Customer Reviews

Squeeze DVD

5 star:		(18)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is a great video if you enjoy ballet/pilates type exercises. The extreme burning sensation is like no other workout dvd I have ever done. My arms were burning lifting two pound weights. The leg workout has a definite "ouch" factor. It hurts but not in a injury-pain way, my leg muscles were burning with so much lactic acid and I am sure that I am going to get excellent results. Last but not least, I did this workout five times and my jeans that I could barely pull up past my lower abs fit perfectly. I am not kidding! This video works and Tracy is a fast efficient and thorough instructor. Don't pass this up!!!!!

If you're familiar with the Bar Method or Lotte Berk Method DVDs, Squeeze is very similar yet much - and I mean MUCH tougher. The workout is divided into several segments for each body part, any of which can be done alone, combined, or performed the whole way through for a one-hour, full-body routine. It also includes a condensed 30-minute "Power Squeeze" routine for when you're pressed for time. The exercises for each part of the body are unique and simple but definitely create a good burn. Consisting of isometric exercises with yoga-based stretches, you'll mostly work in pulses using limited range of motion that works deep in the muscles. Required equipment includes an exercise mat, a set of light dumbbells (1-3 pounds is all you need here to set the muscles in your arms on fire), a chair for balance, and a small exercise ball (you can just buy one of those air-filled kiddy balls for less than $2 in the toy section of any major department or grocery store like I did). The ball is used for the buns, inner thighs and abdominals and boy does it sure rev up the intensity! This is a great workout to alternate with standard concentric/eccentric based exercises as you'll challenge the muscles in a totally different way. The abs portion in the power squeeze routine is especially killer and actually left mine sore the next day (which is typically hard to accomplish). Tracy is an excellent instructor who comes across as straight-forward and down-the-earth. The video switches back and forth between two urban settings - one indoor and one outdoor. The accompanying downtempo/electronica music is well-suited and overall this video is fast becoming a favorite!

Rating: Excellent

So. Tonight, I completed Squeeze ...

I should preface this review by pointing out that I am a definite Barre gal and I know Lotte, I know Callan, I know Burr and that means I've been "burned" (remember Burr's "Dance of Fire"?) by the best so for these workouts I have very high standards.

Squeeze begins with some fairly intense arm work. The weights are light - I used 3lbs and it was pretty good for what she did. My issue with her arm work (and a lot of other sections) is that it wasn't really uniform and she seemed a little sloppy in her form (although she gave cues, she just didn't follow her own instructions) and at some point, it seemed as if she was making it up as she went along. There wasn't a lot of variety here and I expected a new "method" ... hey, if she's going to call it Squeeze and describe it as something unique and different, then let's see it.

The Tracy in the DVD had a pretty nice midsection but she looked bloated and pear-ish during the "in studio" shots. Nothing wrong with that if you're a regular gal but when you're a "trainer-to-the-stars" I want you to look the part. I want your look to be inspiring to me. Her arms in the DVD are not the arms on Tracy on the cover shot. Her body didn't look much like the cover shot and that bothered me more than it probably should have but I did purchase the DVD based on her credentials and part of that package is the body she presents on the cover.

The switching back and forth between Tracy "in-studio" during which time she spoke directly to the camera and the "on-the-rooftop-in-Lululemon" wear, all urbanite music video with flowing hair was mildly distracting. The rooftop urban gal sections didn't add anything of value to the workout, just depicted what it would be like if you were, well, on a rooftop pretending to be in a music video.

