If a tree falls in the forest and no one is around, does it make a sound? This is a classic Zen riddle. Or, if you are doing nothing, how do you know when you are done? But for training, a Zen riddle might be phrased as “How can you do more reps than you can do in a set?”

For exercises like pullups, where we might have a repetition goal, this is a good riddle.

The answer—rest/pause Strong Endurance™ style.

This rest/pause plan from Kozhourkin is a great example:

• Use an intensity of about your 7RM.

• 1 series = 1 set @ RPE 8 + singles and/or doubles with 10-20sec of rest between them to total 12 reps.

• 2-3 series with 5min rest between them, once a week.

• Expect the reps in the first set to drop from series to series. The cycle is completed when the athlete does 12 consecutive reps in one set.

• Do this 1/week plus 2 more days with different types of pullup training.

Let’s dig into a couple of details.

1. The approximate 7RM intensity can be applied to both bodyweight and weighted pullups.

2. In the first set of the rest/pause series, you perform reps to a rating of perceived exertion (RPE) of 8 out of 10. You should have 2-3 reps in reserve and obey the StrongFirst stop signs. Failure to observe this will compromise the results.

3. Err on the side of singles instead of doubles early in the plan to reach the goal of 12 total reps.

4. This is a once-a-week addition to other pullup training, 2 times a week. Lower rep ladders or a classic 5x5 approach on the other days are good options.