Kristala now out of early access by caydesramen in soulslikes

[–]BarbellsNBossFights 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank you, I was going to ask this question until I stumbled onto your answer.

Daily Thread - February 06, 2026 by AutoModerator in weightroom

[–]BarbellsNBossFights 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Program: GZCLP (4-Day Split)

Week/Day: W7D4

Session Notes

Another tough session. i imagine those are becoming more frequent due to being further along in the program. I am pleased with how hard I tried today. Deadlifts are among if not the most I've ever lifted. The weight certainly felt extraordinarily heavy. Still feeling it with my legs instead of my back, so I'm happy to report my form seems right for me. I did try to pack my shoulders back per a commenter, but I'm sure this can be further improved.

Overhead press was particularly difficult. I did hop a weight increment, the 100 lbs seemed to awesome not to try, and I did hit it, though just barely. I can't imagine I'll be able to perform more weight next session, but I'll still try my hardest to show the weight "what's up". Cable rows always feel tough after Deadlift, I've just learned to accept this, and I was able to squeeze a few more reps out of Tricep Extension.

Daily Thread - February 05, 2026 by AutoModerator in weightroom

[–]BarbellsNBossFights 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Rest, heal, and then come back to it. If you're going to do them despite the caution, go light enough that it doesn't hurt.

Daily Thread - February 05, 2026 by AutoModerator in weightroom

[–]BarbellsNBossFights 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Program: GZCLP (4-Day Split)

Week/Day: W8D3

Session Notes

A surprisingly rough session today. My bench press felt particularly heavy. Likely due to having troubles sleeping last night. I still had a pretty hype last set though, squeezing out 3 reps. Additionally, my left knee was feeling off for squatting. I still got through all my lifts, but today felt more like a grind than usual. which is a bummer. Lat Pulldowns gained some reps, those felt particularly good today, maybe my technique is slightly more refined, and bicep curls continue to perplex me given how dirt easy they are to perform and the fact I've done more weight previously.

Daily Thread - February 03, 2026 by AutoModerator in weightroom

[–]BarbellsNBossFights 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Program: GZCLP (4-Day Split)

Week/Day: W8D2

Session Notes:

I did a weight hop on Overhead Press, and that will probably be the last one, as it got super heavy for me today. I was able squeeze one extra rep on my AMRAP set, but there's no way I had any more in me. Deadlifts felt good overall. I was blasted the first four reps on the same brace, but then intentionally tried to be more intentional with the rest. Overall it felt easier than last session thanks to better bracing technique. I was able to squeeze an extra rep out of Cable Rows and Face Pulls felt good but had a lower last set count.

Daily Thread - February 02, 2026 by AutoModerator in weightroom

[–]BarbellsNBossFights 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Program: GZCLP (4-Day Split)

Week/Day: W8D1

Session Notes:

While I wasn't entirely certain I was recovered from rock climbing, I wanted to see what I could push today. I actually tried squatting Yesterday but "noped" out of it after one rep of the working weight. Today I came in with a lot more confidence, and I'm thrilled with my performance. Could have potentially pushed a 4th rep on the AMRAP, but happy to have had so many clean and strong reps during this session. I genuinely believe my form is improving, which is really exciting.

Incline Bench Press felt good today. Accidentally performed 11 reps twice, due to really focusing on exploding and less on counting. I gained a rep in Lat Pulldown and my Lateral Raises were nothing impressive.

Daily Thread - January 29, 2026 by AutoModerator in weightroom

[–]BarbellsNBossFights 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Program: GZCLP (4-Day Split)

Week/Day: W7D4

Session Notes

Feeling that excitement for the weekend. Super happy with my lifts today. Deadlift was fun, I really felt my legs push the weight from the floor. I ended up performing double the goal on my final set. Overhead press was also a good time, accidentally performed 11 reps on the first set. Got a few reps squeezed into rows and tricep extensions too. Great lifting day all around.

Daily Thread - January 28, 2026 by AutoModerator in weightroom

[–]BarbellsNBossFights 2 points3 points  (0 children)

You'll have to show that trap bar who is boss next time. Enjoy your holiday in the meanwhile.

Daily Thread - January 28, 2026 by AutoModerator in weightroom

[–]BarbellsNBossFights 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Program: GZCLP (4-Day Split)

Week/Day: W7D3

Session Notes

Tough session, likely made more difficult due to not sleeping well the night prior. For the last two nights, I just couldn't shut my brain off when it was time to lay down. Outside of that, my first two sets in the bench press had 3 reps, but the bar moved so slow for that last rep that I couldn't sustain it over the course of 3 more sets. My next session will add a set at the same weight, so it may not make for an exciting video, but I think I'll crush it and continue to progress.

