| Nearly all bodybuilders use the practice of pyramiding | | | | Simply put, pyramiding is the practice of increasing the |
| when completing their sets in the gym. It's almost an | | | | weight on each successive set as you reduce the |
| automatic process that occurs, whether or not the | | | | total number of reps completed. If taken to the |
| bodybuilder is familiar with pyramiding principles as | | | | extreme, a person would start with a very small |
| described in bodybuilding textbooks. They place some | | | | weight, and complete a high number of repetitions. |
| weight on the bar, and complete one set. We'll use | | | | After several sets, he would be using a very heavy |
| bench press for this example. After benching 85 | | | | amount of weight, and struggling to complete a single |
| pounds for 15 repetitions, they'll realize they can do | | | | repetition. It is how athletes - from amateur to |
| more. They'll place a 45-pound plate on each side, and | | | | advanced - approach their training. |
| complete 10 repetitions. Now they'll add a 25-pound | | | | There is a growing school of thought that supports the |
| plate to each side for the next set, and complete 6 | | | | belief that pyramiding isn't necessarily the best practice |
| repetitions. Finally, as they realize the weight is getting | | | | for bodybuilders seeking to add size to their bodies |
| heavy and the repetitions are becoming fewer, they | | | | while maintaining the health of their muscles and joints. |
| will add a meager 10 pounds on each side of the bar | | | | A look at some of the recent high-profile injuries |
| and struggle with 4 repetitions with the help of a | | | | shows that some of the great bodybuilding champions |
| spotter. | | | | have been toppled in their prime - not by a superior |
| This could be the first trip into the gym, or the 1000th | | | | athlete - but by an injury which occurred as a result of |
| trip, for many bodybuilders. Out of habit, they will often | | | | simply lifting too heavy. Dorian Yates comes to mind |
| complete this same routine every time they enter the | | | | as such as example. After winning 6 Mr. Olympia titles |
| gym. They may eventually move on to heavier | | | | and looking unbeatable, he suddenly had to retire due |
| weights and more repetitions, but the process will | | | | to injury. His last two Sandow wins were marred with |
| always be the same. They will continually employ the | | | | the blemish of torn biceps and other body parts, which |
| technique of pyramiding subconsciously in their training. | | | | he admits were byproducts of his training protocols. |