Can Functional Movement Predict Athlete Performance?

In this episode of the Movement Podcast, Gray Cook and Lee Burton explore one of the most complex and debated topics in sports and rehabilitation: predicting athletic performance and ranking talent.With AI and machine learning beginning to shape how we analyze athletes, the conversation unpacks:• How performance is measured—and why it’s more than just speed and strength.• The rise of durable performers: athletes who stay healthy, consistent, and coachable.• What new research says about FMS scores and their ability to predict performance—not just prevent injury.• The growing need to consider psychological readiness, engagement, and self-awareness as critical metrics.• Why looking at movement quality, not just quantity, is essential in both elite and youth sports.Whether you're a coach, trainer, healthcare provider, or performance nerd, this discussion will help you rethink how we define, assess, and develop talent.Curious what your wellness score is? Check it out for free!https://www.symmio.co/whats-your-wellness-scoreBecome an FMS Academy Member. Your all-access membership to FMS online educationhttps://www.functionalmovement.com/fmsacademyReferenced Research Articles:Predictive Athlete Performance Modeling with Machine Learning and Biometric Data IntegrationPrediction and Injury Risk Based on Movement Patterns and Flexibility (2023)#FMS #MovementPodcastFunctional Movement Systems YouTube Facebook Instagram X (Twitter) Subscribe to the FMS Newsletter

Are the corrective exercise guys bashing correctives? Maybe . . . Lee and Gray take the time to step back, define what correctives are, and detail how they should be used to restore whole movement. Screening plays an important role in identifying movement dysfunction and pain with movement, but the next step doesn’t have to be corrective exercise.In this episode of the Movement Podcast, Gray Cook and Dr. Lee Burton challenge the industry’s reliance on corrective routines and reveal a smarter, more effective approach to improving movement and performance.From overprescribed "fixes" to missed opportunities in warmups and workouts, the discussion dives into:• The true purpose of corrective exercises• How to screen and interpret movement patterns• When to ditch the corrective—and just adjust the workout• Lessons from Pavel Tsatsouline, Huberman Lab, and NFL-level programming• Practical tips to build programs that restore function and develop strengthWhether you’re a coach, clinician, or just someone who trains hard—this conversation will shift the way you view programming, warmups, and performance prep.Watch, learn, and rethink what you call "corrective."Curious what your wellness score is? Check it out for free!https://www.symmio.co/whats-your-wellness-scoreBecome an FMS Academy Member. Your all-access membership to FMS online educationhttps://www.functionalmovement.com/fmsacademyFunctional Movement Systems YouTube Facebook Instagram X (Twitter) Subscribe to the FMS Newsletter

In this episode of the Movement Podcast, Gray Cook and Lee Burton are joined by Danyue Zhang, FMS Director of Education in China and a key figure in expanding Functional Movement Systems globally. Danyue shares her unique journey—from personal trainer in New York to translating and teaching FMS courses across China.They dive into:• Cultural challenges of translating movement concepts• The power of calibration over instruction• How personal trainers in China are embracing corrective exercise• Why movement screening works across language and borders• Lessons from introducing FMS to sports institutes, universities, and rural communitiesDanyue offers valuable insights into movement, communication, and building trust in a growing global movement health community.Whether you're a coach, therapist, or educator, this episode will shift your thinking on how we teach and talk about human movement—no matter where you are in the world.Curious what your wellness score is? Check it out for free!https://www.symmio.co/whats-your-wellness-scoreBecome an FMS Academy Member. Your all-access membership to FMS online educationhttps://www.functionalmovement.com/fmsacademyFunctional Movement Systems YouTube Facebook Instagram X (Twitter) Subscribe to the FMS Newsletter

In this episode of the Movement Podcast, Gray Cook and Lee Burton dive into the real meaning of wellness and why current approaches are failing us. They unpack how wellness is traditionally defined (think: sleep, nutrition, exercise), and why function—particularly functional movement—needs to be part of the equation.From pre-diabetes in adolescents to movement dysfunction in military populations, this candid discussion explores the role of risk factors, behavioral health, and how cultural shifts must happen if we want to make a lasting impact.Why wellness must be functionalHow pain and movement drive deeper health issuesWhy measuring what's missing matters mostWhat 10,000+ wellness screens have revealedCurious what your wellness score is? Check it out for free!https://www.symmio.co/whats-your-wellness-scoreBecome an FMS Academy Member. Your all-access membership to FMS online educationhttps://www.functionalmovement.com/fmsacademyFunctional Movement Systems YouTube Facebook Instagram X (Twitter) Subscribe to the FMS Newsletter

