PURPOSE To examine the effects of different rest interval lengths on acute performance of the bench press exercise in resistance-trained men. METHODS Eight resistance-trained men [6.6 ± 3.3 years of experience; age = 21.4 ± 2.4 years; one-repetition maximum (1RM) bench press = 126.7 ± 31.4 kg] performed 5 protocols each consisting of 5 sets of the bench press with 75% of 1RM for 10 repetitions using different rest intervals (30 sec, 1, 2, 3, and 5 min) in a randomized order. RESULTS Significant main effects and interactions were observed for the resistance used and the total mass lifted (number of repetitions performed without assistance × the resistance). When 30-sec and 1-min rest intervals were used, significant reductions in the resistance and total mass lifted were observed with each subsequent set performed (set 5 <set 4 <set 3 <set 2 <set 1). Overall, lifting performance was reduced by 22–43% following the 3rd set and 51–55% following the 5th set compared to set 1 when a 30-sec rest interval was used; and by 15–37% following the 3rd set and 38–43% following the 5th set when a 1-min rest interval was used. When a 2-min rest interval was used, performance was maintained during the first two sets but was significantly reduced during sets 3 through 5 (compared to set 1). Overall, there was an 8–23% reduction following the 3rd set and a 25–29% reduction following the 5th set. When a 3-min rest interval was used, no significant difference in the resistance used was observed. However, there was a significant reduction observed in the total mass lifted where sets 4 and 5 were significantly lower than sets 1 through 3 (∼21%). No significant differences were observed in the resistance or total mass lifted when a 5-min rest interval was used. CONCLUSIONS These results indicated a continuum of acute alterations where: 1) the largest reductions were observed with very short rest intervals, 2) performance was maintained during the first 2–3 sets when 3 min of rest was used but was reduced during sets 4 and 5, and 3) performance was maintained throughout when a 5-min rest interval was used. These data demonstrate the impact rest interval length has on acute bench press performance and may be useful to the practitioner who designs weight training programs targeting specfic areas of fitness.