Functional Movement Courses

 Functional movement courses are designed to improve the way people move in their daily lives by emphasizing strength, mobility, and proper body mechanics. These courses often cover exercises that mimic natural body movements (like squatting, reaching, bending, twisting, and lifting), aiming to increase flexibility, coordination, and overall fitness.

Here are some popular functional movement courses and certifications you might want to check out:

1. Functional Movement Screen (FMS) Certification

• Offered By: Functional Movement Systems (FMS)

• Focus: The FMS certification helps trainers, therapists, and healthcare professionals assess movement patterns to identify dysfunctions or weaknesses that could lead to injury.

• Details: You’ll learn how to assess and score clients based on their movement patterns and how to correct any imbalances.

• Website: Functional Movement Systems

2. Kinstretch

• Offered By: Functional Anatomy Seminars

• Focus: Kinstretch is a movement system that improves mobility, flexibility, and strength through controlled articular rotations (CARs) and other functional movements.

• Details: It’s designed for anyone looking to improve joint health and prevent injuries.

• Website: Kinstretch

3. CrossFit Level 1 Certification

• Offered By: CrossFit

• Focus: CrossFit combines functional movements with high-intensity training. While it’s not purely focused on mobility, the movements (like squats, deadlifts, presses) are functional in nature.

• Details: You'll get hands-on experience with the functional movements that form the foundation of CrossFit and learn how to coach these movements.

• Website: CrossFit

4. MovNat

• Offered By: MovNat

• Focus: MovNat (short for "Natural Movement") focuses on teaching natural, primal movements like walking, running, jumping, crawling, lifting, and balancing.

• Details: The courses are ideal for improving functional fitness and are tailored for beginners to advanced athletes.

• Website: MovNat

5. NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)

• Offered By: National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA)

• Focus: Although not specifically for "functional movement," the CSCS certification teaches you how to design and implement strength and conditioning programs, many of which use functional movements.

• Details: It’s a great certification for trainers who want to work with athletes but also applies to general fitness clients.

• Website: NSCA

6. Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS)

• Offered By: Prague School of Rehabilitation

• Focus: DNS focuses on optimizing posture, breathing, and movement patterns using principles from developmental kinesiology.

• Details: The courses are suited for physical therapists, chiropractors, personal trainers, and anyone interested in improving overall movement patterns.

• Website: DNS

7. PRI (Postural Restoration Institute)

• Offered By: Postural Restoration Institute

• Focus: PRI offers courses to improve movement mechanics and muscle activation patterns, focusing on postural restoration and preventing injury.

• Details: Great for physical therapists, chiropractors, and coaches working with athletes or clients recovering from injury.

• Website: PRI

8. NASM Certified Performance Enhancement Specialist (PES)

• Offered By: National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)

• Focus: The PES certification is geared toward trainers who want to work with athletes to improve sports performance through functional movement.

• Details: It includes exercises that enhance agility, speed, power, and overall functional strength.

• Website: NASM

9. ACE Functional Training Specialist

• Offered By: American Council on Exercise (ACE)

• Focus: This course focuses on developing functional training skills to improve overall body mechanics, prevent injury, and enhance mobility.

• Details: It’s a great choice for personal trainers who want to specialize in functional training methods.

• Website: ACE Fitness

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Additional Options:

• Workshops and Local Programs: Many gyms and fitness studios offer local functional movement workshops, which can be useful for hands-on learning.

• Online Platforms: Sites like Udemy, Coursera, and Skillshare often have functional training courses that you can take at your own pace.

What to Consider When Choosing a Course:

• Your Goals: Are you training others or improving your own movement? Some courses focus on coaching, while others are for personal improvement.

• Your Experience Level: Some courses are more advanced, while others are perfect for beginners.

• Specialization: If you're working with specific populations (e.g., athletes, older adults, or people with injuries), look for certifications that cater to those needs.

Are you looking for a specific course or certification type? Or just exploring your options?