Could FMS Be the Game Changer in Your Athletic Life?

Imagine you are starting your journey as a road runner or even trying to improve your performance. Have you ever heard of FMS?

It is the Functional Movement System, and it can truly make a difference in your running. I am going to explain a little about it and how it can be useful, regardless of your level of experience.

What is FMS?

FMS (Functional Movement Screen) is an assessment based on seven fundamental movements, such as squats and lunges, to identify any imbalance or limitation in your body. Essentially, FMS is like a movement “check-up.” Through this screening, you can discover where your body may be weaker or stiffer and, in turn, avoid potential injuries. After the assessment, you can plan specific exercises to correct those weaknesses or improve your mobility.

Why is it important for runners?

For beginners:
If you are taking your first steps in running, FMS can help you start on the right foot. Very often, people who begin running get excited and, without proper preparation, can get injured easily. FMS allows you to identify and correct issues before they become a bigger problem.

For intermediate runners:
Have you been running for some time and want to improve your pace or increase your distance? FMS is great for you. It can show you where you may be wasting energy due to inefficient movement patterns or imbalances. By working on those specific areas, you can run more efficiently, which means using less energy and building more endurance.

For advanced runners:
If you already have a lot of experience in running and want to stay consistent and reach new goals, FMS remains a valuable tool. Even the most experienced runners can have small imbalances that may lead to injury. FMS helps you maintain proper technique and prevent injuries, allowing you to keep training at your best.

Benefits of FMS in race preparation and when to do it

Injury prevention:
The greatest benefit of FMS is injury prevention. By identifying and correcting imbalances and weaknesses, you can avoid injuries that could interrupt your progress. This is crucial for maintaining a consistent training routine.

Improved performance:
By correcting poor movement patterns, FMS helps make your body more efficient. This means you can run faster and for longer while using less energy. Better mobility and stability also contribute to more effective running technique.

Personalized training plan:
FMS results allow you to create a training plan tailored to your needs. This includes mobility, stability, and strengthening exercises that directly address the areas requiring attention.

When to do FMS:
Ideally, you should do an FMS assessment before starting a new training cycle or as soon as you begin running. However, it is also useful to do it periodically, especially after a race season or before intensive race preparation. This ensures that you are always training from the best possible foundation.

Conclusion
FMS is a powerful tool for all runners. It helps you better understand how your body moves and where you can improve. Incorporating FMS into your training not only improves performance, but also protects you from injury, allowing you to pursue your running goals safely and efficiently.

The next time you think about improving your running, consider starting with FMS.

A hug from Coach!