pyramiding up or down v. whole set

[Michele S]

This may be a no-brainer, but just curious as to whether there is any benefit to only doing the up or down besides saving time. I really enjoy the pyramid workouts but sometimes wonder if it's overkill!

 

[AKirkland]

I only do the pyramid up. I go the heavier weight and fewer reps route to make the workouts more strength-focused. If I do the whole pyramid, I can't lift as heavy. I choose pyramid up rather than down because it makes sense to me to start out light as a sort of warm up and work my way up towards muscle failure.

I'm sure one of our resident experts can give you a better explanation of the pros and cons of up, down or whole.

Angela

 

[ShyWolf]

In my honest opinion:
I actually did PLB pyramid up last week and found that for me I felt as if it was too short, as if I was missing something
I'm so used to doing the entire version. I was like "Is that it?" .
My legs didn't get that nice 'ouch' feeling as I would get doing the whole routine and I like that.
The premix pyramid up was a good workout but I'm one of those who likes the hour long workouts.
BTW, I did the bonus combo (plb&pub) on Saturday and that was a great total body workout...just wonderful!

 

[kathryn]

I agree with Angela. I've only done the whole pyramid and the "pyramid up"." I once read an article by a body builder who suggested doing pyramid down (start with fewest reps, then increase reps), but not decreasing the weight (so it is hard to think of it as a pyramid "down"). That way, you use the same weight throughout, but increase reps each set. I did PUB that way, starting with the "middle" weight that I usually use. It was a nice change.