Running - The BK Method

This DVD is now available to purchase on my website www.gambetta.com. This is by far the best work that I have seen on the mechanics of running in the last 25 years. The information is high level, but very practical. The price is $59.95 plus shipping. It is a two DVD set. It can only be played on a computer. The following is a description of the DVD contents and information about the authors.

In this DVD, a running technique is presented based on the application of knowledge gained from anatomy and biomechanics. Namely, in order to learn more about a running technique, having insight into how different muscles work during running is essential. Only observing how the arms and legs move during running will provide insufficient information. One can only gain insight into the complexity of running if one understands how muscles work together as well as alone. In addition to showing how different joints can move, extensive information will be given on the structure and function of the most important muscles. Building upon this, when describing the running technique, attention will be paid to topics such as start and acceleration, high-speed and efficient running. The latter can be equated with constant ‘low’-speed running such as in the case of long-distance runners.

Information regarding running technique is provided on two levels. Level 1 assumes that the reader has no prior knowledge of anatomy and biomechanics. Complicated biomechanical principles are explained clearly in a useful manner without in-depth discussion of human anatomy. Level 2 assumes a basic knowledge of anatomy and some insight into biomechanical principles in as far as they are relevant to running.

This DVD has six chapters that can be played in succession. In this way, armed with information provided in Chapters 1-4, understanding the running exercises in Chapter 5 or analysis of technique in Chapter 6 follow a logical sequence. Because each chapter is a self-contained unit, it is possible to move randomly through the chapters. Depending on one’s interests, it is possible to begin in any of the first four chapters. Essential information found in other chapters will be repeated briefly where necessary. In this manner, the user is free to move randomly through any of the first four chapters. Chapters 5 and 6 require information provided in Chapters 1-4.

About the authors

Frans Bosch

Bosch trains top athletes, jumpers and sprinters, among whom the high-jumpers Wilbert Pennings and Tora Harris are the most well known. He is the national coach teaching jumping at the Koninklijke Nederlandse Atletiek Unie (KNAU). He also teaches anatomy and biomechanics at KNAU. In addition, he has worked as illustrator for numerous publications in the field of medicobiology.

Ronald Klomp

For many years Klomp has supervised top middle-distance runners such as Ellen van Langen, Simon Vroemen, Jim Svenøy, Marcel Laros and Gert-Jan Liefers. In his classes at KNAU, he has taught hundreds of individuals how to train running. Together with Frans Bosch he has written the standard work about running titled Hardlopen, inspanningsfysiologie en biomechanica praktisch toegepast. He is presently using his abundant practical experience and background as academic in the field of movement to teach medicobiology classes at the Fontys Sporthogeschool.