The Joe Bovino Interview (Updated)

[4/23/12 - Content removed at the request of Joe Bovino.]

Round 3 / Day 58: P90X Plyometrics

Yikes -- I totally forgot to post about yesterday's workout. I wish I could tell you it's because I was so busy yesterday, but I wasn't. (Picking up materials at IKEA to custom-build a standing desk was all I had on the agenda.)

Anyway, I did Plyometrics yesterday, and enjoyed the hell out of it. I didn't realize how much I'd missed this workout until I saw Erik Stolhanske, Pam the Blam and Dominic show up on my television screen -- it was like putting on a favorite old jacket that you forgot about in the back of your closet.

But:

I never thought I'd say this, but P90X Plyometrics is getting to be a little too easy -- I didn't break a sweat until halfway through. (And believe me: I am one sweaty guy.) I had no trouble keeping up with Dominic's manic jumping, and to challenge myself a bit more, I squeezed in few extra Jump Knee Tucks and Rock Star Hops after the 30-second sets were over. I still got a good workout, but I've come a long way, baby.

P90X Plyometrics Review

A few years ago, researchers conducted an experiment to test the effects of plyometric training. Runners who’d been running for half a year were divided into two groups: One that added plyometric moves to their exercise routines, and one that didn’t. Six weeks later, the runners who did plyo work saw improvement in their running economy, while those in the control group didn’t.

Over the years, plyometric drills have been shown to improve overall athleticism -- it boosts one’s explosive power, speed, cardiovascular health, flexibility, balance, and stamina. So it’s pretty awesome that P90X devotes an hour to jump-training.

After the jump: My P90X Plyo review.

My Interview with Pam the Blam - Part Four

Have you caught up with Parts One, Two and Three of my conversation with Pam the Blam? If so, click below to read the final segment of her interview, in which Pam discusses her fellow onscreen trainers and life after P90X.

P90X Day 72: Plyometrics

This morning, I tried to keep up with Dominic during Jump Knee Tucks, Mary Katherines and Rock Star Hops, and although my leaps lagged behind Frog Boy's in terms of speed and height, I felt like I pushed through a mental barrier of sorts.  Before, I always held back a little -- I would dial back my intensity level to 98% to make sure of my footing and balance.  I didn't relish the prospect of landing face-first into a wall or the floor.  Today, I just threw caution to the wind and decided to jump as high and fast as I could.  And it felt great.

P90X Day 58: Plyometrics

Plyo gave me a much-needed break from having to work out my upper body -- my aching arms, pecs and lats are still reeling from the beat-down they received from yesterday's Chest & Back program.

But that's not the only reason why Plyo's grown on me.  Despite some ridiculous-looking moves (you should see my Baba Booey-like attempts to pitch an imaginary baseball with my left arm), Plyo's fast pace, variety and intensity make this workout a big winner in my book.  The fact that there's no post-Plyo session of Ab Ripper X is just icing on the cake.

Incidentally: Can anyone tell me how Dominic (also known -- at least to Tony -- as "Dominique" and "Locust Boy") is able to jump that high?  He can't possibly be a real human being, right?