Likewise, I use pyramids when weight training. I start with a warm-up weight and increase the weight to a max weight set where I can still do the desired reps; then I start pulling weight off and work back down to my warm-up weight. Again, the idea is to increase the total number of reps, but the reps on the back-side of the pyramid are tougher because of that max set. Lots of different concepts to the same goal. Most important is to not stay in a rut. If you hit a plateau, do something different.