So I did a lot more reading over the weekend and I think I have a pretty basic grasp of the beginner routines now. I think I'll be doing a variation of StrongLifts with some ICF accessory work incorporated in. I'm definitely focusing on the main lifts first and now know about de-loads, etc. I also did some practice sets over the weekend and will focus on my form first and foremost.
I kept reading that most people recommend focusing on strength first, but my main goal is mass gain and aesthetic. Yes, I know that I should focus on my base strength first but to be honest, the primary reason I want to lift weights is to look good. Unfortunately no one cares how much you are lifting in the gay world...it's what you look like when you are shirtless. I really don't want to look like a T-rex or an olympic powerlifter. If I understand it correctly, it's all about the reps per set? Like it's still the same main exercises but the reps are 3x8 or 5x8 (lower weights) instead of 3x5 or 5x5.
Mass gains are dependant on your strength gains. They are not mutually exclusive but instead go hand in hand. If you want big muscles, you need to get very strong, unless you plan on getting on steroids. The hypertrophy effect of increased glycogen storage caused by working in higher rep range is actually not that big. Potential growth from getting strong as fuck is what bestows those big muscles on you. Hypertrophy work is just icing on the cake and works best when you are strong.
Aesthetics are the result of having big muscles (get strong), low bodyfat (diet/don't overdo your bulks) and some additional emphasis on small yet important muscle groups (like side/rear deltoids etc). This can easily be done in a strength routine by doing some additional work afterwards.
So my advice is do the program as prescribed. Heavy compounds (3x5 etc) with some additional moves for deltoids, triceps, biceps etc in a higher rep range (8-10 for example). Keep your bodyfat in check by not going overboard in your diet.
If you are worries about doing too much work for your lower body at the expense of your upper body, start with SL5x5 and then switch to something like Bigger Leaner Stronger after your first plateau or something. It has more upper body work and not just squatting and deadlifting. I also recommend incline benching instead of flat benching.