There was much arm work with a lot of reps but the exercises weren't really challenging in the sense of "something new and novel" but more tiring in the "same-old-arm-rows-but-twisted-sloppily" kind of way. They were tiring because she threw so many reps in with no rest between them but the movements weren't a)crisp, precise and tight; and definitely not b)deep muscle work. She was moving fast but her form and movements weren't consistent or uniform or clean. For a lot of the arm in front of the body work, it was kind of hard to see exactly what she was doing that made the work effective. Why not just add in old school arm work and leave it at that? Forming the "L" formation and criss crossing over the torso during arm work didn't make a lot of sense to me especially when one moment she'd have her arms at one height, the next moment they were at a different height :dunno: but it did engage the muscles. Something to be said for that but there are a lot of tricep exercises out there that could be made even more challenging in these type of workouts but ... hey, she's a professional trainer and I'm not but ... I do know what I like. :p

The "barre" work was not challenging. Burr, Lotte and Callan run circles around her on this. You would have to do a lot more than she did in Squeeze in order to take on the old school dames. Lotte Burke Bonus Blasts would knock Miss Tracy to her knees. It was like a mini-break during this time. Granted, if you've never done Lotte or Callan or Burr, the barre work will be challenging and you will be impressed and you will be sore and you will curse her like a sailor on leave. If you're familiar with the Old School Barre Dames, this will be a respite for you. I will give it to her on the stretching - the stretches afterward were wonderful.

The floor work was interesting. The initial legwork wasn't very challenging and I was beginning to lose interest. Then she introduced what she called the "L" ... Said her clients called it "L" H*ll and then she laughed. That's never a good sign.

This move was challenging and even produced protests from my muscles BUT I'm really not sure how swinging the leg around wildly like that, flexing and pointing and "digging" and scooping and twirling the leg accomplishes anything more than allowing Tracy to show off. That isn't the reaction you're looking for in a workout. It struck me that she wanted a "signature" move and this move is hers. I didn't like it mainly because she didn't set it up the way most instructors would, letting you know what you should be feeling and where or reminders about form. During the wild swinging, it would be easy to allow momentum to carry your leg and I didn't hear her giving any cues here. I had no idea what was supposed to be worked, how I was sure I was doing it exactly right and what the proper form was when the leg began it's worldly travels around your body. I felt this was a let's indulge Tracy move.

The ab work was ok but by this time, I'd already made up my mind that I was sticking with Jillian's Shred (marvelous workout, just outstanding for crazy fast results), Callanetics Evolution and Miss Chalene's Turbo Jam for good measure. Callanetics Evolution and SuperCallanetics ab work by far is unbelievably effective. I didn't really feel the Squeeze work in my abs. Even today, I'm not feeling it.

If I'd not had such extensive work with Lotte, Burr and Callan, this workout would be impressive and I'd think she was the cat's meow. Some of it is very challenging, some of it isn't. Most I didn't like.

All in all, I give it 3 out of 5.

if you just had a baby like i did four months ago this is the workout you need to get your body back in shape.If you mix a good cardio session and this workout at least three times aweek i guaratee that you will get great results.i recommend the pilates ring instead of the ball,that ring will burn your inner thighs like hell.the setting of the workout is great and it inspires you to get more and look forward to do more workouts.i hope she comes with more workouts in the future.it's worth the money and more! give it a try and forget about expensive workout equipment,1-3 pound dumbells will do the work after a few repetitions you will feel like it's a 50 pound dumbell.great,great workout.

I have never written a review because I haven't found anything I was really passionate about- except for this workout. Not only does this workout hit every body part with AMAZING results, but it's so fun!. I actually look forward to doing it whenever I can. Honestly, I get better results doing this workout a few times a week than doing hours upon hours of cardio. In addition, it doesn't take very much space to do this workout (no hopping around everywhere). I would recommend this workout for everyone...You will LOVE Tracy!

Tracy's workout is exceptional. I am currently working out with Fluidity and Brian Kest's yoga series. I added Squeeze to my routine two weeks ago. The results are amazing. I stand taller, I have more energy, and my muscles seem to have "sucked in" my hips, thighs, and rear. My clothes fit differently and I truly feel like I'm about 6 feet tall. Tracy's workout isn't for couch potatoes who want an easy fix. It's tough. The movements are often quite small and deliver an intense burning feeling.
I am 43 and have been exercising for over 20 years. I am an advanced exerciser who loved doing The Firm and FitPrime workouts. These workouts didn't seem to work as well once I hit 40. I've been looking for the right workout and am thrilled to have found Squeeze. (Younger exercisers, please don't think that Tracy's workout is for old ladies, it's not!) Enjoy your new body!!

