Movement Podcast

Beyond the Symptoms: What Wellness Data Really Tells Us

In this episode of the Movement Podcast, Gray Cook and Lee Burton dig into what the data really says about wellness. From widespread sleep issues and shoulder mobility limitations to the surprising role of stress, posture, and breathing, they explore how movement and lifestyle are deeply connected.Learn how Functional Movement Systems uses its Functional Wellness Screen to identify patterns—not just problems—and why tracking individual trends is more effective than chasing general advice.Topics include:Why population-level data can’t define your personal healthThe top 3 wellness issues FMS is seeing across the boardWhy pain is often the hidden culprit sabotaging sleepReal-world examples from athletes and first respondersThe critical need to “track it before you attack it”If you're a coach, clinician, or just trying to improve your own health, this episode will change how you think about lifestyle change, movement health, and the power of personalized screening.Get your free wellness assessment today!https://www.symmio.com/whats-your-wellness-scoreSubscribe for more episodes, and don’t forget: First Move Well, Then Move Often.Functional Movement Systems YouTube Facebook Instagram X (Twitter) Subscribe to the FMS Newsletter

How Physical Education Can Save the Next Generation | Rick Vittum

What happens when a seasoned physical educator brings 31 years of experience into a conversation about the future of fitness, wellness, and youth health? In this episode of the Movement Podcast, we sit down with Massachusetts Physical Education Teacher of the Year Rick Vittum to talk about the state of youth movement, what’s broken in the system, and how we can fix it.Rick shares real stories from the trenches of high school PE, how the Functional Movement Screen is changing the game, and why kids need more than just fitness—they need awareness, mentorship, and a physical problem-solving skillset that lasts a lifetime.Whether you're a teacher, coach, parent, or practitioner, this conversation is packed with insights on movement screening in schools, how technology and culture are reshaping physical health, and what the future of PE should look like.https://www.functionalmovement.comFunctional Movement Systems YouTube Facebook Instagram X (Twitter) Subscribe to the FMS Newsletter

Inside 20 Years in the NBA: Movement, Data & Athlete Development

Former Indiana Pacers strength coach Shawn Windle joins the Movement Podcast to unpack 20+ years in the NBA and his evolution from athletic trainer to performance director. This episode explores the integration of sports science, the dangers of over-coaching, individualized athlete care, and the realities of modern NBA player development.Topics include:Early career challenges in a siloed sports cultureWhy HRV isn’t practical in pro sportsReal-world vs. lab testingAchilles tendon injuries in the NBAYouth sports burnout and early specializationHow to earn trust and communicate across disciplinesUsing movement screening in daily performance strategyA must-listen for strength coaches, physical therapists, sports scientists, and anyone working in high performance environments.https://www.functionalmovement.comFunctional Movement Systems YouTube Facebook Instagram X (Twitter) Subscribe to the FMS Newsletter

Creating a Performance Culture with Bob Alejo

In this episode of the Movement Podcast, Gray Cook and Lee Burton sit down with Bob Alejo, a leader in the world of strength and conditioning with over 40 years of experience across professional sports, collegiate athletics, and Olympic training. This episode is a masterclass in leadership, collaboration, and the reality of applying science, data, and wisdom in high-performance settings.Whether you're a veteran coach, young professional, or healthcare provider, Bob’s perspective will challenge how you view risk, readiness, and results in sport and movement.👉 If you're a coach, clinician, or movement professional, this episode offers insights on:The power of collaboration in sportThe dangers of chasing data without contextHow to grow leadership skills in performance environmentsMentorship, ego, and humility in the strength and conditioning professionFunctional Movement Systems YouTube Facebook Instagram X (Twitter) Subscribe to the FMS Newsletter

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