Rep Ranges

[-Pat-]

I've been fiddling around with rep ranges and sets recently. I'm varying between the usual 3x10, 4x10 or 3x8 to pyramid type routines like sets of 10, 8, 6, 4, 15 (gradually increasing weight until last set, which is done at significantly lighter weight). That is, for one exercise I might do 3x10 one week and a pyramid the other.

At the moment I'm on a light bulk to gain about 5kg or so. I'm training this way for all body parts and exercises, and no two workouts are the same for me. I try to keep the same intensity and number of exercises/sets per body part, but the exercises and weights themselves are often different. I figured this may "shock" the muscles into hypertrophy more but I'm really just taking a punt.

This is more of an experiment than a serious routine, and I've made small gains, but I think this is mainly due to eating too little. Can anyone tell me if this is a waste of time or advise me a bit on what would be more worthwhile?

Cheerios

[chicanerous]

I don't like variance just for the sake of variance. I would stick with one thing for 3-5 full weeks at a time before changing parameters unless progress stalls. If you're using a split routine (and working muscle groups only once per week), I'd go even longer before changing.

A shock isn't a shock if it happens everytime you train.

[Trickstar]

I'm not sure about this routine. It sounds friggin' awesome though. I think it possibly could work. Record your results and share with us. Muawhahahaha.

[-Pat-]

Yeah I'm using a split. Should have mentioned that. By the way I'm not a total noob haha I'm just, as you say, varying for the sake of variance. lolol

What do you think of the pyramid sets?

[chicanerous]

They're no better or worse than anything else.

[Trickstar]

Pyramid sounds like it could work. Maybe get some 3x12 too. 15 reps for set max I think.

[Steve]

I usually do 1x1, 2x5, and 1x30 because I am lazy and yet it still produces results.

[-Pat-]

Excellent reasoning.

[Lobo]

Do a thousand sets of one repetition.

[-Pat-]

Repeat your anus.