Feature
Smart Rest Timers
Auto-starting rest timers that adapt to how you actually train. Three display modes, background notifications, and AI-powered rest suggestions that learn when your timer doesn't match reality.
Three display modes
Switch between modes on the fly during your workout. The timer remembers your preference.
Fullscreen
Immersive dark overlay with large countdown ring. Time adjustment buttons (-15s, +15s, +30s) and skip button always visible.
Minimized
Compact floating badge in the corner. Tap to expand. Stays out of the way while you review your log.
Inline
Embedded countdown at the top of your workout. No overlay, just a progress bar that lives within the session view.
Auto-start after sets
Complete a set and the timer starts automatically with your configured rest duration. No extra taps between sets. The timer fires instantly on set completion, so you never lose seconds fumbling with buttons.
Smart rest suggestions (Pro)
Plates analyzes your actual rest gaps across 20+ sessions per exercise and detects patterns that your timer setting misses:
Timer mismatch detected
You set 90s but consistently wait 2+ minutes. The app suggests updating your timer to match your actual rest behavior.
Rest too short
Your reps decline 10%+ when you skip or rush the timer. Suggests adding 30s for strength exercises where recovery matters.
Rest could be shorter
Performance stays stable even when you skip 30s early. Suggests trimming rest to save time without costing reps.
Goal-appropriate defaults
| Training goal | Recommended rest | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Strength (1-5 reps) | 2 - 5 min | Full ATP recovery for max-effort sets |
| Hypertrophy (6-12 reps) | 1 - 4 min | Metabolic stress without compromising load |
| Endurance (12+ reps) | 30s - 2.5 min | Maintain cardiovascular demand |
Suggestions respect these ranges. The app will never suggest 30-second rest for a heavy deadlift set.
Interval training modes
Dedicated timers for conditioning work, all built into the same workout session:
EMOM
Every Minute On the Minute
60-second rounds. Record reps per round. The timer resets automatically. Great for power cleans, kettlebell swings, or burpees.
AMRAP
As Many Rounds As Possible
Set a time cap (8, 12, 20 min). Record total rounds and reps. No rest structure, just effort against the clock.
Work/Rest
Configurable Intervals
Set work duration, rest duration, and number of rounds. Optional warmup and cooldown phases. Tabata, 30/30, or custom splits.
Audio and haptic feedback
Configurable countdown beeps, completion sounds, and vibration patterns. Plays over background music and sends push notifications when the app is backgrounded. Choose from:
- Electronic Beep, Boxing Bell, Whistle, and more
- Haptic patterns: light taps during countdown, strong burst on completion
- Configurable countdown start (last 3s, 5s, or 10s)
Try Plates free
Rest timers and interval training are free. Smart rest suggestions unlock with Pro.
Open Plates