Dr. Cortney Herndon, DPT, COMPT reunites with Lee and Gray to discuss the importance of her internship and early employment in the midst of the development of Functional Movement Systems and how that understanding of the movement screening process shaped her career. Dr. Herndon offers guidance on Women’s Health issues, from incontinence in runners and post-partum and peri/post-menopause training to breast cancer and osteoporosis considerations. A look at the pitfalls of GLP-1 meds lands them back at the importance for movement professionals to network and build their own healthcare team.Curious what your wellness score is? Check it out for free!https://www.symmio.co/whats-your-wellness-scoreBecome an FMS Academy Member. Your all-access membership to FMS online educationhttps://www.functionalmovement.com/fmsacademyMovement Masterclass: Mobilityhttps://www.functionalmovement.com/Store/246/movement_masterclass_mobilityMovement Masterclass: Stabilityhttps://www.functionalmovement.com/Store/247/movement_masterclass_stabilityFunctional Movement Systems YouTube Facebook Instagram X (Twitter) Subscribe to the FMS Newsletter

What’s behind all the Achilles tendon injuries in the NBA? Are they really tearing more often? Why? Lee and Gray delve into the numbers, the potential causes, and how the NBA’s not alone in increased injury stats. From training volume to low-top shoes, to supplements, they look at everything in what opens up into a broad conversation about risk and the compounding effect of movement and lifestyle risk factors. Go upstream (on the River Styx - bonus points if you get it) with Lee and Gray to see how we can solve what can often be a career-ending injury.Curious what your wellness score is? Check it out for free!https://www.symmio.co/whats-your-wellness-scoreMovement Masterclass: Mobilityhttps://www.functionalmovement.com/Store/246/movement_masterclass_mobilityMovement Masterclass: Stabilityhttps://www.functionalmovement.com/Store/247/movement_masterclass_stabilityPast Injury data: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11558755/Vaccine and tendonitis:https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.11.14.23298544v1.fullCorticosteroids and tissue weakening:https://www.theinjuryexpertz.com/the-rise-of-achilles-tears-in-the-nfl/Functional Movement Systems YouTube Facebook Instagram X (Twitter) Subscribe to the FMS Newsletter

--- Check out these offers from FMS! ---Gray Cook's Masterclass on Mobility and StabilityTake a deeper dive into Mobility and Stability!In the Mobility Course, Gray guides you with his insights into global movement patterns and screening to differentiate mobility limitations due to tissue quality from those caused by inappropriate tone.In the Stability Course, Gray explores stability problems and their solutions, while detailing the vital interplay between local tissue quality, muscle performance, and global movement patterns.Bundle and Save! https://www.functionalmovement.com/Store/248/movement_masterclass_bundle----------Symmio - Your Functional Health and Wellness PlatformExperience Symmio for yourself and get your FREE Wellness report today!https://www.symmio.com/free-wellness-assessment----------Episode Summary:In our Movement Podcast's Season 6 finale, we pulled highlights from our guests' real-world stories that showcase the uses of movement screening and wellness strategies to provide the best care for their clients and patients.Highlights:- 🎙️ Welcome to the Movement Podcast: Focus on optimizing human movement.- 📊 Movement Screening: Emphasizes minimal data collection for effective decision-making.- 🏋️‍♂️ Capacity Screens: Importance of assessing athletes' capacity alongside movement.- 🚶‍♂️ WWS Model: Walk, Water, Sleep—foundational elements for a healthy lifestyle.- 🔄 Regional Interdependence: Understanding joint function and its impact on movement.- 🛠️ Functional Wellness Screen: Addresses lifestyle factors affecting physical health.- 💡 Comprehensive Care: Integrates symptom management with addressing root causes.Key Insights:- 🤔 Efficient Data Collection: The podcast emphasizes the need for minimal yet effective data to tailor fitness and health solutions, allowing professionals to make quick, informed decisions without overwhelming clients. - 🌊 Importance of Basics: Walking, hydration, and sleep form the foundational aspects of wellness, highlighting that improving these basics can lead to better overall health outcomes.- 🔗 Joint Function Interdependence: Understanding that movement issues in one joint can affect others is crucial for effective rehabilitation and training strategies, leading to better performance and reduced injury risk.- 🚧 Lifestyle Factors Matter: The discussion stresses the importance of addressing lifestyle habits, such as diet and sleep, in conjunction with physical therapy to achieve more sustainable health improvements.- 📏 Movement Screening Relevance: Emphasizing a movement screening approach helps identify underlying issues while optimizing training and rehabilitation protocols.- 🔄 Adaptive Programming: The podcast advocates for adaptable and individualized programming to fit the unique needs of clients, ensuring that interventions are relevant and effective.- 🏃‍♀️ Self-Management Tools: Encouraging clients to use wearables and tracking tools promotes accountability and awareness of their health, leading to proactive management of their wellness journey.Functional Movement Systems YouTube Facebook Instagram X (Twitter) Subscribe to the FMS Newsletter

