Jeff’s Story

Jeff Before Squeeze

3 months after working out at Squeeze

I’ve worked out most of my life at a variety of gyms or at home in the gym that I set up in my basement, believing that I was getting the most out of my workouts. During this past summer my oldest daughter Carly was helping out the Kuhs family (shout out for Bruce and Renee, fellow Squeezers) by taking their kids to trainer “Sensei” David’s Jiu Jitsu class. After seeing some of the Squeeze classes she kept telling me that I needed to check this place out, for the workouts are unreal and nothing like she has ever seen before. So a few months later when Brookfield opened, I decided to stop in. Kelly welcomed me and was very personable and Shannon yelled hi from across the room where it looked like she was torching someone. I was a little skeptical considering I have more weights, dumbbells and free weight machines at home. Okay, Squeeze wins the contest for having the most kettle bells, boxes, and a number of other things including the monster rope, that I wasn’t familiar with. Actually, I had never seen or used a kettle bell before and was thinking, “what’s up with that?” Yes, I was very impressed with the treadmills that could incline high enough to dump you off the back if you didn’t hold on. Long story short, I was offered a trial to come in and try out a class. The rest is insane history.

The Beginning,

4 months at Squeeze! Photo by Studio M Boudoir Photography.

I wasn’t sure what I was thinking when I saw these smaller (my disclaimer: in shape, totally athletic and awesome) female trainers at the Brookfield location. I couldn’t help but wonder how tough their workouts could be. Oops, big mistake on my part. I soon realized how much a minute can suck and after one hour, that there was a whole other level of exercise that I wasn’t aware of. The programs offered at Squeeze are the real deal and second to none. The combination of the high intensity cardio and weights along with the trainers constantly changing workouts will take anybody over the top. By the end of each workout, I’m picking myself up off the mat covered in sweat. Needless to say, I went all in and joined. So the workouts continued and I realized how humbling and addicting they can be.  The best part is when I’m already dragging ass and I hear the trainer say “OKAY the warm-up is finished; now we can get started.” One time I grabbed a higher set of

kettlebells, all proud of myself, only to hear Kelly say “that’s good, now you are using the same weights that Shannon and I use.” Another wakeup call was when I was about three quarters of the way through a workout; in reality, I was probably only half way through it, when I was instructed to do another set of pushups, only to have my face bottom out into the mat because my chest and arms were cashed in. I then hear Shannon laughing because she too was now aware that she had worked the hell out of that muscle group and was ready to move on to ruin another group. Lastly, on one inclement day I was the only one to make it to this particular workout and had the fortunate pleasure of a one on one session with Mari, which kept on giving for the next few days.

The Trainers,

Thanks to all of the trainers for their expertise in bringing forward the unique variety and always challenging routines. They are truly the best that I have ever come across. You won’t find any cookie cutter type of program here and every trainer brings their own special twist to the table, adding to the total package. Each trainer knows who you are and motivates you to succeed. Kelly once said “if you don’t show up, we’ll hunt you down and drag you back.” You can be in a session with people of all different physical abilities and the trainers will modify and individualize the program, to insure that everybody gets a quality workout. Like wise, it’s not surprising if they notice something is too easy for you; without hesitating, they’ll make an adjustment and crank it up, just for you. I have to also give props to Karyn who, in her own special encouraging way will get you to step it up whether she’s filling in as a trainer or working out along side of you.

Fellow Squeezers,

When you’re at Squeeze you instantly feel like everyone is family, a special group that cares about each other, where everybody wants each other to succeed. We all feed off of each other. You can look around the gym and from week to week see improvements in everyone. I recently had the opportunity and enjoyed working out with my daughter for a month at Squeeze while she was home from college which was a great experience for both of us.

Where I Stand Today,

I started the beginning of November and weighed in at 240lbs with a 17.8 % body fat count.  I lost 20 lbs in the first 2 to 3 months.  Four months later at the end of February I’ll have lost 30+lbs, and have a body fat count in the single digits, along with being stronger and having more muscle mass.  To be totally honest, the last time I was in this good of shape was about 20 to 25 years ago.  Not bad for 4 months, while going through Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years and the Packer Games.  Besides the workouts, I have to credit Shannon’s nutrition plans, whereas, I didn’t have to go on a diet or starve myself.  Her planning and advice is really about making a commitment to modify and change some eating habits and to insure that you are getting the right nutrition throughout the day. However, I did take full advantage of my cheat day and slipped with a cheat week (Shannon ignore that last comment).

“I’ll remember that Jeff J” – insert evil laugh here, Shannon

My future,

I’ve always believed in the glass being half full and being positive in everything I do. If you believe that you can do it, you won’t fail. Not to say you won’t fall down, but you can count on your trainers or fellow Squeezers to help pick you up. If you put all of your effort forward, anything is possible. I’m declaring that age 51 is the new young age and think I might target having a six pack for the summer (both kinds, beer and abs).

When I told Carly (my daughter) that I was picked for the month of February and would have to include some before and after photos she quickly reminded me that I’ve always told her that before and after photos in all of the various ads and info shows are doctored up and fake.  “So, now what do you have to say, dad?”  To not lose her respect, I knew I had to be straight with her about the truth.  So I told her, with the exception of Jarred from Subway, all of the photos are fake, except for the ones from SQUEEZE. BOOYA, THAT’S WHAT I’M TALKING ABOUT!!!!

Thanks to my Carly for finding Squeeze and to Squeeze for the continued life changing experience.

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