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There are several types of pyramid workouts including ascending, descending, and variations thereof. As a result, there are litreally thousands of possible combinations of reps, sets and weights that can be incorporated into a pyramid format. This particular pyramid workout utilises an "ascending pyramid" format and is designed to be straightforward and relatively simple to follow. It starts with light weight and high repetitions for the first set and then gradually moves to heavier weights and fewer reps for each successive set until the top of the pyramid is reached. This workout should be performed 2 to 3 days a week with a minimum of 1 day of rest between workouts, or 2 to 3 days if you are relatively new to weight training.

Programme Overview

• Equipment:  Any Precor Strength Training System
• Total Time: Approximately 60 minutes
• Goal: To build muscular strength and endurance.

Warm-Up

• Equipment: Gradually increase core temperature on a Precor cardio machine
• Total Time: Approximately 5 – 7 minutes
• Stretch: Following the warm-up, perform some basic active stretches for the arms, shoulders, hamstrings, and quadriceps.

Training Tips

• Know Your Body: Pay attention to your body during workouts as you begin resistance training. Some muscle fatigue is normal, but if you feel any pain and/or discomfort, the exercise should be stopped immediately.
• Remember to Breath: During resistance exercises, breathe normally and don't hold their breath.
• Control Your Motion: Perform the exercises in a slow and controlled manner over a full range of motion.
• Progress Appropriately: As you become more comfortable with the exercise routine, challenge yourself by first increasing the number of repetitions, then the weight.

Workout Structure

• Basics: After the warm-up is complete, start the resistance training portion of the workout.
• Weight: Use enough weight so that you can achieve muscle fatigue during the last 1 or 2 repetitions in each set. In this pyramid workout, it will take some trial and error to pick the ideal weight for each set. As a rule, start with 50 to 65 percent of the maximum weight you can lift for 1 repetition (i.e., 1 Rep Max or RM), and then increase this weight incrementally for each set until you are lifting about 75 to 90 percent of your 1RM for the last set. If you have questions about how much weight to lift or are hesitant, err on the side of using lighter weight to avoid injury and excessive muscle soreness.
• Number of exercises: 10
• Number of repetitions:  Start with 12 to 15 repetitions and end with 4 to 6 at the top of the pyramid. As you become more familiar with the routine and format, you can alter the number of repetitions and weight so that you are performing only 1 to 3 repetitions for the last set. Keep in mind that there is no set rule that you have to perform the same number of reps per set for each exercise. Tailor the programme to your body and needs, and make sure you track your progress to achieve optimal results.
• Number of sets: Four (4) sets per pyramid. As you become more familiar with the workout format, you can play around with the number of sets and pyramid format (e.g., by including a descending phase), but as a general rule, keep the number of sets between 3 and 10.
• Amount of rest between sets: Approximately 30 seconds
• Amount of rest between exercises: Approximately 1-2 minutes

Note: Some of the exercises may not be available on all Precor strength machines.

Workout

• Set 1: 12 – 15 reps (weight: 50 – 65%) 
• Set 2:  8 – 10 reps (weight: 60 – 75%)
• Set 3:  6 – 8 reps  (weight: 70 – 85%)
• Set 4:  4 – 6 reps   (weight: 75 – 90%)

• For video instruction, go to http://www.precor.com/en-us/coaching-centre/product-tutorials​

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