Reddit mentions of The Strength Training Anatomy Workout II: Building Strength and Power with Free Weights and Machines

First stop should be /r/fitness top place.

It's not really literature but I found BioLayne's youtube series really helpful in helping me to progress my training. https://www.youtube.com/user/biolayne He also has a blog which is really good too.

https://www.t-nation.com/ seems to be quite good as well.

Some on my reading list
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Strength-Training-Anatomy-Workout-II/dp/1450419895/
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Strength-Training-Anatomy-Sports/dp/0736092269
http://www.amazon.co.uk/New-Encyclopedia-Modern-Bodybuilding-Updated/dp/0684857219/

Getting to ripped is literally just about really low body fat with some muscles.

Why 5X5 unless you're power lifting? 5X5 is a waste. A rep range of 1st Set of 15+ (to failure) 2nd set of 10-12+ (failure) 3rd set 8-10+ to failure followed by a 5th and 6th set up to 6 reps to failure is what bodybuilders do to optimize both strength and growth.

The key is to lift weight that makes you fail at your intended rep range and lift beyond that rep range (for instance lifting 225lbs at 7 6eps reps to the to point where on the 7th rep you fail exactly) to exacerbate burn which leads to gains assuming your diet is on point.

Arnold Swarzeneggar's Encyclopedia of Bodybuilding and Strength and Training Anatomy Workout II are must haves must read for any serious lifter looking to promote efficient gains.

TRP loves to spout lift, lift, lift but there are too few posts about how to lift effectively and efficiently to make the most out of invested time. I might look to change that time permitting.

Hey man. I'm new to Aikido as well, but have been strength training 3-5 times a week consistantly for over 5 years. What I can tell you is that it will come down to your willingness to just start lifting, or starting a program whether you're doing it 100% correct or not. Over time you will figure out what is correct by how your body responds. By all means be safe and smart by starting with very low weights, but just start.

After reading through your responses to peoples suggestions, u/rolandthedickslinger pretty much hit the nail on the head (even if a bit abrupt) but he's totally right. You're making excuses. Maybe re-read this thread and count how many times you shoot down helpful suggestions. Speaking of suggestions... I've read loads of books when I started trying to wade through the seas of useless fitness info, and the one book that helped me tremendously was Delaviers 'Strength Training Anatomy'. It teaches you all the muscles, groups, and how to safely train them. For more of a program oriented approach, get 'Strength Training Anatomy Workout II' also by Delavier. The illustrations are excellent, and everything is written so well its really easy to understand.

Good luck.

Time under tension, and muscle recruitment are both different. Read an exercise physiology book; it's not as boring to read as it sounds! I recommend http://www.amazon.com/Strength-Training-Anatomy-Workout-II/dp/1450419895/ref=la_B001H6NZGW_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1407343413&sr=1-3

On my own program now.
https://www.amazon.com/Strength-Training-Anatomy-Workout-II/dp/1450419895/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1522662049&sr=8-5&keywords=strength+training+anatomy

Maybe I'll send one after this cycle in a few weeks. I'm sizing up quick.

BlackCraneStoic (Really original, I know) is my new account for TRP though I hardly use it as much as I used to. Too busy building my body and my bank account to be bothered much anymore.

this book is amazing. You might also be interested in this