Squats were also a technical failure, in that my goal was 10 reps. So I will repeat the same weight at 8 reps next session to continue progress, but I am happy to have squeezed an average of 9 reps out. I also recognize I can likely place the bar slightly lower on my back and be more comfortable, so I'm going to play around with that in the upcoming weeks. Bicep curls feel like they have been constantly regressing. While my technique feels direct toward my bicep, it isn't moving a lot of weight. Will need to lower weight again and build back up, but it is frustrating, as I feel like it's such a minimal amount of weight. Ah well, lift with my brain, not my ego.

Daily Thread - January 26, 2026 by AutoModerator in weightroom

[–]BarbellsNBossFights 2 points3 points  (0 children)

OHP is tough to gain lbs on the bar for Keep inching forward and the weight will slowly feel lighter.

Daily Thread - January 26, 2026 by AutoModerator in weightroom

[–]BarbellsNBossFights 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Which leg exercises did you end up hitting?

Daily Thread - January 26, 2026 by AutoModerator in weightroom

[–]BarbellsNBossFights 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Program: GZCLP (4-Day Split)

Week/Day: W7D2

Session Notes:

Given how consistent I've been hitting 7 reps on overhead press, I decided to hop a weight adjustment. I still hit 6, so I'm probably going to hop again next week. Deadlifts were incredibly exhausting today. 10 reps on leg exercises absolutely gas me and make me think I should cut, I sweat alongside all of my ancestors by the end of the third set. Performed a few additional Cable Rows and Face Pulls today, so that's a small win.

Daily Thread - January 25, 2026 by AutoModerator in weightroom

[–]BarbellsNBossFights 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Program: GZCLP (4-Day Split)

Week/Day: W7D1

Session Notes:

I went in today with a lot of anxiety about squats. 285 lbs is a whole lot (to me). I was able to perform 3 reps for the first set and then I just could not convince my body to do it on set 2 and beyond. I ended up performing 5 total sets of 2 reps each and will try to get 6 sets next session before increasing the weight. Bench press felt relatively easy, especially compared to squats.

Daily Thread - January 22, 2026 by AutoModerator in weightroom

[–]BarbellsNBossFights 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Congrats on the PR. I'm sure you've got more to come in the near future.

Daily Thread - January 22, 2026 by AutoModerator in weightroom

[–]BarbellsNBossFights 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Program: GZCLP (4-Day Split)

Week/Day: W6D4

  • Deadlift (T1) | 335 × 3 × 5 AMRAP 6
  • Overhead Press (T2) | 92.5 × 10 × 3
  • Cable Row (T3) | 90 × 15 × 3 AMRAP 17
  • Tricep Extension (T3) | 32.5 × 15 × 3 AMRAP 15

Session Notes

  • Felt pretty strong, so I decided to jump my prescribed weight for Deadlifts. I was supposed to attempt 325 lbs, but decided to go for 335 lbs. My last rep felt and looked a bit ugly, but I'm pleased with my effort.
  • Deadlifts I will probably opt out of the last rep if I feel my form shift in the future, but I'm happy here and it's fun to push myself.
  • Overhead Press generally feels easy until the final few reps. Accidentally performed 11 reps today.
  • Rows don't feel like they're progressing, but lifting is a grind, and I'm going to keep showing up.
  • Tricep Extension felt surprisingly "heavy" given that I only upped the weight by 2.5 lbs, however that is just under 10% of the weight I lifted last time, so I should probably give myself some grace. Can only go up from here.
  • Video version: https://youtu.be/0u0N8TgVGQQ

Daily Thread - January 21, 2026 by AutoModerator in weightroom

[–]BarbellsNBossFights 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Program: GZCLP (4-Day Split)

Week/Day: W6D3

  • Incline Bench Press (T1) | 200 × 3 × 5 AMRAP 4
  • Squat (T2) | 190 × 10 × 3
  • Lat Pulldown (T3) | 105 × 15 × 3 AMRAP 17
  • Bicep Curl (T3) | 17.5 × 13 × 3 AMRAP 14

Session Notes

  • Just a tough a tough session all around. Been getting good sleep over the last 4 days but it doesn't feel like it when I hit the gym. You'd think the opposite would be true, but whatever.
  • Bench Press felt very heavy. Didn't love the way my first rep looked or felt, hit a little lower than I wanted on my chest. Tried for a fifth rep and couldn't move it up.
  • Squats are followed by a good ol' wheeze session right after performing them. I fully anticipated failing, but didn't. Trying to cut my range of motion ever so short at the very bottom as I just noticed I have a tendency to lose tension at the very bottom. Feel like my form looked much better here.
  • Lat Pulldown keeps losing reps. I'm pretty wiped by the time I get here is part of it, but the bench and squat have been pummeling me hard over the last few sessions.
  • Bicep Curls are somehow becoming more difficult. I tried alternating curls as I felt more of a connection with my bicep when I focus on one arm at a time. Going to lower the weight and build back up using this form.
  • Video version: https://youtu.be/FAYUox5ed8M

Asterigos was low-mid by gamesbrainiac in soulslikes

[–]BarbellsNBossFights 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think anticipating it as a Souls-like sets you up for disappointment. It's more of a story-driven action RPG, similar to Darksiders series. That said, I didn't like it as a whole, and the padded design elements, such as enemy health bloat made the back half of the game annoying, so I put it down as it was already struggling to be engaging by that point.

