Functional Movement Information
What is the FMS?
The Functional Movement Screen (FMS) is the product of an exercise philosophy known as Functional Movement. This exercise philosophy and corresponding set of resources is based on sound science, years of innovation, and current research.
How it Works – Simplifying Movement
Put simply, the FMS is a ranking and grading system that documents movement patterns that are key to normal function. By screening these patterns, the FMS readily identifies functional limitations and asymmetries. These are issues that can reduce the effects of functional training and physical conditioning and distort body awareness.
The FMS generates the Functional Movement Screen Score, which is used to target problems and track progress. This scoring system is directly linked to the most beneficial corrective exercises to restore mechanically sound movement patterns.
Exercise professionals monitor the FMS score to track progress and to identify those exercises that will be most effective to restore proper movement and build strength in each individual.
What it Does – Widespread Benefits
The FMS simplifies the concept of movement and its impact on the body. Its streamlined system has benefits for everyone involved – individuals, exercise professionals, and physicians.
Communication – The FMS utilizes simple language, making it easy for individuals, exercise professionals, and physicians to communicate clearly about progress and treatment.
Evaluation – The screen effortlessly identifies asymmetries and limitations, diminishing the need for extensive testing and analysis.
Standardization – The FMS creates a functional baseline to mark progress and provides a means to measure performance.
Safety – The FMS quickly identifies dangerous movement patterns so that they can be addressed. It also indicates an individual’s readiness to perform exercise so that realistic goals can be set and achieved.
Corrective Strategies – The FMS can be applied at any fitness level, simplifying corrective strategies of a wide array of movement issues. It identifies specific exercises based on individual FMS scores to instantly create customized treatment plans.
It’s the foundation of our program. Everything we do builds off of it. We wouldn’t think of not using this program.”
Jon Torine,
Head Strength Coach, Indianapolis Colts, Indianapolis, IN
“My job is exercise, injury prevention, and performance enhancement. I start with the TGU. I finish with the TGU. I check progress with the TGU …”
Jon Torine, head strength coach, Indianapolis Colts Football (NFL)
Organizations We Have Worked With FMS
Anaheim Mighty Ducks
Atlanta Falcons
Baltimore Ravens
Brigham Young University
Buffalo Bills
Carolina Hurricanes
Chicago Bears
Cincinnati Bangels
Cleveland Indians
Cooper Institute
Green Bay Packers
Indianapolis Colts Mayo Clinic
Montreal Canadians
New York Jets
Oakland Raiders
Orange County Fire Department
San Francisco 49ers
Secret Services
Stanford University
Texas A&M University Recreational Sports
Toronto Blue Jays
United States Government Organizations
University of Georgia
United States Military
University of Maryland
University of Texas
University of Wisconson
What is a kettlebell?
A kettlebell is like a bowling ball with a thick, kielbasa shaped handle coming out of it. The off-centered nature of the weight makes training with it singularly difficult if you lack the proper form. Unlike bodybuilding style workouts which focus all the stress on a single muscle group through isolation, kettlebell style training recruits as many different muscle groups as possible at the same time. This trains the user to use his or her body synergistically, moving as a coordinated whole. Thus, a kettlebell, when used properly, develops strength, flexibility, AND cardio all at the same time! Wouldn’t you rather be able to enjoy the benefits of strength training, stretching, and cardio training, along with hardcore mental training all at the same time???
What are some of the benefits of kettlebell training?
Improved physique in 2 ways:
- Noticeable weight loss
- Lean, long body
Improved quality of life in other ways aside from the purely cosmetic:
- Increased energy & vigor, less fatigue
- Rapidly improved strength
- Less pain & discomfort
- Improved concentration through Iron Darwinism
Injury rehabilitation:
Old-school kettlebells are the new rage with the physical therapy and rehabilitation crowd. Who is training with kettlebells?
Celebrities such as Claire Danes, Penelope Cruz, Sylvester Stallone, Jennifer Lopez, and Matthew McConaughey have all added kettlebell training to their body sculpting workouts. Look at their hot bodies and the results are undeniable! Wanna see who else is all over kettlebell training?
Cast and crew of the film “300″ trained with Mark Twight of Gym Jones in Utah to get in shape. To get the bodies of ancient Spartan warriors and support fight training, the Warner Bros press kit explains, “the training emphasized athleticism by combining compound movements, lifting, and throwing. Primitive tools – medicine balls, Kettlebells, rings – were used instead of machines.”
Athletes of all different shapes, sizes, and sports have certainly jumped into kettlebell training also. Everyone from professional football strength coaches to UFC fighters is discovering, studying, and implementing kettlebell training in their strength and conditioning regimens. Even Bruce Lee trained with kettlebells!
Injury Rehabilitation
old-school kettlebells are the new rage with the physical therapy and rehabilitation crowd. If you’d like to find out more about this precious application of kettlebell science, have a look at
Police, firefighters, and armed forces are all doing kettlebells too! The Spec-Ops teams are using them, the US Secret Service has its own kettlebell snatch test, plenty of SWAT teams are training with them, and more and more fire companies are realizing that kettlebell training is perfect for developing tactical strength without bulking you up. If you want to get an idea of what sort of body kettlebell training develops, think less about Arnold Schwarzenegger and more towards Bruce Lee.
Not an athlete, a Navy Seal, or a celeb? We don’t care! Kettlebell training is still for you!
