Pyramid Upper Body

Well, I thought for sure my legs would be sore today from doing IMAX 3 yesterday, but much to my surprise, they feel just fine. Maybe I fried them so bad that they no longer have any nerve endings with which to feel pain. LOL!

In an effort to give my lower body a little rest, I did Pyramid Upper Body (PUB) today. This is another Cathe workout - a favorite amongst "Catheites". This was my first time doing it and I can see why so many people love it. It's fun, and it really works the upper body. I can hardly lift a pencil now! (You should have seen my trying to blow dry my hair this morning - I was contorting myself into all kinds of weird positions so that it was possible to rest my elbow on something. I just could not hold that dryer up!)

For those who are unfamiliar with the concept of pyramid sets - the idea is that you work a high number of reps (12) with a low weight. Then you work a medium number of reps (10) with a medium weight. Then you work a small number of reps (8) with a heavy weight. And THEN, you work back down the pyramid until you're back at high reps with low weight. It's a great way to fatigue the muscles, and working muscles to failure is what causes them to become stronger. Being new to this kind of training, I did the Pyramid Down Premix - where you start at the peak of the pyramid and work your way down. There is also a Pyramid Up Premix, which is just the opposite. This workout also includes some core training using a stability ball. It's tough, but fun. I have now become acquainted with the "stability ball pike", which is something you need to see to truly appreciate. I can't do it yet. It requires a very strong core and an excellent sense of balance. I am making it a goal to be able to do this move by the end of May.

I must admit, I was very happy to see Cathe grimacing in pain during the bicep segment. At least I know she can feel the burn too! Of course, she was using 15 lbs for hammer curls, and I was using 10. But hey, she's a lot stronger than I. :-)


Workout: PUB (Cathe Friedrich)
Duration: 45 min
Kcal / %Fat: 221 / 50%
Max HR% / Avg HR%: 82% / 67%
Time in Moderate Zone: 16:02

Not very aerobic, which is to be expected from a purely strength training workout. But I'll be feeling it tomorrow for sure in every muscle of my upper body. I can't wait! REALLY! :-)