or use the interval timer for a fully custom ratio.

Does this work in the gym on my phone?

Open the same timer in NanoTimer with the button above. There you get voice cues, so you do not have to look at your screen.

Gym timer

A free gym timer that watches your set and your rest. 60 seconds work and 90 seconds rest over 5 sets by default, so your rest stays consistent.

Work (s)Rest (s)Rounds

Work 60s · Rest 90s · 5 rounds

Take it with you in the app

This tool runs in your browser. Want it on your phone, with voice cues, background timing and a real alarm? Open the same tool in NanoTimer.

Open on your phoneOpens NanoTimer on your iPhone and starts right away.

Download on theApp StoreLink coming soon

How it works

Set your set time and, above all, your rest time: that drives recovery.
Tap Start on your first set.
The counter turns teal during rest and beeps down to your next set.
Adjust the number of sets to your plan.

Frequently asked questions

How long should I rest between sets?: It depends on your goal. Roughly: 60 to 90 seconds for hypertrophy, 2 to 5 minutes for heavy strength. The point of a timer is that your rest stays consistent instead of your phone distracting you.
Can I time only the rest?: Yes, set the work time low and the rest to what you need. Or use the interval timer for a fully custom ratio.
Does this work in the gym on my phone?: Open the same timer in NanoTimer with the button above. There you get voice cues, so you do not have to look at your screen.

More tools

Interval timer Tabata timer HIIT timer EMOM timer AMRAP timer Workout timer CrossFit timer WOD timer