If you've tried Callanetics, Fluidity, Lotte Berk, or the Bar Method then you have some idea of the style of workout you can expect from Squeeze. Tiny movements that (when performed properly) burn like hell and give nearly instant gratification. Out of all of the above listed schools of exercise Squeeze is definitely the toughest and most thorough form.

Tracy, the instructor, is very no-nonsense. She reminds me of a slightly stern soccer mom. In my opinion she has the perfect personality for guiding someone through such an exhausting workout, I find that I respond better to her constant nagging encouragement than I would to someone with a sweet and gentle demeanor.

Now let's discuss the workout in detail, shall we?
There are two pre-set workouts on this DVD:

The Full Body Squeeze (56 Minutes)
Power Lifts, Arms (dumbbells), Triceps (dumbbells), Waist (dumbbells), Push Ups, Tricep Dips, Standing Stretch (chair or barre), Legs (chair or barre), Seated Stretch, The L (leg lifts), Ab "C" (playground ball), Buns & Thighs, Final Stretch

The Power Squeeze (30 minutes)
Power Lifts, Push Ups, Tricep Dips, Standing Stretch (chair or barre), Legs (playground ball, chair or barre), Pretzel, Abs (playground ball), Buns & Thighs (playground ball), Final Stretch

You can also customize your workout with these options separately:
Triceps
Arms
Seated Stretch
Pretzel
Fold Over Plank
Flat Abs
Windshield Wiper Buns & Thighs

The dumbbells can be 1-5 lbs, I use either no weights or 3 lb dumbbells which I find almost unbearably challenging. You'll need a tall bar chair with a sturdy base or a ballet barre. The playground ball works best if it's a 10" ball with a textured surface for easy gripping. Another reviewer indicated that a Pilates "magic circle" can be substituted for the ball for better results.

This workout is excellent if you are geared up and ready to see results. There are different ways to address each workout's goals; longer sessions where you can focus on a particular body area or performing a whole body workout, or you can just "sqeeze" in a quick, but KILLER focused and effective brief workout session.
It is nice because you don't need a bunch of equipment, but you do need to bring your stamina... The workout is challenging regardless of your fitness level. If you are a hardcore workout fiend, you will STILL find the workout to be very invigorating and, dare I say, very difficult. The only person still smiling at the end of each segment is Tracy; you'll be groaning!
The video clearly incorporates resistance training with strength and stretching (yoga based).

If you are looking for a really good video that provides results, this is the one you want; you will LOVE it!

HO YES! Go and get it! This video is great! It is truly outstanding, it is highly challenging and yet super do-able. As Tracy says in her introduction, it is intended to the athlete who lies within you (even the slightest bit of). She delivers with wonderful cueing, easy to follow direction and humor. She is a top-notch, friendly personal trainer with a great sense of creativeness. Her intelligence shines through her upbeat style. It's very pleasant to workout with her.

Isometric exercises are gracefully integrated into Pilates, yoga and ballet exercices in order to get a killer strengthening workout. Tracy also uses some more traditional type of toning. But exit plain squats, lunges and crunches. I'm so glad I found something like this that is full of different exercises.

You get a full 60 minutes workout, a 30 minutes Power Squeeze workout plus additional targeted training in bonus. I don't really use the express premix (the power squeeze), only the full length workout to which I like to add the pretzel and the fold over the plank exercises from the custom section (bonus). This provides me with an 80 minutes full body workout. I also like to choose between the three great sets of abs she offers and rotate them.

I quite enjoy 'toning' with light weights. Isometric training together with the squeeze factor is as challenging (if not more) as heavy weights workouts. But you don't get the bulking effect. Tracy is always inspiring without ever making you feel like you should be able to do everything the first time. It's something to build to. Squeeze just gets better and better the more you practice it and perfects your form. She shows you where you can ultimately go, that your goal should be beyond what you can do now in order for you to grow!

