When Does a Slow Set of 5 Become 5 Singles?

[amsgator]

At what point does a set of 5 become 5 singles? I think it would mostly apply to the deadlift. For example, if I stop in between reps to re-chalk my hands, or adjust my grip, or to take a short breather...how long is too long?

I realize there is no concrete answer of "10 seconds," etc, I just wanted to get your thoughts on how long is too long between reps to consider it a single set of 5.

[afatgoat]

At what point does a set of 5 become 5 singles? I think it would mostly apply to the deadlift. For example, if I stop in between reps to re-chalk my hands, or adjust my grip, or to take a short breather...how long is too long?

I realize there is no concrete answer of "10 seconds," etc, I just wanted to get your thoughts on how long is too long between reps to consider it a single set of 5.

When you walk away from the bar or rack it. Some dickhead is going to pipe up about a 10 minute 5 rep pull. Don't be that guy or that dickhead.

[Immortal_k]

As you said, there's no objective answer. My personal thought is that if you've still got your hands on the bar, it's a set. Truly though, it just doesn't matter what you call it.

[Red Finn]

To me, anything longer than 5-10 seconds between reps is questionable.

[johnnys]

It seems like it should be measured as a fraction of the rest you schedule between sets - I'm not calling a 15 second pause a new set when you know you need 6 minutes to recover from a set.

[bugbomb]

Don't dick around. Don't rechalk your hands. That's good enough. If you walk away from the bar or stand around above it with your dick in your hands, it's not one set.

This. I try not to wait longer between DL reps than I could between squat reps.

[kel]

Personally I always felt like if I need a 10 sec pause before the last rep in a heavy set of 5 that's acceptable. But if you're pausing 5-10 secs between every rep calling that a set is pretty questionable.

[mweitz]

I go by the "breath rule" End one rep, exhale, inhale, take a second or two if you need to and go. Any longer than that and you are on a new set.

[John Hanley]

How different are the training effects of:

500x5
&
500x4,1 (10 sec pause between 4th & 5th rep)?

Alactic work capacity is important & all...but do we really give a shit?

[bugbomb]

How different are the training effects of:

500x5
&
500x4,1 (10 sec pause between 4th & 5th rep)?

Alactic work capacity is important & all...but do we really give a shit?

I agree that it's not relevant for someone pulling 500x5.

It might be relevant for someone who just pulled 285x4,1 and was already uncertain about his ability to maintain an LP. It casts doubt (the mind-killer) on the upcoming 290x5 and can set some bad habits, at least.

More psychological than anything.