Stopwatch vs. Rest Timer: Which Is Better for the Gym?
Short answer
For timing rest between sets, a countdown rest timer is better than a stopwatch for most lifters, because it tells you when it's time for your next set and you don't have to keep checking. A stopwatch is useful when you rest by feel and just want to know how long you took. The best gym timers do both: count down your rest, then count up if you go over.
The difference in one line
- A stopwatch counts up from zero. It tells you how long it's been.
- A rest timer counts down to zero. It tells you when you're up.
At the gym, the second question is the one you care about.
Stopwatch vs. rest timer compared
| Stopwatch | Rest timer | |
|---|---|---|
| Counts | Up from 0:00 | Down to 0:00 |
| Tells you when rest is over | No | Yes, with a sound or buzz |
| Needs you to keep checking | Yes | No |
| Setup per set | Reset and start | One tap if it begins when you log a set |
| Keeps rests consistent | Only if you watch closely | Yes |
| Good for | Timing an effort, resting by feel | Planned rest between sets |
When a stopwatch makes sense
- Timing an effort, like a plank hold, a farmer's carry, or a run.
- Resting by feel on a heavy single, when you want to know afterwards how long you took.
- Tracking total workout time.
When a rest timer is the better choice
- Most lifting. You know you want 90 seconds or 2 minutes. A timer holds you to it without you watching the clock.
- When your phone is away. A timer can buzz your wrist or chime in your ears. A stopwatch can't tell you anything unless you look at it.
- Supersets and circuits, where rest is short and tight.
- Keeping workouts short. A countdown makes it obvious when you've over-rested.
The best of both: count down, then count up
The most useful gym timers combine the two. They count down your planned rest, alert you when you're up, and then keep counting up if you're still resting, so you know you're 40 seconds over.
That's how Between works. Log a set and your rest counts down on your Lock Screen, in the Dynamic Island, and on Apple Watch. You get a buzz 10 seconds before your next set and again when you're up. When the rest runs out, the clock switches to counting up from 0:00, captioned "Work", like a stopwatch, until you log your next set.
Not sure how long to rest? See how long to rest between sets.
Frequently asked questions
Should I use a stopwatch or a timer for rest between sets?
A timer, for most people. It tells you when it's time for your next set, so you can put your phone away. Use a stopwatch if you rest by feel and only want to know how long you took.
What's the best stopwatch app for the gym?
For lifting, look for a rest timer that counts up once your rest is over, rather than a plain stopwatch. It gives you a countdown with an alert, plus a count-up if you go over. Between does both, on your Lock Screen and Apple Watch.
Can the iPhone stopwatch run on the Lock Screen?
The Clock app keeps counting when your phone is locked, but it won't alert you when your rest is over, because a stopwatch has no end point. For that you need a countdown timer.
Why do my rests keep running long?
Usually because you're checking your phone or talking between sets and nothing tells you when you're up. A rest timer with an alert, and a count-up once your rest is over, fixes both.