Post: #1

I am a skinny guy, I have been going to the gym and have heard many differentth ings from many different sources.

"Just pick a program and stick to it"

That was what made sense to me, there are tons of ways to get bigger and strongerm just dedicate yourself to one. I picked 5x5 stronglifts for the simplicity and compound lifts seeming foundational to me.

But then I have heard people saying that for small guys 5x5 isnt good and you should do 8-12 reps to get bigger.

Also, I had knee pain from squats even with good form, and it was suggested that I should do leg curls to develop my hamstrings in conjunction with squats. Others suggested leg press as a light warmup before squats.

Also, many many people suggested pullups as an indespensible basic exercise. I threw in hmer curls because, come on.

So now I have basically transitioned to something like this:
Leg Day: Leg Press, Squats, Leg curls, Deadlift,
Push day: Bench, Flys, Shoulder press, Skullcrushers, close grip bench
Pull Day: bent over rows, pullups, chinups, hammer curls

All of these i am now trying to do 5x10 if I can. A couple more a couple less if i can.

Does this basically seem like a good routine? Based on stronglifts just a bit more stuff added in there, still lots of compound lifts and pretty simple...

Post: #2

Just do the first set of movements in this program and do it to a 5x5. You'll get stronger, only do normal deadlifts and back squats on leg day.

http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/wotw46.htm

Post: #3

What is your goal? Large body? Strong body? Athletically aesthetic body?

Whatever it is that you're working towards, make sure it's concrete. Like you said, stick with the program.

I would not suggest fudging around with the template, rep and set counts. Especially when you're new. There's a reason why these programs are well known. The reps, sets and types of workouts were not just thrown together by some chumps playing Call of Duty.

Start with Stronglifts 5x5, and once you've become proficient at the movements and you're reaching plateaus, move on to Wendler's 5/3/1. Another easy program, and the only time you were close to maximal load is on week 3, thus focusing more on the recovery aspect rather than trying to progressively overload every week, which is a really easy way to fry your central nervous system.

Post: #4

5x5 is the intermediate Texas Method. Starting Strength beginners program is 3x5 compound lifts.

Post: #5

1. Starting strength or something similar that lets you make linear gains 3x a week.
2. Texas method or 5/3/1 or RPT or something similar where you progress on a weekly basis once your newbie gains have been exhausted.

Getting bigger is getting stronger in a moderate rep range, so your focus should be on adding weight to the bar as fast as possible while working in 3-8 rep range.