rest-pause training

Advanced ⚽ Sports / Fitness

Definition

An intensity technique where you perform a set to failure, rest briefly (10-15 seconds), then squeeze out more reps, repeating until your muscles send an urgent cease-and-desist letter to your brain.

Example Usage

Tried rest-pause training on bench press and discovered new dimensions of chest pain I didn't know existed.

Origin

Developed by strength coach Mike Mentzer in the 1970s as part of Heavy Duty training

Fun Fact

Rest-pause was scientifically shown to increase time under tension by 40% compared to straight sets, which explains why it feels 400% worse.

Source: Bodybuilding and high-intensity training methodology

Related Terms

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