TOP 100 MAGAZINE

Lee Burton and Functional Movement Systems:
Moving the World the Right Way

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A Pioneer in Movement
 

When Lee Burton co-founded Functional Movement Systems (FMS) in 2001, he wasn’t just launching a company—he was sparking a movement. With a Ph.D. and certifications as an athletic trainer (ATC) and strength and conditioning specialist (CSCS), Lee brought an extensive background in sports medicine and strength training to the table. During the establishment of FMS, he served as director of athletic training at Averett University, where he established himself as a forward-thinking leader and innovator in the science of movement.

 

Over the years, Lee has trained thousands of healthcare and fitness professionals worldwide and consulted for professional sports organizations, first responders, and military personnel. His work has been recognized with accolades such as Can-Fit Pro International Speaker of the Year, Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers, and the Virginia High School League Award of Merit. But his proudest accomplishment remains reshaping the way people everywhere think about movement and health.

 

From Athletes to Everyone
 

FMS started out as a tool for local high school and college athletes, helping them move better, prevent injuries, and boost performance. But the concept quickly caught fire, attracting the attention of the U.S. military, the NFL, Major League Baseball, and professional sports teams around the globe.

 

Today, FMS is headquartered in Chatham, Virginia, but its reach spans more than 25 countries and 25 languages. What began as a niche idea in sports training has become a worldwide philosophy: that better movement is the key to better living.

 

“Our motto is simple: Move well. Move often,” says Lee. “It’s not about doing more. It’s about doing it right. Quality over quantity.”

 

Why Movement Matters
 

We use fundamental movement every day of our lives—balancing on the stairs, reaching for groceries, bending to pick up keys, or twisting to chat with a coworker. It sounds simple, but most people are moving wrong without realizing it. Over time, poor movement patterns lead to stiff shoulders, aching backs, wobbly balance, and nagging injuries.

 

FMS brings this reality to light through a unique system of testing and assessing. These tools, designed for fitness, performance, and healthcare professionals, measure how people move and pinpoint areas of weakness. The goal isn’t just to get people exercising—it’s to get them moving the right way, preventing pain before it starts and creating lifelong durability.

 

“Everybody wants to feel better, but nobody knows where to start,” Lee explains. “That’s what FMS does. It’s like GPS. Before you can get to where you want to go, you need to know where you are.”

 

The Self-Assessment: A Starting Point for All
 

The entry point for most consumers is the free FMS Self-Assessment. It’s quick, fun, and can be done anywhere—your living room, your office, even at the park. Participants run through basic movements, answer a few lifestyle questions, and receive a score that reveals how well they’re really moving.

 

“People are often surprised by their results,” Lee notes. “They’re not as flexible or balanced as they thought.” But the fun really starts when friends compare scores, sparking playful challenges: a “Reach for the Post-Its” showdown at work, or a “Walking the Tape” contest in the living room. The kicker? To win, you have to move the right way.

 

Each assessment generates a personalized 30-day movement plan that targets individual needs—whether it’s improving flexibility, fixing posture, or reducing pain. As users progress, the program adapts, encouraging retesting and continued improvement. For those who need extra help, the system connects them directly with a certified FMS professional.

 

Training the Trainers
 

While consumers benefit from the FMS Self-Assessment, the heart of the business is its network of fitness professionals. Trainers, coaches, physical therapists, and healthcare providers are taught to use FMS tools and philosophy in their practices, giving them a competitive edge and helping their clients achieve better results. To make this easier, Lee and his team recently launched a membership program exclusively for FMS instructors. “We’re always looking for ways to help our community stand out and grow,” Lee says. “Now, our fitness professionals can connect with clients through customized self-assessment links that direct consumers straight to them. It’s immediate engagement and an exciting way to market their services.” This program empowers trainers to capture leads, build loyalty, and create interactive experiences with clients from day one. It’s a win-win: trainers expand their reach, and consumers get expert guidance tailored to their needs.

 

Movement for All Generations
 

FMS isn’t just for athletes or fitness enthusiasts—it’s for everyone, from teenagers to grandparents. For older adults, the biggest risks are falls and loss of independence. FMS addresses these issues with simple, practical techniques: walking on a strip of tape to improve balance, practicing rolling motions to regain confidence on the floor, or learning to rise safely using nearby furniture. “These small things can be life-changing,” says Lee. “If you can balance, roll, and squat, you can keep living independently and vibrantly.”

 

At the same time, professional athletes at the NFL Combine and MLB tryouts also use FMS to test and refine their movement. The same philosophy applies: before adding intensity, check the basics. Movement is a continuum that supports everyone—from first responders protecting communities to grandparents playing with grandchildren.
 

A Global Movement
 

Since its founding, FMS has grown into one of the largest and most respected movement assessment systems in the world. With a presence across continents and translation into dozens of languages, the company has created a global community of professionals united by a common mission: helping people move well and move often.

 

This sense of community and excitement is what Lee calls the “FMS Movement.” It’s not just about assessments or exercises—it’s about creating energy, momentum, and a shared belief that better movement equals better living. Whether you’re a trainer looking to elevate your career or an individual who wants to feel and perform better, FMS offers a proven, fun, and accessible path forward.

 

Looking Ahead
 

Lee’s passion for movement continues to fuel FMS’s expansion. With new technology, assessments, and training programs on the horizon, the company is set to impact millions more lives. And for Lee, the mission remains clear: to spread the philosophy of quality movement across generations, professions, and cultures.

 

“Move well. Move often. That’s the heart of it,” he says. “Because when you move better, you live better. And everyone deserves that.”

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Lee Burton
President, CEO, and Co-Founder
Functional Movement Systems
Website: www.functionalmovement.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lee-burton-91956a120

Facebook: www.facebook.com/functionalmovement

Instagram: https://instagram.com/functionalmvmt