Hi Graham,
Did would be more accurate.
While working out for the bodybuilding competitions (keep in mind, I was a training partner, didn‘t compete) the cardio training involved rowing machine, alternating step machine/running, and hi rep abdominal exercises. We‘d row for half an hour, then (swapping machines) run or step for another half hour. Quick break, then hit the weights. The only cardio exercises we did in the weight room were crunches. We did 650 crunches every day except "ab day". Ab day was a two hour abdominal ex, done once a week.
Our cycle was based on a 5 day work out.
Reps were done to failure, every time. We aimed for first set reps of 8 max, and last set was down to one or two reps with heaviest weights. Averaged about 2 hours a day in the weight room.
Our cardio reps (if you could call them that) were performed once every two weeks, where we‘d perform our normal sets, then do a final set with medium weight. As we approached failure on the last set, we‘d shorten the length of movement until failure, then go back to a full lentgh movement, with spotter assistance to complete several more reps. # of reps was based on spotter "feel" (and tended to get a litle brutal
A Bud who was big into martial arts was much more tuned into the low weights high reps concept, and tended to use sets of 15 reps for all but legs, where he used sets of 30. Weight was set to allow the desired number of reps, with failure starting to approach as he finished. He didn‘t have the mucle mass, but he was incredibly strong.
One of the "neatest" work out‘s I‘ve seen was by an incredibly strong, but lean man, who also believed in high rep work outs. He alternated between more normal routines, but once a month would take a week break, and go heavy. His entire routine for the week consisted of two days in the gym, where he‘d load up a bar with an incredibly heavy weight, place it on the squat rack, and lift (from just under waist high) and hold for as long as he could. The bar was merely held, straight arm, at waist height. Three reps of one, and he was done for the day. Often had to kneel in place after the rep until he stopped shaking. Unusual, but worked very well for him.
There are a huge number of ways to exercise, and as you correctly pointed out you must consider a balanced approach. Stabilising muscles cannot be ignored, and specifically targeting muscle groups for attention will be of great benefit.
Strict form will prevent injury, and allow the most gain.
Cheers- Gary