What the FMS?!

The following description is directly from the FMS website:
“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.” (http://www.functionalmovement.com/fms)

The Functional Movement Screen, when translated, is solely a screen. Gray Cook, the founder and one of the main contributors to the FMS says so himself. The Functional Movement Systems website provides registration to a public weekend seminar to teach how to evaluate the general population in it's seven screen. This test breaks down and scores movements to identify limitations, pinpoint weak areas, and provides a database of general corrective exercises to help track progress. What you do with those scores is completely up to you and that can open up so much potential! This potential, is what makes the business of Health and Fitness, Sports Performance, Strength and Conditioning so much fun.  So, if someone tells you they have an FMS certification ask them what is their plan of approach to correct the identified dysfunctions. Every time I sit down at the dentist, doctor etc., I always look for their diploma or certifications on the wall behind their desk. If your dentist had a diploma with a degree in Marketing you might be a little nervous. Those nerves might turn to fear when he starts drilling and explains, “I stayed at a Holiday Inn Express last night, plus I get my teeth cleaned every six months for the past twenty years so don’t worry, I know what I am doing”. Would you let this “un-certified” man finish the job? The answer is NO!
When people give you bologna, expect bologna!

This was a biography I found online displaying their speed instructors qualifications. I want you to read it over and then ask yourself this, "Would I train here?"

"Coach A" is not only a certified personal trainer, is certified in kettle bells, cardio through through the NSCA, but his FMS certification is what sets him apart from the rest! This certification is very important to all athletes. FMS is the current workout of most professional teams. Some teams are even negotiating player's contracts based on their FMS screening!! You don't get more specific than that!!

The FMS Certification is a two-day course that an extremely high number of people pass who attend the course. I am not discrediting the test or this certification in the least, so do not take this the wrong way. I am saying that obtaining this certification does not make you qualified pr educated to do much with this certificate once obtained. I mean FMS gives you access to all their exercises which correct these dysfunctions and asymmetries, but that is not what some of the more success performance facilities around the world are doing. I am encouraging anyone in a position to prescribe sports performance that this certification is quick, easy, and valuable to obtain. If your body does not function properly it cannot achieve specific tasks based on limitations. If you have dysfunction or left to right asymmetries then you are increasing the likely hood of injury. If you don’t have corrective strategies to counteract dysfunctions then you will not improve. Every single person who trains should be cognizant that their program be designed around one primary goal: enhance body function and performance. With the Functional Movement Screen, your coach, trainer, etc has a place to start. Where they go from their, that is another post on another day. If you want to find out our approach go to velocitysp.com/mahwah or fill out the contact information tab to the left