REAL STORIES by REAL PEOPLE A collection of articles on various POSE and other running related topics written by and/or about Pose Method® Certified Coaches and Pose Runners of all levels.
POSETECH.COM (USA)
October, 2008
Dr. Romanov's Internet Interview
by Dana Walton
Running is an integral part of the lives of most people. Whether it is a small child on a school playground, a college student trying to improve fitness, a full time mother seeking a break from her daily routine, or a professional marathoner, running is universal. For most people, running is simply moving the body from place to another more quickly than when walking. But for others, running is far more than that. For Dr. Nicholas Romanov, running is far more than a means of movement; it is a science, an expression of art, an extension of one’s self.
Dr. Nicholas Romanov was born in 1951 to a single mother in Siberia, Russia. At the age of 12, he became involved in gymnastics and skiing. During high school, he began high jumping. By the time he completed high school, a love of sports had encompassed him and he entered college and began his studies in Physical Education. As an honor graduate just a few years later, Dr. Romanov took a full time position teaching Track and Field and coaching the track and field team for his alma mater. He continued his studies and finally acquired his doctorate degree from the Russian Academy of Physical Culture and Sports. As part of his learning, Dr. Romanov spent a lot of time researching and understanding sport biomechanics and kinesiology. By the mid 70’s, combined with other physical education studies and his experience as a coach, Dr. Romanov successfully developed a program for his athletes designed to improve the overall efficiency and effectiveness of their performance. This program, called the Pose Method®, is most recognizable in the field of running, but also has proven its success in other sports as well, including swimming, gymnastics, cycling, and jumping.
The Pose Method® is a method of athletic performance that is based on biomechanical studies of the human body and the simplest laws of gravity. Recognizing that gravity is a force that everyone is subjected to, Dr. Romanov reasoned that athletes should learn to use that force in their favor, rather than having it be a force that one must work against. Not until the 1990’s did his teachings receive any acknowledgement by the American community and, even then, very skeptically. Now however, after much success and the having proven his theories, the Pose Method® is sweeping through the athletic community and stands to undo so many of its long-taught theories.
Currently, Dr. Romanov is the head of a quickly expanding company called Pose Tech. He travels globally and teaches clinics to individuals and groups. In addition to the hands-on clinics that he offers, Dr. Romanov is a frequent lecturer and a published author of several books and dvds. He has served as a member of the USA Triathlon Coaching Committee and also coached the British Triathlon team in both the 2000 and 2004 Olympics.
Dr. Romanov admits that his ideas in Sports Science are still considered controversial by many, but he hopes to continue teaching and coaching. While it is often difficult to overcome the opposition he sometimes faces, Dr. Romanov believes very strongly in his theories and the scientific data to support them. For this passionate, athlete-turned-teacher, it’s not just the speed or the outcome of a competition that defines success. The true success of his work is being found in the data that is proving athletes can be more competitive and successful with fewer injuries and trauma to the body. The passion and belief that Dr. Romanov has, backed by science and data, is a true testimony to aspiring Sports Managers everywhere. Whether working as an administrator, a coach, or a researcher, success is more likely to be found when it is measured by how much an individual can still do what they love and love what they do, even after 30 years.
The presence, availability, and affordability of almost every element of the human existence are determined now by the economy that an individual lives in. In light of the recent financial crisis, both in the US and globally, I wondered how much a company like Pose Tech would be impacted. Fitness for some, such as professional athletes, would continue to be necessary as it provides the means to live. Large sport and fitness organizations such as colleges and local, recreational leagues would not likely be greatly impacted because of the means by which their revenue and support is obtained. On an individual basis, however, would specialty training, such as Dr. Romanov’s or that of a personal trainer become a luxury that people could no longer afford? Dr. Romanov’s response to that question surprised me. He believes firmly that the sport industry will continue to thrive and that there will be an increased demand for “fitness coaching and advice as more and more people feel broken and frustrated and need to sustain their sanity and health.”
Recent data from The New England Medical Journal and the government’s Healthy People 2010, states that the overall life expectancy in the United States is increasing due to recent medical advances in diagnostic and corrective care. The balance between corrective healthcare and preventative healthcare has been for the most part a very unbalanced relationship. The awareness of that is changing now and more and more people are beginning to understand the need for prevention. As this awareness grows, so too, will the demand for specialists like Dr. Romanov. Sports have become a critical part of our culture. Henceforth, the need to play harder, play longer, and play more safely will continue to grow.
Back to Top
|
