App for timing recovery between sets

[Dominique]

Subject says it all: can you recommend an app for timing recovery between sets, when doing strength training? I have an iPad and a Nexus 4, so both iOS and Android would do. There seems to be thousands of apps that can do this, so please make my life easier and tell me about one that works well! Thanks in advance!

[Heybales · Accepted solution]

I just use Hybrid Stopwatch app, with created preset countdown timer of 1 min (currently doing circuit training).

Hit the button to start when weight is put down, it beeps or vibrates (option) when finished and I hit button to Stop that, pick up next weight and go.

It resets back to countdown 1 min again automatically.

But for normal lifting, I base it on minimum 1 min, or max time dependent an HR getting back down to 100.

That way if it's a really full body lift like squats or deads, the recovery needs to be longer if the next set is going to be as strong, so it takes longer to recover. But for something like upright row, the 1 min is usually enough.

That method also works nicely because if a tad tired and not as fresh in general, then the rests can be slightly longer to still allow hitting working weight for reps.

If I tried to keep to set min rests on deads and other heavy lifts, forget being as high a working weight as I am.

[slysam]

I think a lot of strength apps do have recovery timers, but usually it is just a timer so you have to know when you want to start working again. I've noticed this when I've tried different ones. I really just use my heart rate monitor. Once I did an interval program that involved taking pulse before the workout and timing sets so the heart rate is within 30 bpm of the starting heart rate. I kind of liked this method, so I do similar with strength recovery. Though, it is really the muscles that need to recover, not my heart, so this may not be the best method. I also wait until I can mentally and physically face that exercise again. Usually between logging the exercise, drinking soem water and waiting for my heart rate to get close ot my preexercise rate I am good to go for another set. 

[Dominique]

Thanks, does exactly what I need! Will also be able to use it to cook my eggs and pasta

This YouTube video gave me a good idea of the way the app works. The video was made two years ago. One small difference is the current version is only available as a free app with ads, while the older version covered in the video could be upgraded to a paid app with no ads. No big deal, as I only need to watch the app when hitting the START button, so the ads don't really bother me.