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Natural Running - Avoid Injuries, Become Efficient, Stay Fit

Ivan Nikolov

Today, you can change the way you run from a style that's damaging to your knees and hip joints with every running step you make - literally - to a style that will enable you to practice running for life - injury free.

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Today, you can change the way you run from a style that's damaging to your knees and hip joints with every running step you make - literally - to a style that will enable you to practice running for life - injury free.

This style is called Natural Running - and it's based on our anatomical design. Simple as that.

Let me explain..

We humans can move by foot through space in two different ways only - by walking, and by running.

So far so good.. What's the problem?

The problem is this: almost all of us know how to walk correctly, but almost none of us know how to run correctly. I'm serious.

The incorrect running technique - the technique that most runners actually use - is not only inefficient but outright dangerous.

Chances are high that you are one of those people who do NOT know how to run correctly. That's the bad news.

But, there is good news. And, the good news is getting rid of the dangerous unnatural running technique and adopting the anatomically correct running technique requires one amazingly simple change.. and 20-30 steps. That's how many steps you will need to take in order to feel the difference, remember the sensation and learn what you need to do in your next run.

By the way, I don't blame you for possibly being one of these unfortunate runners. I was just like you.

I used to run using a bad and dangerous running technique until about 10 years ago... when things suddenly changed for me (it was a tiny book I read).

And, because of this change I made 10 years ago...

  • I haven't had a single running-related injury at all.
  • I run faster
  • I run better, and
  • I run for longer.. if that's what I want

In this course I will show you the change I made, so you can make the same change yourself.

Every minute you delay learning the Natural Running technique is potentially getting you one step closer to your next running-related injury.

Enroll now.

Hi, I'm Ivan.

I have dedicated my life to studying how the human body works and what makes it work even better. I am a life-long athlete and my athletic endeavors have taught me to easily distinguish between body movements that are good for my health and overall fitness and those that are not. I can easily tell what is outright damaging... I experiment on myself personally - all the time.

In all the years I've been an athlete and in all the sports and movements I've practiced and attempted - some worked, most didn't. From some I suffered injuries, some left me unharmed, some made me better, stronger, faster and healthier.

In this course I am sharing with you the technique of Natural Running - the exact running technique which we all used before civilization took over our lifestyles. And, the exact running technique we (almost) all have conveniently forgotten.

I want to help you go back to what is anatomically the better way for you to run.

Incidentally, this better way will also make you more efficient, and in time - more fit - because you will be able to practice running - as an exercise or sport - for as long as you want to, and not for as long as it takes to get the next knee, hip or lower back injury.

This course is for you regardless of whether you are an absolute beginner or you are a life-long runner. All that is required is two legs, a desire to learn about running and desire to keep the health of your joints.

If you are a beginner - that's great. You will learn what is the right way to run - before you get injured.. And, you will be able to continue injury-free possibly for life - if that's what you want (and I hope that you do want that. ).

If you are an advanced runner - you will be able to correct a previous bad running technique in no time. If you have current running-related injuries you will know how to avoid future injuries. You will also find new ways to become better, more efficient in your running - I mean faster while using less energy.

Just like everything in life, this Natural Running course, too, is NOT for everybody.

This course is NOT for you...

  • If you plan to walk all your life and never attempt to run
  • If you are disabled in some way and cannot run

If you don't fall into one of these two categories above then you certainly want to be able to move through space by foot via both ways available to us humans - walking and running.

And, if that's the case you absolutely must use the anatomically proper way of running - Natural Running.

If that's not the case, you may be very close to your first or next running-related injury.. And, not to scare you but one of these might be your last.. And, then you are back to walking only.

So, enroll in this course now.

This knowledge will serve you your entire life and it will forever change the way you move when you run.

The price of this course is a small price to pay for keeping the health of your joints and for becoming a more efficient human animal.