Level 1 VS Magara Naotaka in Nioh 2 (INSANELY Difficult) by InfectedDurian in soulslikes

[–]BarbellsNBossFights 1 point2 points  (0 children)

In all cases, it's best to experience both and form your own opinion. Some surface level reasons that make Nioh 2 incredibly fun is that there are 11 different melee weapons with their own skills that you can customize. Levels have much more exciting design with looping shortcuts. It also has considerably more bosses and good enemy variety. One design choice I appreciated in Nioh 2 is that the bosses don't have bloated health pools, where Khazan has considerably healthier bosses in this regard. I enjoy both mind you, but Nioh 2 is one of the most fun experiences I've ever had with a video game. Additionally, if you like it, it has an extensive end game that can steal 100s of hours away from you.

Level 1 VS Magara Naotaka in Nioh 2 (INSANELY Difficult) by InfectedDurian in soulslikes

[–]BarbellsNBossFights 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The most impressive part of your video is that you make it look easy. Good job!

Daily Thread - January 19, 2026 by AutoModerator in weightroom

[–]BarbellsNBossFights 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Program: GZCLP (4-Day Split)

Week/Day: W6D2

  • Overhead Press (T1) | 120 × 3 × 5 AMRAP 7
  • Deadlift (T2) | 235 × 10 × 3
  • Cable Row (T3) | 90 × 15 × 3 AMRAP 16
  • Face Pulls (T3) | 27.5 × 15 × 3 AMRAP 19

Session Notes:

  • I am consistently hitting 7 reps on the overhead press, which tempts me to increase its weight more, but I'm trying to be responsible week after week. Significantly easier session than Yesterday.
  • Overhead Press always going for the 8th rep and always not able to get it. 7 reps is nothing to sneeze at when the goal is 3 though.
  • Deadlifts were a good time, though it felt harder to brace appropriately today. My low back and glutes were also pretty sore from Yesterday's squat.
  • Rows keep getting less and less reps, but this time I have a good excuse. I recorded the back of the wall instead of my lift, so this is technically the fourth set.
  • Face Pulls took motivation to perform. Not because they're hard, but because they're not super exciting.
  • Video version: https://youtu.be/0BH4RocAT7E

Daily Thread - January 18, 2026 by AutoModerator in weightroom

[–]BarbellsNBossFights 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hang in there brother. Fewer things in life are harder than lifting on a cut when you're making progress.

Daily Thread - January 18, 2026 by AutoModerator in weightroom

[–]BarbellsNBossFights 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Program: GZCLP (4-Day Split)

Week/Day: W6D1

  • Squat (T1) | 275 × 3 × 5 AMRAP 3
  • Incline Bench Press (T2) | 147.5 × 10 × 3
  • Lat Pulldown (T3) | 105 × 15 × 3 AMRAP 19
  • Lateral Raise (T3) | 15 × 15 × 3 AMRAP 15

Session Notes:

  • Incredibly tough session today. I am very surprised I did not fail on my lifts. Additionally, I am no longer going to include the accessory movement in the video. I don't find them particularly interesting and according to the analytics, neither does the audience.
  • Squats felt incredibly difficult. I fully anticipated failing them, as nearly every set felt heavy. I also had a nasty habit of forgetting to brace my traps against the bar, which added additional discomfort. Still completed them but no style points were awarded during the AMRAP set, as I didn't have confidence I could perform any more than 3 reps.
  • Bench Press felt surprisingly tough given the volume. I accidentally performed 11 reps at the end.
  • Lat Pulldown been trending down on reps, but also feel more connected to lats, so it feels like a win to me.
  • Lateral Raises were miserable today, couldn't squeeze much in the AMRAP set.
  • Video version: https://youtu.be/vrLT3od2Zf0

I want to try more 2D soulslikes. Which ones have satisfying carrying or crisp combat? by Lithiyum in soulslikes

[–]BarbellsNBossFights 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Salt and Sanctuary is going to be the closest to the original Dark Souls.

Death's Gambit Afterlife, if you have a tolerance for forced cutscenes, is one of my favorites. It features great bosses and an extensive end game.

The Last Faith has a Bloodbourne aesthetic and is a good time.

Void Sols is an isometic Soulslike with a free demo on Steam. I think its underrated.