I've often considered it, because it's the way that I used to train. Heavy weight, low reps to "bulk", then lower weight, higher reps to "cut". The first time that I did STS, I assumed that once I did it the prescribed way, then I'd probably do it backwards from then on, because it made more sense to me. But once I did the program, I realized the genius of how its set up. Because you need the endurance built up in the smaller muscles (from M1 & 2) to be able to support the heavier weight load on the bigger muscles in M3. So having done it twice now, I've come to the conclusion that I could probably get really good results by doing it in more of a pyramid, meaning M1,2,3,2,1 that way I would still get the bulk/cut results that I love, but not take away from the program the benefits that it has to offer. I know, personally, I'm able to lift heavier in M3 because of M1 & 2, so I'm not sure I'd want the trade off. My 1RM changes from M1-3, so I actually see strength gains that I've never seen in all my years of training really heavy (M3 style most of the time) in just a 4-wk period of lifting really heavy. After lifting so heavy, I can see the benefits of going back down to a high rep rotation afterward (which I usually do)..
JMHO
I've often considered it, because it's the way that I used to train. Heavy weight, low reps to "bulk", then lower weight, higher reps to "cut". The first time that I did STS, I assumed that once I did it the prescribed way, then I'd probably do it backwards from then on, because it made more sense to me. But once I did the program, I realized the genius of how its set up. Because you need the endurance built up in the smaller muscles (from M1 & 2) to be able to support the heavier weight load on the bigger muscles in M3. So having done it twice now, I've come to the conclusion that I could probably get really good results by doing it in more of a pyramid, meaning M1,2,3,2,1 that way I would still get the bulk/cut results that I love, but not take away from the program the benefits that it has to offer. I know, personally, I'm able to lift heavier in M3 because of M1 & 2, so I'm not sure I'd want the trade off. My 1RM changes from M1-3, so I actually see strength gains that I've never seen in all my years of training really heavy (M3 style most of the time) in just a 4-wk period of lifting really heavy. After lifting so heavy, I can see the benefits of going back down to a high rep rotation afterward (which I usually do)..
JMHO
hey kikster, I like that pyramid idea...genius!
I've often considered it, because it's the way that I used to train. Heavy weight, low reps to "bulk", then lower weight, higher reps to "cut". The first time that I did STS, I assumed that once I did it the prescribed way, then I'd probably do it backwards from then on, because it made more sense to me. But once I did the program, I realized the genius of how its set up. Because you need the endurance built up in the smaller muscles (from M1 & 2) to be able to support the heavier weight load on the bigger muscles in M3. So having done it twice now, I've come to the conclusion that I could probably get really good results by doing it in more of a pyramid, meaning M1,2,3,2,1 that way I would still get the bulk/cut results that I love, but not take away from the program the benefits that it has to offer. I know, personally, I'm able to lift heavier in M3 because of M1 & 2, so I'm not sure I'd want the trade off. My 1RM changes from M1-3, so I actually see strength gains that I've never seen in all my years of training really heavy (M3 style most of the time) in just a 4-wk period of lifting really heavy. After lifting so heavy, I can see the benefits of going back down to a high rep rotation afterward (which I usually do)..
JMHO
Well I know what I'm going to be doing from Sept to Feb
This is kind of what I was thinking... surely there would be some additional benefits if you did it pyramid style. I can see how just a reverse rotation could result in a bit less results if you weren't conditioned to handle your 'heavy' weights in M3. Maybe later this year when DD heads off to college and I have a bit more free time, a pyramid type rotation would be good.
I'll be starting back STS later this year (fall/winter), we can try it out together, see what happens! Maybe we can all come together in a STS Pyramid challenge, lol. (Although, I know Wendy/Fit_Mommy will be done by then, so maybe she can give us some feed back )
Hey Kiki, I am already waivering on the pyramid down thing! I want to do it but I am thinking I may really want a change of pace by the time I finish M3! Time will tell......
Well, good grief Wendy! You've been doing STS for like the last YEAR, LOL . No one will fault you for taking a break. Maybe you could just join us later in the year, too. Give yourself some time to dust off all those other DVD's that are having STS jealousy right now...
I'll be starting back STS later this year (fall/winter), we can try it out together, see what happens! Maybe we can all come together in a STS Pyramid challenge, lol. (Although, I know Wendy/Fit_Mommy will be done by then, so maybe she can give us some feed back )
DixieGirl said:Sounds fun! I'm planning on starting the 6 mo rotation in July but if y'all do the 3.5 rotation in the fall maybe I'll be able to catch up with you?? Or I might want to rethink it and do the 3.5 rotation if I do the pyramid so it won't be so long