~ Ivan

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • 10 practice assignments to guide you in your efforts!
  • A runner gets injured once for every 83 hours of running! learn why and how to avoid!
  • Find out what is the difference between a good and a bad running technique.
  • Learn how to prevent injuries from bad running technique!
  • Learn how to diagnose a bad running technique!
  • Know how to fix a bad running technique.. in no time at all!
  • Set the foundation - proper posture and breathing!
  • Know the correct foot placement on landing - it makes all the difference!
  • Learn the correct movement mechanics of arms and legs!
  • Know the exact frequency of steps that increases efficiency.. and the one that decreases efficiency!
  • Find out how to lower the energy you use. become more efficient in your running!
  • Learn the difference between natural and barefoot running. yes, there is a difference!
  • Find out why barefoot running is worth trying.
  • Learn how to condition for barefoot running.. if that's what you want to practice!
  • Criteria for the best running shoe! know how.. and where to look for it!
  • Show more
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Syllabus

Learn why Natural Running is for you. Find out more about Ivan - some interesting facts and a video from his personal library. Know exactly what you should expect from this course.
Read more

Learn why you must absolutely know about Natural Running! I will explain exactly what Natural Running will do for you... The benefits are many!

Let me introduce myself! Learn who I am and why you should listen.. carefully.. to what I have to say.

I tell you exactly what you will learn. Find out what techniques you can start using immediately!

In what ways is Natural Running different than the conventional running technique that almost all runners use today? I list these differences in this very lecture.

What are the benefits of Natural Running?

Practice assignments are designed to guide you and help you master key aspects of the Natural Running technique. Many key lectures will have a practice assignment.

A brief explanation about what to expect from your practice assignments.

This worksheet is designed to guide you in your practice assignments. Download and print out!

In this section we will set the foundation upon which you will build solid understanding and skills.
Learn what the term "Natural Running" refers to. I give you my personal definition for Natural Running. Find out how I like to run!
This lecture picks up where "The top three reasons why runners get injured" lecture left off. It zooms in on the top reason that's the main contributor for the dangerous running technique of most runners today.

I share with you the main rule for a good running shoe. I also give you all the criteria for a good running shoe - a shoe that emulates barefoot running instead of predisposing the runner to negatively altering his running style.

Is the following statement correct about running shoes?

Assignment #1

The numbers! This is how bad the situation is and this is why you need to make the change right away!

This is how exactly the most dangerous running technique looks like - so you can recognize it as soon as you see it. And, these are the unfortunate results from it..

Find out the top 3 reasons why runners today get injured so often! Learn what other name “natural running” is also popular with.

Specify at least one reason why runners get injured today?

I give you the best and shortest definition for efficiency I've ever heard in my life. Don't ever confuse efficiency with effectiveness any more! I'm also telling how you can become massively more efficient in your running.

What exactly is movement-specific conditioning? What are some examples of it? I provide the answers in this very lecture! Plus, find out how exactly learning any motor skill really works - the rule!

Now you have the foundation! You are ready to start working on the Natural Running technique!

Learn and master the different parts of the Natural Running technique. Put the pieces together into a cohesive and flawless mechanical sequence.
I can almost guarantee you that what you think running is it is not! I will give you a 3-word definition that will forever change how you perceive this innate for humans complex mechanical movement.
What is running?
Learn what are the different parts of the mechanical movement, which when assembled together make for what we call the "Natural Running" technique. Each one of these parts is crucially important! The technique suffers tremendously if any of them is not mastered!
Learn why posture is crucially important in Natural Running. Find out what the true standing posture is like - the posture that we initiate the running motion from.
I take you to the running field to demonstrate proper posture.

Assignment #2

Breathing along with posture form the solid foundation upon which we build the Natural Running technique. There is a type of breathing that can support your running technique and efforts and there is a type that will work against you.

Two great resources that demonstrate the breathing technique used in Natural Running - for practicing at home - step by step.

I demonstrate the correct breathing technique.

Assignment #3

The arms positioning and movement can add or subtract from the efficiency of the Natural Running technique. In this lecture I cover the correct arms positioning and movement. I also point out the wrong/bad arms positioning and movement styles - the ones you want to avoid.

In this video lecture I demonstrate the correct arms positioning and movement mechanics.
Assignment #4
Learn how to apply and take advantage of the rules of Physics instead of using brute force to generate forward movement. This is the core of the philosophy behind the Natural Running technique. Without it you don't do Natural Running - you do something else!
In this video lecture I demonstrate how to initiate the running motion.

Assignment #5

What movement of the body initiates the running motion?
The foot placement on landing is about the biggest mechanical difference between Natural Running and conventional and dangerous running styles. Once you master this part of the movement you will be steadily on your way toward avoiding running-related injuries!

Assignment #6

About proprioception

Learn the mechanics of the trailing leg pull. Find out where the force for the pulling of the trailing leg should come from in order to increase efficiency.

