Board of Advisors

Dr. Tudor Bompa - Professor Emeritus, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, is regarded worldwide as the leading specialist in the area of theory of training / coaching / fitness, to which he has contributed several new concepts/theories. Dr. Bompa’s theories are primarily prevalent in the area of planning-periodization, periodization of strength, power, speed, agility, and endurance, age-group training, periodization of fitness and weight loss, periodization of bodybuilding, psychological periodization, and periodization of nutrition, have revolutionized training in most counties of the world.

Prof. Bompa has published 15 books (8 in English), all best sellers, translated into 18 languages. Most of these books are used as textbooks in universities, coaching institutions, certification programs, and continuing education in over 180 countries of the world. He has also published over a hundred research papers, and papers on training methodology. As a highly respected training specialist, Dr. Tudor Bompa has made presentations in over 35 countries of the world on topics such as training theory, planning-periodization, training methods, strength, power and agility training, specifics of training for team sports, etc.

Dr. Bompa has also been a very prolific coach. In only 8 years of international coaching his athletes have won 11 medals (4 gold) in Olympic Games and World Championships, and 22 national championships titles. He is the only coach who has produced Olympic / World champions in two different sports: track and field and rowing. He has also compiled training programs for professional teams, and guided individual athletes to highest athletic achievements. In recognition to his contributions to the body of knowledge in training, fitness, and coaches’ education, Prof. Bompa has received 23 honours and awards, 21 of them internationally.

Dr. Nicholas Romanov - Two-time Olympic Coach, author, educator and sport scientist - With over 30 years of experience and hands on work with athletes of all levels, Dr.Romanov specializes in sport biomechanics, kinesiology, sport training theory and physical education, training program development from elite to amateur athletes, exercises physiology and injury diagnosis, prevention and exercise rehabilitation. A native of Russia, Dr. Romanov received his Ph.D. in Physical Education from the Russian Academy of Physical Culture and Sports in Moscow where he went on to become the Head of the Department of Sport Disciplines, Head Track and Field Coach, and senior lecturer of Sport Biomechanics, Theory and Practice of Physical Education and Sport Training, Theory and Practice of Track and Field. In the 1970’s, Dr. Romanov developed and successfully implemented with his athletes, the Pose Method®, which enhances efficiency and performance in running, jumping and throwing (track and field), as well as in swimming, cycling, gymnastics, speed skating, cross-country skiing and many other athletic events. Since moving to the United States in the 1990’s, Dr. Romanov has worked with numerous elite athletes in various sports and the members of National Teams from 4 countries: United States, Great Britain, Russia and Mexico, taking the British Triathlon National Team to the 2000 Olympics in Sydney and 2004 Olympics in Athens. He also served as a member of the USA Triathlon Coaching Committee from 1996 to 2002. Currently Dr. Romanov writes, lectures and conducts clinics and seminars all over the world in association with sports clubs, national governing bodies, and universities.

Rachel Effros, MD - Pediatrician and Healthcare Researcher/Author - After receiving a BA in biology from the University of California, Berkeley, Dr. Effros attended Emory University School of Medicine. Completing her pediatrics residency at The Children’s Hospital in Denver, Rachel began practicing general pediatrics in Boise, ID in 1999. While in practice in Boise, her major field of interest was childhood nutrition and obesity. After moving back to Los Angeles, Dr. Effros continued the practice of pediatrics while completing her Masters in Public Health at the University of California, Los Angeles. She is currently a practicing pediatrician as well as a author and researcher at the RAND Corporation specializing in health system organization and delivery; health care public policy; quality assessment and improvement and public access to care. An avid hiker, skier, runner, cyclist and swimmer, Rachel has competed in dozens of triathlons up to the half Ironman distance.

Susan E. Given - RN, MN, FNP - Cardiology Specialist and Lecturer- A specialist in cardiac care, Susan has worked in critical care, cardiac rehabilitation and in collaboration with Santa Monica cardiologist, Richard Taw, MD since 1985. Susan received her bachelors degree in biology from the University of Colorado, and then attended the accelerated nursing curriculum at Saint Louis University. She received her masters degree in nursing and post-masters nurse practitioner credentials from UCLA. Susan is a member of the American Heart Association (AHA), Sigma Theta Tau (nursing scholarship organization), and the California Coalition of Nurse Practitioners (CCNP). In addition to serving as the chairman of the AHA L.A. affiliate Cholesterol Education Program for Nurses, she has lectured on a variety of topics related to cardiovascular disease and prevention at the UCLA School of Nursing and other nursing organizations. Susan had been active as a runner and cyclist for many years, taking up the sport of triathlon in the 2002. She has completed races of all distances from sprint to Ironman. In 2005, Susan competed at the USAT International Distance National Championships and was part of the US national team at the ITU World Championships.

Bonnie Parcells - Plus One Health Management - Bonnie Parcells has served in a variety roles in the health & fitness industry for 25 years. She is currently a District Manager for Plus One Health Management and oversees 11 corporate fitness facilities on the west coast. Bonnie coaches the Amgen Triathlon Team and competes as a triathlete as well. She has run her own personal training business and has taught group fitness for over 25 years. Her areas of expertise consist of sports specific training for triathlon, running, cycling. She is a certified indoor cycling instructor and participates in the Amgen California Coast Classic each year riding 520 miles from San Francisco to Los Angeles to raise money for The LA Chapter of the Arthritis Foundation.

Chris Foster - Professional Triathlete - Before graduating in 2005 from Penn State University with a degree in journalism and statistics, Chris was a standout during his four years on the Varsity Cross Country and track team where he won IC4A XC Championships, was All-Region twice in Outdoor Track and was a member of the school record-breaking Distance Medley Relay (Chris’ mile leg was clocked at 4:01). Chris was also an Academic All-Big Ten for two years and was third at the Big Ten Championships in the 3000m Steeplechase (8:50). During college, Chris would train for triathlons in the summer months. After graduating, Chris decided to make a serious try as a professional triathlete and moved across the country to California. Chris is now living and training in Redondo Beach and competes primarily on the ITU professional circuit. Career highlights include: 1st at the San Diego International Triathlon, 1st at the Nautica Malibu Triathlon, 13th at the Ixtapa ITU Pan American Cup, 12th at the Longmont Pan American Cup and 11th at the Dallas U.S. Open (2007), and 1st at the San Diego International Triathlon, 6th at the Valle de Bravo ITU Pan American Cup and 8th at the Los Angeles International (2008). His current sponsors include Trifit Club and Studios, KHS Bicycles, Cole Wheels, Triathlon Lab, Accelerade, Bonk Breaker, Selle San Marco, Fluid and T-Roller.