For the upper part Tracy emphasizes on the shoulders, the triceps and the waist but a little less in the way of bicep, chest and back work. Then for the lower body, she focuses on your legs, hips, glutes, and thighs. The abs section is great too. If you are able to follow her advice and tuck your pelvic in, you'll get great abs and also reach the lower abs and pelvic area. It's really all about getting the right posture while doing the motions.

The workout has stretches between sets. Some don't like it, but I love it. Tracy raises the status level of stretching because she takes it seriously. I usually have no patience for stretching, but she sneaks a couple super effective yet short chapters in that are actually really pleasant.

As your personal trainer, she chose to both isolates muscles to reengineer them and also integrates them all together in some motions to balance the effort. They work evenly in unison which leads you to a well proportionate figure. When exercising with your own body weight for resistance, the body seeks for balance and engages all of the muscles to work together. It really is an overall body training. I find Tracy's athletic body truly inspiring. She doesn't look bulky and her form is super balanced, strong, lean and supple.

When I tried this first, about two months ago, I was so optimistic about the results that I was right tempted to rotate this one 6 times a week for awhile. I actually couldn't wait to do it again the next day. It is kind of addictive. I feel really energized and happy after I finish. I may miss a few reps but I can finish it and I love the reward. I feel really stronger than ever and I am no longer tired during the day. You don't get time to think about any concern other than the muscle group you are working out. I think this deep workout oxygenates and strengthens my body and brain and helps me squeeze all the stress out of my life.

One more interesting thing about this DVD is the way it's filmed; Tracy makes it fun by taking some of the exercises outdoors which is refreshing.

She is serious about giving you a good workout with her unique exercises. The isometric squeeze is highly effective and times flies. It might be too tough for beginners, yet possible if you are ready to work hard and if your body is not injured. You'll need a little bit of technique so you might need to observe and listen attentively to get the right posture and to do the moves exactly as Tracy does them. I am super happy. I will definitely keep checking out for Tracy's new DVD's coming out.

In her Introduction to this workout, instructor Tracy Effinger describes it as a combination of yoga, ballet, and athletic exercises. Unlike with many other barre workouts, Tracy wears sneakers throughout here. She instructs live in an indoor studio setting, although during the workout, the scene shifts to images of her exercising on a rooftop setting as well. She uses light dumbbells for the upper body work--she recommends 1-3 lbs. but states that she is using 2 lbs.--and for the lower body, she uses a chair, a mat, and a rubber playground ball (I substituted a Pilates ring, which worked pretty well).

The Main Menu of this DVD offers three options: Full Body Squeeze, Power Squeeze, and Custom Squeeze. Only the Custom Squeeze section has its own submenu, which makes the DVD somewhat difficult to navigate (more on this below). I have broken down each of the three workout options, including approximate times and brief descriptions of each chapter point.

FULL BODY SQUEEZE (56.5m)
*Warmup (2m)--Tracy performs the knees up/arms up usually found in barre workouts, but she also does knees/arms to the side. She ends with a forward bend stretch.
*Arms (8m)--This segment definitely burns the shoulders; the weights might feel light at first, but you will feel it towards the end! Tracy does variations of lateral raises, shoulder presses, and chest presses; she also incorporates a bit of biceps work.
*Triceps (4m)--You start in a traditional 1-arm kickback position, except that Tracy has you perform pulses with the arm straight; she does several variations. I felt this the next day!
*Waist (3.5m)--Standing in a wide-legged stance and still holding the weights, Tracy does reaches both overhead and down to the ankles.
*Push-Ups (4m)--Tracy sets up to perform push-ups on the knees, doing one set of 2-count push-ups and then a second set double-time. She also performs tricep dips on the floor, adding in a leg raise to up the challenge. A brief seated stretch for both the triceps and the hips concludes this segment.
*Standing Stretch Series (<3m)--Tracy uses the chair to stretch the hamstrings: you will place one foot on the chair, stretching over and around that leg, and then repeat on the other side (nice!).
*Legs (5m)--This segment also uses the chair for barre work. Tracy includes the v-plie, the wide-leg plie, and "the uncomfortable chair"; she also adds little twists, such as what she calls the "John Travolta move." She concludes with a quad stretch.
*Seated Stretch (7m)--This nice long stretch segment begins on the floor with a camel variation, then moves into a lunge series which stretches both the hip flexors and the hamstrings, moving towards splits. Tracy ends with standing pyramid and standing forward bend.
*The "L" (6m)--Here Tracy has you lie on your mat with your legs perpendicular to your body. She then moves you through many different variations on leg lifts to really get into the outer thighs and glutes; this is especially tough when you get to the SECOND leg!
*The Abs "C" (5.5m)--This segment uses the ball, mostly between the thighs. Tracy forms a "C" shape with the torso and performs various curls in this position while squeezing the ball in place.
*Buns & Thighs (4m)--This is a pelvic tilt series, but the unique aspect is that Tracy sets you up with your feet on the wall, with your legs forming a 90-degree angle. In this position, you perform various pelvic tilt variations, such as heels only, toes in, etc.
*Final Stretch (3.5)--Tracy begins lying for happy babies pose (or dead bug); she also performs an lying straddle and reclined leg stretch. She ends seated in a full forward bend.