In this lecture we discuss cadence - a very important concept in the Natural Running technique. The right cadence dramatically increases efficiency and decreases the loss of energy. The wrong cadence does the opposite.

Watch me as I demonstrate the correct for Natural Running frequency of landings - or cadence.
Assignment #7
What is the optimal cadence in Natural Running?

You can almost immediately correct your running technique using one of these two methods! And, it works every time!

Assignment #8

There is a right way and wrong way to increase or decrease running speeds... and most runners use the wrong way!

Assignment #9
In this lecture I teach four different ways to diagnose a bad running technique and style. Use them to diagnose bad habits in your running or use them to help diagnose problems in other runners.
True barefoot running has its own advantages even over minimal shoe running. Learn what these advantages are. Make an informed decision whether you will use running shoes or will try barefoot running. Know why you've decided what you've decided.
Follow these three steps to easily condition yourself for barefoot running.
Assignment #10

The 12 laws of running - in a downloadable PDF file format for easy reference. Everything is covered in the course and it's condensed here into a one page downloadable file - without the explanations. The link to the original source (the e-book) I borrowed "the laws" from is also in the PDF. This way you can grab the entire e-book - it's a highly recommended read!

A concise summary of what you've learned in this very important section of the course.

Let me know what you thought about this course. Help me improve it.

In this section you will find sources, tools and facts that will serve you well as a Natural Runner!

This is a good (really good) resource, which includes the most popular, well-known and not-too-well-known but great minimalistic running shoes and sandals - the links to their respective companies are in there as well.

Whether you have an iPhone or an Android here is a list of several cadence metronomes - these give out sound to sync your steps to, and cadence trackers - no sound, but real tracking of your cadence based on GPS data and time lapsed... plus much more. Check them out - both for iPhone and Android.

The drills and exercises in this section will help with learning the mechanics of the different parts of the Natural Running technique

This perceptual drill will help the body to "remember" the position of its own body parts in relation to each other for the movement that initiates the running motion - the forward lean.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Teaches students how to run in a more efficient and less dangerous way, which may help them reduce the likelihood of experiencing certain types of running-related injuries
Provides 10 practice assignments to guide students in their efforts to master the Natural Running technique
Taught by Ivan Nikolov, who has dedicated his life to studying how the human body works and has been an athlete for his entire life
Teaches students how to assess their own running technique and identify areas for improvement
Explores the concept of "Natural Running," which is based on our anatomical design
Designed for both absolute beginners and experienced runners

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Reviews summary

Improve your running abilities

Learners say that Natural Running helps you Avoid Injuries, Become Efficient, and Stay Fit.
Course Material is Interesting and Fun
"The Truth about Running...."

Activities

Coming soon We're preparing activities for Natural Running - Avoid Injuries, Become Efficient, Stay Fit. These are activities you can do either before, during, or after a course.

