ExRx.net

I know that if you want big biceps then managing the rest period between sets is very much a part of the program.

But if you just want to get stronger, does it matter? Am I losing benefit by doing a 45 second plank in between sets, with the extra 45-odd seconds (for 90 total) to switch exercises?

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The Angels have the phone box.

I think it doesn't matter if you're not targeting the same muscle on the given exercises. Okay, I see people doing double, even triple sets, but there is rest somewhere along the program. If you do some core/abs/back exercise with bicep curls, I don't think it matters. Planks give some stress to arms and shoulders depending on where you target your bodyweight, but it's most certainly not a main target. If you can pull your curls without problems, I can't see any harm with your program. Plus 45 seconds rest isn't that bad for an assisting(?) exercise.

Also, the rest periods are very varying. Depending what kind of exercise it is, the rest goes somewhere between 30secs to 5 minutes, some prefer even more.

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Prove the impossible!

I'm confused by the premis. Why do curls in the first place?

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Thanks TimD.

...and we come full circle.

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Our greatest fear should not be of failure, but of succeeding at things in life that don't really matter.--Francis Chan

To get strong you rest as much as is needed to lift better.

I was wondering about the extra break you get from the planks, to do the curls, actually./
Serious answer, I'd increase the reps/time/weight to make the exercise have the desired training effect.

Curls? For the girls!

Sorry Ken. I just re-read your original post and I was really confused. It doesn't make a huge difference, but to maximize your strength gains for the main lifts, rest 3-5 minutes between sets. For aux stuff, it doesn't matter much - 45 seconds, 90 seconds, 2 minutes. For curls, it doesn't matter at all since it is virtually a worthless exercise.

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Thanks TimD.

Yes, but I'm getting better at it!

Its not WORTHLESS. Like any workout you do if you do it enough you will see gains from it. most poeple recommend big compound lifts that incorporate the biceps but if you see your biceps lacking throw em in. Mess around with em try hammer curls preachercurls incline curls concentration curls GO NUTS.

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"Opportunity does not knock, it presents itself when you beat down the door"

Kyle Chandler

I'm with John on this one. If you have gas in the tank after your major lifts, then go ahead and do them. As to the intersetting, or whatever someone called it, I actually read a Coach Poliquin article (and it's in his book the Poliquin Principles) where he uses some form of Barbell curl alternated with Benches in a BP program. Said the antagonist movements of the upper arm actually helped each other recuperate. As to Curls being worthless , well, back in the day many highly ranked Powerlifters used them. They used them to increase upper arm mass. Hammer curls seemed to be the choice as it grabbed the brachiallis as well. Does upper arm mass increase the bench? I'm not sure I buy into that, but it was popular.. Rest periods, hoosegow has that one covered pretty well.

The curl comment was to get a rise out of gmen.

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Thanks TimD.

after all this time it turns out hoose is actually just a troll! Suddenly nothing makes sense anymore

He's the biggest, strongest troll that's come along so far.

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Our greatest fear should not be of failure, but of succeeding at things in life that don't really matter.--Francis Chan

hahhahahahahhahahahah

Had I not been sick and busy i would have bitten too, lol