CBD Healthcare CompanyExplore a world of premium CBD solutions designed to elevate your wellness journey.CBD Products For Massage & Sportshttps://cbdhealthcarecompany.com/shop/Code for 10% off : FMSCBDHCC10-----Gray Cook's Masterclass on Mobility and StabilityTake a deeper dive into Mobility and Stability!In the Mobility Course, Gray guides you with his insights into global movement patterns and screening to differentiate mobility limitations due to tissue quality from those caused by inappropriate tone. In the Stability Course, Gray explores stability problems and their solutions, while detailing the vital interplay between local tissue quality, muscle performance, and global movement patterns. Bundle and Save! https://www.functionalmovement.com/Store/248/movement_masterclass_bundle-----Symmio - Your Functional Health and Wellness PlatformExperience Symmio for yourself and get your FREE Wellness report today!https://www.symmio.com/free-wellness-assessment-----Episode SummaryIn this Movement Podcast episode, we discuss CBD’s benefits, its stigma, and its applications for pain management and recovery, featuring insights from expert Matt Krause.Highlights🌱 CBD’s growing popularity is linked to pain management and recovery.🏃‍♂️ Expert Matt Krause shares his extensive experience in professional sports.⚖️ The podcast addresses the stigma surrounding CBD use.🔍 Emphasis on choosing NSF-certified products for safety.💪 CBD is a complementary treatment, not a standalone solution.🌟 Topical applications provide localized benefits without systemic effects.🤝 Collaboration between physical therapy and CBD for better outcomes.Key Insights🌿 CBD as an Alternative: CBD serves as a natural alternative to NSAIDs, offering pain relief without the side effects of long-term pill use. This positions it as a viable option for athletes and patients alike.🧪 Safety and Certification: The importance of using NSF-certified CBD products is emphasized to ensure safety and efficacy, particularly for athletes who undergo drug testing. This builds trust in CBD as a legitimate treatment option.🤕 Pain Management: CBD’s role in pain management is supported by its local application, which can help alleviate discomfort in specific areas without systemic absorption. This targeted approach is beneficial in rehabilitation.🔄 Holistic Approach: The integration of CBD into existing treatment protocols highlights a holistic approach to recovery, promoting overall wellness and movement optimization.🚀 Research and Development: Ongoing research into CBD’s benefits continues to shed light on its potential uses, encouraging practitioners to stay informed and adaptable.✔️ Collaboration in Treatment: The podcast promotes collaboration among different health disciplines, blending traditional therapies with innovative treatments like CBD for enhanced patient outcomes.🧘‍♀️ Long-term Health Focus: The discussion promotes a long-term view on health and wellness, encouraging individuals to seek alternatives to pharmaceuticals and prioritize natural, holistic methods for managing pain and recovery.Functional Movement Systems YouTube Facebook Instagram X (Twitter) Subscribe to the FMS Newsletter