POWER SQUEEZE (26m)
*Warmup (1.5m)--This is a mini-version of the full warm-up; the side knee lifts are omitted.
*Power Push-Ups (2.5m)--Here Tracy performs one set of 15 push-ups on the knees followed by a set of tricep dips on the floor. She again concludes with a seated stretch for the triceps and hips.
*Standing Stretch Series (<3m)--This is the SAME segment that is included in the Full Squeeze. Although I liked this section, it felt VERY out of place here--you haven't even started working your lower body yet, so why are you stretching it out?
*Legs (1.5m)--Tracy states that she will be doing one quick set, and this definitely is quick; you use the ball and the chair for one set of dips on the toes.
*The Pretzel (4m)--This section is new to the Power Squeeze. The Pretzel is a move in which you are seated on the mat with both legs bent at 90-degrees, one in front of you, and one behind; you lift the rear leg to work you buttocks.
*Abs (5.5m)--Although this is another abs segment using the ball, it is different from the section on the Full Squeeze. Here Tracy performs more traditional crunch variations as opposed to the C-curve curls.
*Buns & Thighs (3.5m)--Again, you set up with your feet on the wall for pelvic tucks. This time, however, Tracy has the ball between her thighs, adding inner thigh work in addition to the glute and hamstring work.
*Final Stretch (3.5m)--SAME stretch as in the Full Squeeze.

CUSTOM SQUEEZE (38.5)
*Triceps (4m)--SAME as Full Squeeze
*Arms (8m)--SAME as Full Squeeze
*Seated Stretch (7m)--SAME as Full Squeeze
*The Pretzel (4m)--SAME as Power Squeeze
*The Fold Over Plank (5.5m)--This is a a segment of glutes work performed from a hands and knees (all fours) position. Tracy does mostly straight leg lifts but adds a few bent leg lifts towards the end.
*The Flat Abs (6m)--In this variation on the abs work, Tracy is lying completely flat, with one leg crossed over the other, performing small crunches that really target the lower abs. However, she moves into some scissors work that is fairly advanced.
*The Windshield Wiper Buns & Thighs (<4m)--This is another section of pelvic tilts performed with the feet on the wall. In this segment, however, Tracy adds the knees moving in and out (i.e., the "windshield wiper" effect) as well as some 1-legged work.

So, as you can see, this DVD provides a wide variety of options, including three different segments each of both pelvic tilts and abs work. However, I was quite disappointed that the DVD is not completely customizable. For example, I went to the "Custom Squeeze" menu hoping to select my own workout which would include the "L" segment from the Full Body Squeeze; however, as you can see from the above, the "L" is not included on the Custom Squeeze menu. The only way for me to select that section would be to choose the Full Body Squeeze workout option and then to skip through the chapters until I get to what I want--not very convenient! For this reason, I prefer Tracy's second DVD, Squeeze Stronger, to this one. Otherwise, I do enjoy Tracy's athletic approach to barre work and expect to get quite a bit of use from this DVD.