Jeff Bloovman: Firearms Instructor Weighs in on Fitness
If there’s one guy you never count out of a fight, it’s Jeff Bloovman. Don’t let the gelled hair and athletic frame fool you, when it comes to athleticism, firearms, self-defense, and combatives, you’re foolish to not have his name roll off your tongue. Jeff is extremely well-rounded and is someone who constantly is looking to better himself and learn new things. If you watched the reality show One Man Army on the Discovery Channel, you’d know that Jeff won the entire competition and is considered one of the deadliest men on the planet according to the show. Jeff takes his health and fitness seriously and makes it a priority.
Below is an interview that Matt Weik conducted with Jeff Bloovman of Armed Dynamics, LLC about how important health, fitness, and nutrition are not only for him, but for the industry he is a part of.
Matt Weik: Can you tell us the kind of profession that you are in, where you work, and what you do in your line of work?
Jeff Bloovman: I am a firearms instructor specializing in the self-protection usage of handguns, shotguns, and rifles. My company is Armed Dynamics, LLC, which is based out of Philadelphia, PA.
Matt Weik: Would you say your overall health and fitness has been an improvement to your life? If so, how, and what does your fitness and nutrition plan look like?
Jeff Bloovman: Health and fitness has absolutely improved my life. I’ve been doing martial arts since the age of 7, and while I’ve tried nearly every sport under the sun, lifting and martial arts are the only ones I come back to. They just make sense to me. As far as life improvements, they are probably too numerous to list. I definitely fall into the “intense individual” category, and these activities have given me something to focus excess energy on. While I’ve done many martial arts over the years, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is what I’m focusing my attention on now. In addition to fitness and self-defense, it’s given me a healthy social outlet. What other sport can you choke each other, then shake hands and hug, all the while not catching criminal charges? Having a productive physical outlet enriches my life physically, mentally, and spiritually.
Related Article: Garry Marr Talks Firearm Training, Force-on-Force, and Fitness
A recent surgery and the ensuing recovery period aside, I work out 5-6 days a week. I try to do Jiu Jitsu 3-4 times and week and lift or do LSD training on the others. As for nutrition, I’ve had the great benefit of being raised in a household where my Italian mother cooked, and so healthy eating and what we put into our bodies has always been at the forefront of our household conscience. Growing up, I couldn’t stand it, but my father used to tell my brother and I that, “soda is poison,” and so we kept none in the house. Turns out he really wasn’t far from the truth! I cook for myself, and incorporate fruits and vegetables into my daily diet. A couple months ago I had the realization that I’ve been eating too much meat and chicken, so I’ve cut back some on the portion size, and added more fruits, vegetables and side salads. I love sunflower seeds, and add flax seeds to my salads. My mother taught me how to make the most simple of vinaigrettes, and I’ve been using that to good effect for years. I also eat eggs everyday! If you want to learn how to cook, start with eggs. You can literally add anything to them and make a palatable, healthy meal!
I’ve been experimenting with intermittent fasting as of late, and find that it helps keep balance and slim me down some.
As for beverages, I only drink water (tons of it), black coffee and unsweetened green tea I brew at home.
Supplement wise, I take vitamin D, vitamin K, and Krill Oil.
Matt Weik: What is one misconception you feel holds people back from exercising regularly?
Jeff Bloovman: Good question. I think people who are interested in getting in shape but fail to actually do so may just be intimidated. There isn’t any reason to be! If you have never worked out before, I suggest finding a reputable trainer to teach you proper form for lifts, and just get started. I am a firm believer in seeking knowledge from experts, so take that approach. Avoid the “bro-science” that surrounds the exercise industry and find a mentor who knows what he or she is talking about. Exercise is marathon, not a sprint. The goal should be better health and physical fitness, so seek out knowledgeable people and do what they say. Starting to workout won’t get easier tomorrow, find a gym and get your butt in it today.
I was feeling particularly uninterested in working out some time ago, and I asked a friend and fellow firearms trainer how I could find motivation. He answered with this, “discipline trumps motivation.” I’ll never forget that, and it carries me through when I find myself dragging my feet or being lazy.
I think people may also see getting in shape as boring. No, it doesn’t have to be! For example, find a solid Jiu Jitsu gym and watch a class. If you like the vibe of the gym and the instructor, try a class. You can get in shape, make new friends, and learn how to protect yourself all at the same time.
Matt Weik: What is one misconception you feel holds people back from changing their nutrition habits?
Jeff Bloovman: Honestly, laziness. And stop drinking the damn soda. You’ve got to eat regardless, so why not make it healthy? Look at the nutritional facts on packaged food. There are several excellent documentaries on Netflix that shed light on the “sugar consumption problem” in the United States, and I strongly urge you to watch them. You’ll be surprised how unhealthy much of what you eat may be. You can also cook large quantities twice a week and have food that will last you several days. I tend to put half in the freezer and half in the fridge, that way I can defrost it at a later date and save myself from cooking if I’m not in the mood. Cooking big allows you to pack lunches and make better choices when you are out and about. I always have water and a peanut butter sandwich handy if I know I will be out for a while. A little bit of forethought and effort goes a long way.
Matt Weik: Would you say the people in the tactical and firearms community would benefit from improving their health and fitness? Why or why not?
Jeff Bloovman: Yes! I view self-protection from a multi-faceted approach. We must have firearms, combatives, and medical training, understand the parameters surrounding use of lethal force, and last but not least, physical fitness. You are more likely to die from heart disease than a physical altercation, so keeping yourself in good physical condition is of paramount importance if living long is your goal. And isn’t that what this is all about? We as the gun-carrying public must cross train in combative arts. It doesn’t help that you are carrying a pistol if you’d likely just be bowled over and beaten to death if a fight went hands on. Firearms only solve one aspect of the problem; we mustn’t mislead ourselves into thinking they are a magical panacea.
Matt Weik: What is one take-home message you want everyone to think about or understand before we sign off?
Jeff Bloovman: You can do it. You can lose weight. You can break unhealthy eating patterns. You can become a fitter, healthier, happier person. It’s not too late to start. On the contrary, now is the time you have been waiting for to make the changes you need to! Empower yourself. Now is the time to go beast mode.
Matt Weik: Is there anyone you would like to thank or any shout-outs you’d like to give to close out the interview? (this can be anyone who’s helped you get to where you were, someone who pushed you to better yourself, anyone really)
Jeff Bloovman: I’d like to thank Daniel Gracie and Sideco Honorio of Renzo Gracie Philly for their stellar Jiu Jitsu instruction and patience, and I’d like to thank Larry Lindenman of Point Driven Training for his candor and guidance on how to work out.
Matt Weik: Where can people find you on social media and follow your work?
Jeff Bloovman: Armed Dynamics can be found on Facebook, Instagram, and via website of the same name. I am most active, however, on Practically Tactical, which can be found on YouTube, iTunes Podcast, Facebook, and Instagram. I am a host for Practically Tactical and we have world-class guests as well as gear reviews. I suggest checking it out!
Jeff Bloovman
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