Strength is largely about expressing force efficiently: neural drive, technique, and using heavier loads for lower repetitions. Hypertrophy is adding muscle tissue; it responds well to sustained mechanical tension and enough volume across sets and reps, often in moderate ranges with proximity to failure.
The two overlap. Heavy sets build some muscle; higher-rep work can still build strength, especially for beginners. Overlap does not mean identical programming—if your primary goal is a bigger total or one-rep max, most of your effort should look “heavy and crisp.” If your primary goal is muscle size, most effort should accumulate quality volume without trashing recovery.
What to prioritise: Pick one primary goal per mesocycle. Run strength-biased phases with fewer total sets but higher intensity and longer rests. Run hypertrophy-biased phases with more sets and moderate loads (roughly RPE 7–9 on working sets, depending on exercise and preference).
Try this: For eight weeks, label blocks “strength” or “hypertrophy” and match exercise selection, sets, reps, and rest to that label. Adjust volume only after you see trends in performance and soreness across two weeks.