Most people focus on traditional exercise routines for improving mobility, strength, and overall physical health. However, you may reinforce poor movement patterns that lead to pain, stiffness, or even injury without understanding how your body moves. That’s where the Functional Movement Screen (FMS) comes in—a scientific tool designed to identify movement inefficiencies before they become problems.
At Move As A Human, we use the Functional Movement Screen to help individuals from Birmingham and surrounding areas move smarter, feel better, and perform at their best. Whether you’re an athlete, a fitness enthusiast, or simply looking to stay active without pain, FMS can provide the insights needed to optimize your movement patterns and unlock your body’s true potential.
What Is the Functional Movement Screen (FMS)?
The Functional Movement Screen (FMS) is a movement assessment system that evaluates how well your body performs basic movement patterns. Developed by leading experts in physical therapy and sports performance, FMS helps identify asymmetries, weaknesses, and movement restrictions that could contribute to pain or injury over time.
By analyzing seven fundamental movement patterns, FMS provides a scientific basis for understanding your body’s functional limitations. It’s not just for athletes. Anyone looking to improve mobility, strength, and overall movement health can benefit from this assessment.
FMS has gained widespread adoption among:
- Professional athletes aiming to prevent injuries and enhance performance.
- Physical therapists seeking to identify movement dysfunctions.
- Everyday individuals looking to move more efficiently and stay injury-free.
What to Expect During an FMS Screening
A Functional Movement Screen is not your typical fitness test. Instead of measuring how much weight you can lift or how fast you can run, FMS evaluates the quality of your movement patterns.
The FMS Process Includes:
- Seven Key Movement Tests: These include squats, lunges, and other functional movements that assess mobility, stability, and coordination.
- Scoring System: Each movement is graded on a scale from 0 to 3, with lower scores indicating dysfunction or pain in certain areas.
- Detailed Analysis: After screening, we analyze your results to identify movement imbalances, weaknesses, and potential injury risks.
- Personalized Plan: Based on your FMS score, we create a targeted program to correct imbalances, improve mobility, and build strength.
Unlike traditional fitness assessments focusing on strength or endurance, FMS pinpoints the underlying movement issues that could hold you back – whether it’s tight hips, a weak core, or poor postural alignment.
How FMS Improves Mobility and Strength
An FMS-based training plan can be the missing link in your fitness routine if you struggle with stiffness, poor flexibility, or recurring aches and pains. By identifying and addressing functional limitations, FMS helps improve:
- Mobility: Restores full range of motion in joints and muscles.
- Stability: Strengthens weak areas to support better movement control.
- Coordination: Enhances neuromuscular efficiency for smoother, more effective movement.
Strength training is only effective when built on a solid movement foundation. By fixing movement dysfunctions first, you ensure that strength gains are functional, safe, and long-lasting.
Long-Term Health Benefits of FMS
A Functional Movement Screen isn’t just about short-term improvements—it’s a long-term investment in your health. Some of the lasting benefits include:
- Injury Prevention: Correcting movement dysfunctions before they cause chronic pain or injury.
- Enhanced Athletic Performance: Whether you play golf, run marathons, or lift weights, better movement equals better performance.
- Improved Posture and Alignment: Reducing strain on joints, muscles, and connective tissues.
- Sustained Mobility: Keeping your body flexible, strong, and capable as you age.
At Move As A Human, we’ve helped countless individuals in Birmingham, Michigan, and nearby areas regain their movement confidence and take control of their physical health through FMS-based training.
How FMS Differs from Traditional Fitness Assessments
Many traditional fitness tests focus on raw performance metrics—like how fast you can sprint or how many reps you can do. However, these assessments often overlook movement quality, the foundation of all physical activity.
| Traditional Fitness Assessments | Functional Movement Screen (FMS) |
| Measures strength, endurance, and flexibility | Assesses movement quality and efficiency |
| Focuses on individual muscle groups | Evaluate full-body movement patterns |
| Does not identify biomechanical imbalances | Detects asymmetries and dysfunctions early |
| Can reinforce poor movement habits | Creates a targeted approach to fixing movement issues |
By integrating Functional Movement Screening, we ensure that your training program is safe, effective, and personalized—helping you move better and feel stronger for years to come.
Start Moving Better with a Functional Movement Screen in Michigan
If you want to enhance your mobility, build strength, and prevent injuries, the Functional Movement Screen is your first step.
At Move As A Human, we specialize in movement-based training that helps you correct imbalances, move pain-free, and build lasting strength. Whether you’re an athlete, a fitness enthusiast, or just looking to stay active without discomfort, FMS can provide the insights you need to optimize your movement and performance.
Schedule Your New Client Free First Session Now!
Discover the power of Functional Movement Screening in Michigan and take the first step toward a healthier, more efficient body. Your movement matters—let’s make it work for you. Schedule Today!