Pyramid vs. Same Weight/Same Reps

[queball]

Ok, so I'm wanting some of your opinions on a 3 sets for 10 reps vs. 3 sets at 12, 8, 4 pyramid. We normally hear about a pyramid workout with 5 - 10 sets, but not 3 sets. I'm experimenting with a workout for muscle gain doing Big 3(Bench, Squat, Deadlift) with 6-10 sets while other exercises at 3 sets of 4-12reps in a pyramid. Has anyone tried anything similar and if so, have you noticed any difference between 3x10 vs. 3x pyramid? Thank you

[Boss Man]

I used to do reverse pyramid stuff for a while, using a 6, 9, 12 system adding a little more each time, but it just didn't feel the same as 3 sets of 9, as the last set just felt less stimulating and as if it wasn't rally doing much, so I stopped doing it after a while.

You can try pyramid and reverse pyramid and see how you get on, but you may find they work for you or possibly not, but the best thing might be to try one or both of them and see they feel for 1-2 weeks at least.

[queball]

thanks Boss Man. See, I used to do every exercise 5-6 sets in a pyramid, but I don't have the time for all that these days and I can better quality to lifts. Plus, I'm thinking the gains won't be much different as I believe its more about diet anyways. Right now I do one of the big 3's every other day, then a body circuit of 3 sets. Ex. Mon-Bench, Tues- Curls, Ab Crunches, shoulder raises. I'm testing if theory is right considering I put in one of the big 3's every other day at more sets. So, thanks again for your input.

[Boss Man]

No worries.

You might find a 3 set pyramid or reverse pyramid mentality works for you, but I wouldn't say it significantly trumps the 3 sets of 8-10 mentality