

Movement Podcast
Gray Cook and Dr. Lee Burton
Human movement is complex, fascinating, and affects us all. Our hosts, Gray Cook and Dr. Lee Burton, have dedicated their lives to understanding movement and have trained thousands of fitness and healthcare professionals worldwide with their holistic philosophy and approach. Listen as they discuss topics, speak with other industry experts, answer questions & give practical advice on how you can optimize the human body to be the best it can be.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 18, 2025 β’ 60min
From NYC to Beijing: Danyue Zhang on Building a Movement Culture in China
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 journeyβfrom personal trainer in New York to translating and teaching FMS courses across China.They dive into:β’ Cultural challenges of translating movement conceptsβ’ The power of calibration over instructionβ’ How personal trainers in China are embracing corrective exerciseβ’ Why movement screening works across language and bordersβ’ 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 movementβno 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

Sep 4, 2025 β’ 36min
What is βWellness,β Reallyβand How Do We Measure It? | S7 E82 Movement Podcast
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 functionβparticularly functional movementβneeds 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

Aug 21, 2025 β’ 58min
Dr. Cortney Herndon: Bridging the Gap Between Therapy & Training
Dr. Cortney Herndon, a Doctor of Physical Therapy, discusses her impactful journey through the realms of Functional Movement Systems and Womenβs Health. She delves into the significance of incontinence in female athletes and tailored training during pregnancy and menopause. Dr. Herndon emphasizes the need for better communication between healthcare and fitness professionals to optimize client care. She also highlights the importance of collaborative networks in supporting clients dealing with movement challenges, encouraging a more integrative approach to wellness.

Aug 7, 2025 β’ 42min
Why are More NBA Players tearing their Achilles Tendons? Itβs complicated.
Whatβs 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 NBAβs 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

Dec 26, 2024 β’ 56min
Let's Run it Back: Season 6 Finale
--- 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:- ποΈ Welcome to the Movement Podcast: Focus on optimizing human movement.- π Movement Screening: Emphasizes minimal data collection for effective decision-making.- ποΈββοΈ Capacity Screens: Importance of assessing athletes' capacity alongside movement.- πΆββοΈ WWS Model: Walk, Water, Sleepβfoundational elements for a healthy lifestyle.- π Regional Interdependence: Understanding joint function and its impact on movement.- π οΈ Functional Wellness Screen: Addresses lifestyle factors affecting physical health.- π‘ Comprehensive Care: Integrates symptom management with addressing root causes.Key Insights:- π€ 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. - π 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.- π 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.- π§ 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.- π Movement Screening Relevance: Emphasizing a movement screening approach helps identify underlying issues while optimizing training and rehabilitation protocols.- π Adaptive Programming: The podcast advocates for adaptable and individualized programming to fit the unique needs of clients, ensuring that interventions are relevant and effective.- πββοΈ 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

Nov 20, 2024 β’ 45min
CBD and Recovery: Breaking Stigmas with Expert Insights with Matt Krause
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 CBDβs benefits, its stigma, and its applications for pain management and recovery, featuring insights from expert Matt Krause.Highlightsπ± CBDβs growing popularity is linked to pain management and recovery.πββοΈ Expert Matt Krause shares his extensive experience in professional sports.βοΈ The podcast addresses the stigma surrounding CBD use.π Emphasis on choosing NSF-certified products for safety.πͺ CBD is a complementary treatment, not a standalone solution.π Topical applications provide localized benefits without systemic effects.π€ Collaboration between physical therapy and CBD for better outcomes.Key InsightsπΏ 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.π§ͺ 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.π€ Pain Management: CBDβs 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.π Holistic Approach: The integration of CBD into existing treatment protocols highlights a holistic approach to recovery, promoting overall wellness and movement optimization.π Research and Development: Ongoing research into CBDβs benefits continues to shed light on its potential uses, encouraging practitioners to stay informed and adaptable.βοΈ Collaboration in Treatment: The podcast promotes collaboration among different health disciplines, blending traditional therapies with innovative treatments like CBD for enhanced patient outcomes.π§ββοΈ 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

Nov 13, 2024 β’ 1h 15min
The Future of Sports Training: Data, Integrity, and Adaptability with Darcy Norman
Darcy Norman, a veteran in sports training and data analytics, has collaborated with top teams like Bayern Munich and the US Men's National Team. He discusses the fusion of technology and training, emphasizing innovative methods and data-driven approaches. Trust and culture in team environments are crucial for success, alongside aligning values in performance. Norman highlights the importance of thorough athlete screenings and wellness monitoring, while advocating for a holistic view of data to ensure injury prevention and enhanced performance.

Nov 6, 2024 β’ 1h 13min
Cash-Based PT: Comprehensive Care without Restrictions with Lisa Chase
Lisa Chase, a seasoned physical therapist with over 20 years of experience, dives into the world of cash-based practices. She discusses her transition from working with the Women's Tennis Association to founding her own practice, emphasizing the benefits of holistic care without insurance restrictions. Lisa highlights the integration of technology like heart rate variability tests and the importance of comprehensive patient evaluations. Her approach focuses on total health, urging practitioners to prioritize mobility and personalized interventions for optimal recovery.

Oct 30, 2024 β’ 29min
Is Wellness in the way of Fitness?
Dive into how quality movement influences weight management and wellness! Explore the essential links between diet, hydration, and physical health. Discover why many wellness programs miss the mark and the importance of baseline health assessments. Learn about the stark distinctions between health and fitness, along with proactive strategies for better outcomes. Emphasize monitoring sleep, stress, and nutrition to elevate movement quality and overall well-being through holistic approaches and practical insights.

Oct 23, 2024 β’ 1h 43min
Comfort, Scarcity, and Movement with Michael Easter
Michael Easter, author of 'The Comfort Crisis' and 'Scarcity Brain', emphasizes the power of discomfort in enhancing our physical and mental well-being. He highlights how rucking, or load carrying, improves fitness while critiquing sedentary habits in modern society. Discussing the psychological effects of hunger and abundance, he encourages embracing challenges for personal growth. Easter also explores the importance of mindful movement, self-awareness in fitness, and the need for gradual preparation to foster resilience and healthier lifestyles.