I like short brief sessions...
Short Sessions
As Vince Gironda, one of the best bodybuilding coaches, said, "You can train hard or long but not both."
Shorter training session are more effective for Limit Strength, Power and Speed Training. They enable you to maintain better technique.
Once fatigue sets in, your technique falls apart, your Limit Strength, Power and Speed drop.
I don't want to turn my session into a conditioning workout...
Cluster Set
An effective Power Training Method is Cluster Sets. Cluster Sets are essentially a form of High Intensity Interval Training, HIIT (High Intensity Interval Resistance Interval., HIIRT).
Mini rest periods (15 - 45 seconds) are taken between each repetition or set of repetitions (1 - 5 repetition) with moderate load in a movement (48 - 62% in standard strength exercises and 70 - 80% in Olympic movement).
Short rest period allow for greater power output with each repetition or cluster of repetition, allowing ATP restoration needed for dynamic work.
Each repetition is performed explosively which elevates heart rate. The mini rest period between repetition or sets of cluster increase heart rate and maintain it for a while.
A rest period of approximately 3 minutes follows the Custer Set Exercise before it is repeated. Thus, this method is the resistance training version of High Intensity Interval Training, the resistance version of HIIT.
The Paradox
The irony is that this type of high intensity training promotes anaerobic and aerobic capacity; you get a 2 for 1 effect. Other types of training only produce one or the other, individually.
...after I barely put the bar down, I'm reaching for it again.
The Load Is Too Light
The fact that you are reaching for the bar immediately after putting it down indicates the load you are using is too light.
The weight should be heavy enough so that once you have completed a work set, you don't want to pick the bar up until you recovered, which bring us to...
Vegpedir
"...I pay attention to how I feel on subsequent sets. If it’s getting harder, then I know I should rest longer."
This is...
Autoregulation
One of the keys increasing Limit Strength, Power and Speed is recovery. It allows greater force production.
Kenny Croxdale