Do you time your rest between sets or go when you feel ready?

How closely do you watch your rest times between sets?

You often see recommendations of 60 to 90 seconds for isolation exercises and several minutes for heavy compound lifts. In practice, though, recovery is not always that predictable.

After a hard set of squats, I can see the need for a few minutes before going again. After curls or lateral raises, waiting for a timer to finish can sometimes feel unnecessary.

Do you set a timer, keep a rough eye on the clock, or simply start the next set when you feel ready?

I’m also curious whether longer rests have helped anyone lift more weight or complete more repetitions. At the other extreme, do very short rests just turn the workout into cardio and reduce the quality of later sets?

Does your approach change depending on the exercise and whether you are training for strength or muscle growth?