Mark Snow, MA, ATC, RKC, FMS-C, NASM-PES

Certified Kettlebell Instructor by the Russian Kettlebell Challenge (RKC)
Certified Specialist in the Functional Movement Screen
Certified Athletic Trainer by the National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA) - Since 1996
Performance Enhancement Specialist by the National Academy of Sports Medicine
Masters of Arts in Kinesiology from San Jose State University in San Jose, CA
Bachelors of Arts in Physcial Education & Education, Minor in Athletic Training, Concentration in K-12 PE and Coaching (football, wrestling, & baseball) at Midland Lutheran College in Fremont, NE

I have loved sports for as long as I could remember.  In high school we did not have an athletic trainer to handle our injuries or a strength coach who could teach us about proper technique.  We just handled our strength programs and injuries on our own.  As I began to work with the athletic training staff in college I realized how important proper care of injuries could be to for me to stay on the field.

Nikki Gargano-Snow, RKC, ACE

Certified Kettlebell Instructor by the Russian Kettlebell Challenge (RKC)

Certified in Group Fitness through The American Council on Exercise (ACE)

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration for Accounting and Management

Growing up I always had a huge passion for sports and fitness by playing multiple sports in high school and playing basketball in college. I was named All-American my senior year of college and was also named Midland Lutheran College’s female athlete of the year in 2002. I graduated with degrees in Accounting and Management and went to work full time at a CPA firm.

FUNCTIONAL MOVEMENT SCREEN

The Functional Movement Screen (FMS) is the product of an exercise philosophy known as Functional Movement. This exercise philosophy and corresponding set of resources is based on sound science, years of innovation, and current research.How it Works - Simplifying Movement

• Put simply, the FMS is a ranking and grading system that documents movement patterns that are key to normal function. By screening these patterns, the FMS readily identifies functional limitations and asymmetries. These are issues that can reduce the effects of functional training and physical conditioning and distort body awareness.
• The FMS generates the Functional Movement Screen Score, which is used to target problems and track progress. This scoring system is directly linked to the most beneficial corrective exercises to restore mechanically sound movement patterns.
• Exercise professionals monitor the FMS score to track progress and to identify those exercises that will be most effective to restore proper movement and build strength in each individual.

What it Does - Widespread Benefits

• The FMS simplifies the concept of movement and its impact on the body. Its streamlined system has benefits for everyone involved - individuals, exercise professionals, and physicians.
• Communication - The FMS utilizes simple language, making it easy for individuals, exercise professionals, and physicians to communicate clearly about progress and treatment.
• Evaluation - The screen effortlessly identifies asymmetries and limitations, diminishing the need for extensive testing and analysis.
• Standardization - The FMS creates a functional baseline to mark progress and provides a means to measure performance.
• Safety - The FMS quickly identifies dangerous movement patterns so that they can be addressed. It also indicates an individual’s readiness to perform exercise so that realistic goals can be set and achieved.
• Corrective Strategies - The FMS can be applied at any fitness level, simplifying corrective strategies of a wide array of movement issues. It identifies specific exercises based on individual FMS scores to instantly create customized treatment plans.

FMS for Individuals

• “Consult your doctor before beginning any exercise plan.” It’s a common message, and one that often goes ignored. But physical preparedness is a vital part of training that many people fail to consider. It’s no wonder then that thousands of people are sidelined each year by stress fractures and other preventable injuries.
• Whether you’re training for a marathon or just getting in shape, taking on a physical challenge requires a great deal of commitment, research, and resilience. And there’s nothing like an injury to cause a setback and diminish morale. Even if you eat the perfect foods, use the most top-of-the-line equipment, and recite the most effective affirmations, failing to address your physical preparedness will leave you vulnerable to injuries that could stop you in your tracks.
• Conventional training can actually stack dysfunction on your fitness, cementing poor movement patterns and leaving you open to injury.
• Conventional training also tends to focus on temporary goals like losing a certain number of pounds or being able to participate in a specific event.
• With the FMS system, you can build total-body fitness and genuine endurance for the long term.

The FMS can help you get the most out of your fitness regimen and achieve your greatest potential. This system reduces the risk of injury and helps you establish a plan and timeline for success.

Benefits of the FMS

• Improve functional fitness & athletic performance
• Establish a starting point and realistic goals
• Create a completely personalized fitness plan
• Identify dangerous weaknesses BEFORE injury occurs
• Identify and resolve movement problems
• Build lasting fitness instead of temporary ability
• Measure and establish a record of progress

How the FMS Works

The FMS is a standardized system designed to balance and improve your physical ability.

Testing – You will perform a series of 7 motions.
Evaluation – You will be given a score for your performance of each motion.
Planning – A series of exercises will be recommended based on your scores. Your individualized plan will take into account your fitness goals.
Monitoring – Your progress and motion patterns will be monitored and recorded over time. If you develop an imbalance or injury, it will be identified early and targeted for quick resolution.

FMS CERTIFIED PROFESSIONALS

Only an FMS certified exercise professional can administer this system. These practitioners receive intensive training in the FMS system and have constant access to the latest fitness information. They also belong to a network of certified professionals who share insights and resources to help maximize the FMS experience.

KETTLEBELL ORIENTATION

Interested in kettlebells but not sure where to start? Come try out our beginner’s workshop that is required before participating in any of our bootcamps. This workshop gives you a small taste of what our classes will be like and help you determine if our classes are for you! During this orientation we will teach you the basic fundamental kettlebell exercises including the deadlift, swing and turkish getup. This is required so that you will be able to jump right into your first day of bootcamp without being lost or confused and to safely execute the exercises we are performing.

Also included in the kettlebell orientation is a functional movement screen.