[somethingreen]

Please don't do SS as a beginner, unless you are sure lifting heavy is what you want and are positive you'll be able to get through setbacks.

Absolutely, read SS the book and apply its wisdom to corresponding lifts in the bodybuilding program you'll pick up instead. Then, once you are comfortable in the gym, slowly progress to add heavier lifts/sessions into your program. From there decide if you want to prioritize either.

[lukas099]

The main problem with SS for me is that encourages you to push through extreme exhaustion, because weight resets are based on failure to complete reps, and completely ignore Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE). I got a lot stronger on SS, but the last few weeks were killer and ended with injuries for me.

[zls]

I would describe it differently, but I share your general take. The main weakness of SS is that once it gets heavy you really need professional feedback, because your form will begin to deteriorate. This will happen regardless of the program. Still, I wish SS was more clear about it—most beginners are not gonna film themselves and ask for form checks online, and ought to seek a coach irl.

RPE wouldn’t work either because beginners don’t know how to judge. Everyone who squats heavy knows that a huge part of getting good at it is learning how to keep pushing safely, even as the lift becomes more and more psychologically challenging.

[lukas099]

It is overwhelming your work capacity that really leads to injuries. Form doesn't matter for that.

[zls]

I agree in general, but not for beginners. If you’re some college kid whose idea of form comes from books and YouTube, odds are you’re doing something so wrong that you’ll tweak your back deadlifting or squatting long before you’re capable of overwhelming your work capacity.