Take a deeper dive into Mobility and Stability!In the Mobility Course, Gray guides you with his insights into global movement patterns and screening to differentiate mobility limitations due to tissue quality from those caused by inappropriate tone. In the Stability Course, Gray explores stability problems and their solutions, while detailing the vital interplay between local tissue quality, muscle performance, and global movement patterns. Bundle and Save! https://www.functionalmovement.com/Store/248/movement_masterclass_bundleExperience Symmio for yourself and get your FREE Wellness report today!https://www.symmio.com/free-wellness-assessment-----Episode SummaryWelcome to the Movement Podcast, where we explore optimizing the human body. Today's guest is Darcy Norman, a key figure in the FMS family. He shares his professional journey, starting from Athletes' Performance to his experiences in professional cycling, working with Bayern Munich, and the US Men's National Team, highlighting the importance of data and innovative training methods.Highlights -🏃‍♂️1. Guest Introduction: Darcy Norman, a long-time friend and FMS collaborator, joins the podcast. 2. Professional Journey: Darcy's career spans various high-performance environments. 3. Innovative Training: He emphasizes the importance of alternative training methods in sports. 4. Data Analytics: His work at Kitman Labs focuses on integrating performance data. 5. U.S. Men's National Team: Darcy is currently enhancing performance for the national soccer team. 6. Global Experience: His career includes stints in Germany and cycling, showcasing versatility. 7. Vision for Soccer: Darcy aims to transform soccer in America ahead of the 2026 World Cup.Key Insights -📈1. Networking and Collaboration: 🤝 Darcy's long-standing relationship with FMS exemplifies how collaboration can enhance professional growth and innovation in sports training.2. Diverse Skill Set: 🎓 His background as a physical therapist, athletic trainer, and strength coach highlights the need for multifaceted expertise in optimizing athletic performance.3. Changing Paradigms: ⚖️ Darcy’s experiences in cycling underscore the shift towards clean sports and the importance of integrity in training methodologies.4. Technology Integration: 📊 The rise of data analytics in sports, as seen with Kitman Labs, shows how technology can revolutionize performance tracking and decision-making.5. Adaptability in Career: 🔄 His journey through various sports and roles illustrates the importance of being adaptable and open to new opportunities for career advancement.6. Visionary Goals: 🌍 Darcy's ambition to change soccer in the U.S. reflects a forward-thinking approach and the potential for sports to evolve in new markets.7. Holistic Performance Approach: 🏆 His focus on both medical and performance data signifies a comprehensive approach to athlete development, which is crucial for long-term success.Functional Movement Systems YouTube Facebook Instagram X (Twitter) Subscribe to the FMS Newsletter

Take a deeper dive into Mobility and Stability!In the Mobility Course, Gray guides you with his insights into global movement patterns and screening to differentiate mobility limitations due to tissue quality from those caused by inappropriate tone.In the Stability Course, Gray explores stability problems and their solutions, while detailing the vital interplay between local tissue quality, muscle performance, and global movement patterns.Bundle and Save! https://www.functionalmovement.com/Store/248/movement_masterclass_bundleSymmioExperience Symmio for yourself and get your FREE Wellness report today!https://www.symmio.com/free-wellness-assessment-----------Episode SummaryGuest Introduction and Background: Lisa Chase, a physical therapist with over 20 years of experience, discusses her career trajectory from working with the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) to establishing her own cash-based practice in St. Petersburg, Florida.Transition to Private Practice: Lisa transitioned from professional sports to private practice to maintain the quality of care she provided to athletes, emphasizing a holistic approach that incorporates overall health, not just injury treatment.Importance of Cash-Based Practice: Lisa advocates for cash-based practices to avoid the limitations imposed by insurance companies, allowing therapists to provide comprehensive care without restrictions.Focus on Holistic Health: Her practice incorporates technologies like heart rate variability tests and body composition analysis to address patients' overall health, emphasizing the importance of sleep, stress management, and balanced lifestyles in achieving optimal health outcomes.Mentorship and Education: Lisa highlights the importance of continuous education and mentorship for therapists, using foundational tools and systems like the SFMA and FMS to provide efficient and effective patient care.-----------More about Back 2 Normal Physical Therapy and Lisa Chase Back 2 Normal Physical Therapy was founded by Lisa Chase in 1998. Lisa is an internationally recognized physical therapist, educator, lecturer, and published author, with a specialty in rehabilitation, performance, and wellness. She is a compassionate healer with a wealth of knowledge obtained through 30+ years of orthopedic manual physical therapy, sports injury management and total body wellness. She uses a holistic, whole-body approach by applying cutting edge technology, osteopathic manual therapy, and functional integration to restore joint biomechanics, soft tissue mobility and movement patterns to speed healing results.Lisa works with world-class athletes, professional sport teams, coaches, medical experts and fitness specialists around the world to help prevent injuries, decrease recovery time, optimize healing, and elevate performance. Lisa served as the Director of Sport Sciences & Medicine for the WTA Tour (professional women’s tennis tour), covering national and international tennis events, including the Australian Open, Wimbledon, French Open, and U.S. Open. During the 2004 Olympics in Athens Greece, Lisa served as the Primary Health Care Provider for the International Tennis Federation. Lisa continues to provide her unique standard of care to athletes aFunctional Movement Systems YouTube Facebook Instagram X (Twitter) Subscribe to the FMS Newsletter