Gray Cook on FMS, Movement Screening & What People Get Wrong

In this episode of the Movement Podcast, Gray Cook and Lee Burton answer some of the most common questions they have received about Functional Movement Systems, the Functional Movement Screen, movement assessment, research criticism, SFMA, corrective exercise, and where the future of movement screening is headed. The conversation starts with a simple question: What is the FMS? Gray and Lee explain that the FMS is more than a set of movements. It is part of a systematic way of looking at movement so professionals can make better decisions. Like an eye chart for movement, the screen helps determine what a person can do, what they cannot do, and whether movement creates pain. From there, they address some of the biggest misconceptions around the Functional Movement Screen, including the idea that it is only about finding problems, that it is too conservative, or that the research says it does not matter. They also discuss why screening is not the same as assessment, how the SFMA helps professionals go deeper when pain is present, and why the goal is not to explain every test on the front end, but to create awareness and communicate the findings in a way that is personal and actionable. This episode also looks ahead to the future of movement screening, including AI, computer vision, insurance reimbursement, wearable data, decision trees, and the need to avoid turning movement analysis into another generic exercise prescription. Topics include: What the FMS is and how to explain it The “eye chart for movement” analogy Screening, testing, and assessment What the FMS can and cannot tell you Common criticisms and misconceptions Why the FMS is not just about red flags How to communicate findings to clients and athletes Why pain changes the decision tree When to use the SFMA How breakouts help identify the root of the problem Why test/retest matters How to build confidence using the system The future of FMS, AI, computer vision, and decision support The key takeaway: movement screening is not about labeling someone as broken. It is about identifying the most important movement information so the next recommendation is safer, smarter, and more specific to the person in front of you. Learn more about Functional Movement Systems: https://www.functionalmovement.com/ Functional Movement Systems YouTube Facebook Instagram X (Twitter) Subscribe to the FMS Newsletter