The Joe Bovino Interview (Updated)

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

The P90X Book Club

Quite a few of the folks in the P90X videos have made films, ranging from comedies to dramas to hardcore porn. But did you know that even more of 'em write books?

Tony Horton wrote one. (IMHO, it's not very good, but whatever.)

So did Pam the Blam (under her "Nashieqa Washington" pen name).

And let's not forget Mark Sisson.

The latest author to emerge from the P90X ranks? Joe Bovino.

I know it's been awhile, but you remember Joe from the "P90X Shoulders & Arms" video, right? The guy with fully-shaved armpits? He's written a book describing the "ethnic and regional subcultures of American women" in the format of a bird watching guidebook.

And no, I'm not making this up.

You have no idea how much I wish I had a copy of the book to review for you, but the "Field Guide to Chicks" isn't out yet. You can, however, click here to visit Joe's Facebook page and check out a preview of the book.



I swear: P90X is a gift that just keeps giving.

(Thanks to David Kohrell for the heads-up!)

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.

Who is Pam the Blam?

A month and a half into P90X, I've become increasingly (obsessively?) curious about Tony & Pals. And why not? Not only are they ridiculously buff (with the exception of pasty Kenpo master Wesley Idol, who has the pallor and muscle tone of wet dough but could nonetheless break me in half), I'm currently spending more time with them than with my closest friends. Plus, many of Tony's cohorts have incredibly compelling backgrounds. Erik Stolhanske is just one example.

Take Pamela Moore -- a.k.a. "Pam the Blam." Tony describes her as a "private investigator," which is already pretty fucking cool, but from her online bio, it appears that she's more than just a detective for hire. Among other numerous and diverse accomplishments, Pam:

• Studied with the Groundlings!
• Served in the Air Force as a "medical professional"!
• Earned a paralegal certificate, a grant-writing certificate, and a license to sell insurance!
• Started her own business!
• Worked as a legislative assistant for a politician!
• Has "been on the Space Shuttle immediately after re-entry" (whatever that means)!
• Was a contestant on "The Weakest Link"!
• Ran a homeless feeding program!
• Performed weekly readings for the blind!
• Lectured at Cal State Northridge!
• Authored a book under the pen name "Nashieqa Washington" entitled "Why Do Black People Love Fried Chicken"! (Here's the "About the Author" page from the book.)
• Runs a website called YourBlackFriend.com ("Your #1 Web Source for Questions About Black People") also using the "Nashieqa Washington" alias!
• Has provided commentary for NPR!
• Moved to Panama, and then Guatemala, and then Denver(?)!

If Tony had read Pam's résumé before they shot P90X, there's no way he'd settle for a nickname as prosaic as "Pam the Blam." I'm sure he would have bestowed upon her a more evocative moniker, like "Pam the Flying Medical Professional" or "Public Radio Pam" or "Nashieqa Washington."

Admit it: Of all of Tony's sweaty minions, Pam the Blam is now your hands-down favorite, too. Go friend her on Facebook!

[OCT. 2009 UPDATE: Pam contacted me after reading this post, and I had the opportunity to interview her at length. Read it here.]

[JAN. 2011 UPDATE: Pam's back with a new video -- and she's gone Paleo!]

P90X Day 44: Plyometrics (& A Note About Erik Stolhanske)

Plyo's my favorite of all the cardio-centric P90X videos, and I think a lot of it has to do with the fact that Erik, one of Tony's workout minions, is performing all the moves on a prosthetic leg. Watching him nail each one of the leaps, jumps, lunges and squats on just one foot reminds me that I have no excuse for being lazy or sloppy during Plyo. Erik's agility and coordination perfectly demonstrate how people with physical disabilities can kick massive quantities of ass.

There is, however, one Erik-related piece of business that bugs me every time I watch Plyo:

Tony, who babbles about the day jobs of just about every single one of his trainers (Sophia's studying to be a dentist! Dreya's a world-famous aerialist and gymnast! Phil and Joe are attorneys! Katie's an interior decorator! Dave's a substitute teacher and a karate man! Pam's a private investigator! Adam's a dancer and a trainer!), NEVER ONCE MENTIONS that Erik Stolhanske is a member of the Broken Lizard comedy group and an incredibly successful movie actor, screenwriter and comedian to boot.

Just an oversight? I don't think so. Last month, Tony Horton posted on Facebook a list of all the celebrities he believes have tried P90X. He goes so far as to include an L.A.-based local news anchor, but Erik is nowhere to be found on the list.

Perhaps this stems from professional jealousy. Tony's co-starring role in a soft-core porn flick doesn't stack up well against Erik's guest-starring spots on critically acclaimed shows like "Curb Your Enthusiasm" and "Six Feet Under," or against his writing credits and starring roles in movies like "Beerfest," "Club Dread" and "Super Troopers." But given that Tony can't seem to shut up about everyone else's jobs, would it kill him to acknowledge that Erik's more than just a guy who can jump around on a plastic leg?

[Want to learn more about the P90X gang? Click to read about Tony Horton's acting career, Dreya Weber's omnisexuality, Maren's hardcore porn stardom, Muscular Attorney Phil's lie-detecting capabilities, Wesley Idol's bafflingly half-assed performance in Kenpo X, Joe Bovino's cross-cultural dating expertise, and Pam the Blam's alter ego, Nashieqa Washington.]