Career center

Learners who complete Natural Running - Avoid Injuries, Become Efficient, Stay Fit will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Running Coach
An expert in Natural Running, a Running Coach helps people learn to run in a way that avoids injuries, improves efficiency, and promotes overall fitness. The principles of Natural Running, as taught in this course, can help runners of all levels improve their form, reduce their risk of injury, and achieve their running goals. This course can help you build a solid foundation in the principles of Natural Running, which you can then use to help your clients improve their running technique and achieve their fitness goals.
Personal Trainer
Similar to a Running Coach, a Personal Trainer helps people achieve their fitness goals, but they are not limited to running. A Personal Trainer can help you develop a personalized exercise program that includes running, as well as other exercises to improve your overall fitness. This course can help you build a foundation in the principles of Natural Running, which you can then use to help your clients improve their running technique and achieve their fitness goals.
Physical Therapist
A Physical Therapist helps people recover from injuries and improve their mobility. They can also help prevent injuries by teaching people how to move correctly. This course can help you build a foundation in the principles of Natural Running, which you can then use to help your clients improve their running technique and reduce their risk of injury.
Sports Medicine Physician
A Sports Medicine Physician is a doctor who specializes in treating injuries and illnesses that are related to sports and exercise. They can also help athletes improve their performance and prevent injuries. This course can help you build a foundation in the principles of Natural Running, which you can then use to help your patients improve their running technique and reduce their risk of injury.
Athletic Trainer
An Athletic Trainer is a healthcare professional who works with athletes to prevent, diagnose, and treat injuries. They also help athletes improve their performance and stay healthy. This course can help you build a foundation in the principles of Natural Running, which you can then use to help your athletes improve their running technique and reduce their risk of injury.
Yoga Instructor
A Yoga Instructor teaches yoga, a mind-body practice that combines physical poses, breathing exercises, and meditation. Yoga can help improve flexibility, strength, balance, and overall well-being. This course can help you build a foundation in the principles of Natural Running, which you can then use to help your students improve their running technique and reduce their risk of injury.
Massage Therapist
A Massage Therapist uses massage to help people relax, relieve pain, and improve their overall well-being. Massage can also help improve circulation, reduce muscle tension, and promote healing. This course can help you build a foundation in the principles of Natural Running, which you can then use to help your clients improve their running technique and reduce their risk of injury.
Chiropractor
A Chiropractor is a healthcare professional who uses spinal adjustments to treat pain and improve mobility. Chiropractors can also help prevent injuries by teaching people how to move correctly. This course can help you build a foundation in the principles of Natural Running, which you can then use to help your patients improve their running technique and reduce their risk of injury.
Acupuncturist
An Acupuncturist is a healthcare professional who uses acupuncture to treat pain and improve health. Acupuncture involves inserting thin needles into the skin at specific points on the body. This course can help you build a foundation in the principles of Natural Running, which you can then use to help your patients improve their running technique and reduce their risk of injury.
Registered Dietitian
A Registered Dietitian is a healthcare professional who provides nutrition counseling and advice. Registered Dietitians can help people improve their overall health and well-being by teaching them how to eat healthy. This course can help you build a foundation in the principles of Natural Running, which you can then use to help your clients improve their running technique and reduce their risk of injury.
Health Educator
A Health Educator is a healthcare professional who teaches people about health and wellness. Health Educators can work in a variety of settings, including schools, community centers, and hospitals. This course can help you build a foundation in the principles of Natural Running, which you can then use to help your clients improve their running technique and reduce their risk of injury.
Fitness Instructor
A Fitness Instructor teaches fitness classes, such as aerobics, yoga, and Pilates. Fitness Instructors can help people improve their overall fitness and well-being. This course can help you build a foundation in the principles of Natural Running, which you can then use to help your clients improve their running technique and reduce their risk of injury.
Dance Instructor
A Dance Instructor teaches dance classes, such as ballet, jazz, and hip-hop. Dance Instructors can help people improve their flexibility, coordination, and balance. This course can help you build a foundation in the principles of Natural Running, which you can then use to help your students improve their running technique and reduce their risk of injury.
Pilates Instructor
A Pilates Instructor teaches Pilates, a low-impact exercise that focuses on core strength, flexibility, and balance. Pilates can help improve posture, reduce pain, and improve overall fitness. This course can help you build a foundation in the principles of Natural Running, which you can then use to help your clients improve their running technique and reduce their risk of injury.
Group Fitness Instructor
A Group Fitness Instructor teaches group fitness classes, such as Zumba, spin class, and boot camp. Group Fitness Instructors can help people improve their overall fitness and well-being. This course may be helpful for Group Fitness Instructors who want to learn more about the principles of Natural Running and how to incorporate them into their classes.

Reading list

We've selected 14 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Natural Running - Avoid Injuries, Become Efficient, Stay Fit.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the science behind running. The book covers a wide range of topics, including running biomechanics, nutrition, and training.
Great resource for runners who are looking to improve their marathon performance. The book covers a wide range of topics, including training, nutrition, and race strategy.
Provides a comprehensive overview of natural running. The book covers a wide range of topics, including running biomechanics, nutrition, and training.
Provides a comprehensive overview of running and jogging. The book covers a wide range of topics, including running biomechanics, nutrition, and training.
Provides a detailed look at the Pose Method of running, which specific type of natural running. The book great resource for runners who want to learn more about this method.
Provides a comprehensive overview of running for women. The book covers a wide range of topics, including running biomechanics, nutrition, and training.
Provides a comprehensive overview of natural running. The book covers a wide range of topics, including running biomechanics, nutrition, and training.
Provides a comprehensive overview of running. The book covers a wide range of topics, including running biomechanics, nutrition, and training.
Provides a comprehensive overview of barefoot running. The book covers a wide range of topics, including running biomechanics, nutrition, and training.
Classic in the field of running. It provides a basic overview of running and great starting point for beginners.

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