Increasing weights for PUB

FiddleFit

FiddleFit

Cathlete
Hello. I have a question. I think I probably need to begin increasing the weight I use in PUB, but am wondering about the safest way to do it. Right now I match Cathe in all of the weights, but find that I am not as fried as I used to be from this level. Even the biceps no longer give me an "outter body experience". They just feel fantastic, but well worked. I'm thinking that if I just go up an increment on all the weights, I won't be able to do them with good form. One method I've thought of is to do the pyramid up with heavier weights, then down with the weights I currently use. For example, chest would be 15, 20, 25, 15, 12. Or, should I do the pyramid up only for a few times, using the heavier weights, until I adjust, and then attempt to pyramid down using the same heavy weights?

Thank you for any advice,
Sandra
 
What? No advice or suggestions? I'm surprised. Oh well. I'll just sit here.......waiting...............not impatient at all..............don't mind me.............no, no, I'm okay...................ho hummmmmm

Sandra
 
Hi Sandra! I would experiment & go for it!! Use the heavier weights for pyramiding up & see how you feel. If its a very strong day then do the entire up/down w/heavy weight. You go girl! Also write it down in your log book so as the next time you do this workout you'll know what worked & what didn't. HTH, Kathy:D
 
Hi Sandra.

I've done exactly what you suggested (i.e. 15 20 25 15 12) and it has worked out pretty well. Once you are able to do that successfully, perhaps up the fourth set (15 20 25 20 12) and then when you are ready, do the full pyramid at the higher weight. I've been able to transition pretty quickly doing it this way. Another option, which was suggested to me on this forum, was to get Platemates (at least, I think that's what they are called). These are low weight magnetic things that stick onto your dumbells. With these things, you can increase your pyramid weight, only in smaller increments. If you do a search of Platemates (for some reason, I always want to call them "playmates" and I know that's not right!) I'm sure you'll find information on them. I haven't purchased them yet myself, but they are on my holday wish list.

Good luck,
Shelbygirl
 
The platemates are useful. I've used them on my 15 and 20 pound dumbbells for both the pryramid and for slow and heavy.
 
The platemates are useful. I've used them on my 15 and 20 pound dumbbells for both the pryramid and for slow and heavy.
 
I agree with the Platemate suggestion.

Or, you could use current heaviest weight for the 10 rep segments so it would be like this for chest:

12-20-20-20-12 or do 15-20-20-20-15 if you can handle it. I have found that I enjoy it best when I up the heavy, 8-rep segment but leave the 12 and 10 rep segments 'as-is'. Did that make sense?
 
I agree with the Platemate suggestion.

Or, you could use current heaviest weight for the 10 rep segments so it would be like this for chest:

12-20-20-20-12 or do 15-20-20-20-15 if you can handle it. I have found that I enjoy it best when I up the heavy, 8-rep segment but leave the 12 and 10 rep segments 'as-is'. Did that make sense?
 
Ah HA!!! I knew somebody had to have something to say about this! Thank you all for the great suggestions. I'll keep an eye out for the platemates - they could be very useful for increasing my weights in other workouts, too. I think I'll try the "heavy up; regular down" method first, and see if that works. If not, I'll try Jillybean's suggestion.

Thank you, everyone!
Sandra
 
Ah HA!!! I knew somebody had to have something to say about this! Thank you all for the great suggestions. I'll keep an eye out for the platemates - they could be very useful for increasing my weights in other workouts, too. I think I'll try the "heavy up; regular down" method first, and see if that works. If not, I'll try Jillybean's suggestion.

Thank you, everyone!
Sandra
 
If it weren't for platemates, I'd NEVER be able to increase my upper body weight loads. They're worth every (kind of expensive, I think) penny!
 
They are rather expensive aren't they? It annoyed me to pay for them for the longest time, but I finally gave in & I'm so glad I did!

Ruth:)
 
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