I see it as an inverse approach leading to a power law distribution. I know professor devany has expressed a preferance for the heirarical sets due to "finishing on a note of sucsess". An interesting phenomenon in the heirarical sets is that fast twitch fibers due not activate under submaximal load, but they also do not function well in a low pH environment. Lowered ph is exactly what happens when the lighter weight is used. so one is potentially increasing the ability to maximize power output while under less than ideal conditions. the decending or strip sets allows one to use near maximal weight on the first set utilizing the FT fibers optimally. As the FT bibers fatigue one drops the weight and performs more reps and this can be carried on for 2-3 down sets. As gH release is related to lactate build up ( decreased pH) the strip set allows me to get a much more severe burn. I think your suggestion to alternate the two methods has much merit. Pavel has a program called the "Bear" in which one lifts a fairly heavy weight for about five reps and rests about 30 seconds before performing another set. This has been a very productive program for me. Thanks for the great discussion. robb ----------------------------------------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list send an email to [log in to unmask] with the words SIGNOFF EVOLUTIONARY-FITNESS in the _body_ of the email. To get a copy of the old archives or the FAQ, look in the EvFit folder at http://briefcase.yahoo.com/dryeraser