Pyramid workout & basic exercises.

[Coolio]

I decided to try something new and started pyramding basic body-weight exercises.

For example, the push-ups;
I would start off by doing a set of 10, rest for a few seconds, do a set of 11, rest again, do a set of 12, and so on. I did this until I got up to 15 reps for my last set. After this, I decided to go back down the pyramid. So I did 14 reps, rest, 13 reps, rest, 12 reps, rest, 11 reps, rest, and so on until I can no longer go on.

I did the same thing for sit-ups, hindu squats, etc...

The duration of each rest was about 10-30 seconds.
Exactly what would this style of training do?

-build strength?
-build muscle endurance?
-build muscle mass?
-all of the above?

-My goal is do develop all three of the above.

What's your opinion on this?... I've seen many athletes train this way so I gave it a try. You should too if you haven't already.

[Tom Yum]

Coolio, I've done pyramids with weight bearing excercises. Start with lighter weights and gradually add weight until you get to a certain number of reps (5-6).

I think the goal of this kind of training is to challenge all of the different types of muscle fibers in one setting and improve your overall muscular endurance.

I start off benching 135 for 20 reps, then 155 x 15, 185 x 10, and 205 x 6. I've done this kind of routine for about 5 weeks and I can exert strength over a longer time period.

If you're under 16, stick with body weight excercises but its a good routine.