From NYC to Beijing: Danyue Zhang on Building a Movement Culture in China Artwork

Movement Podcast

Human movement is complex, fascinating, and affects us all. Our hosts, Gray Cook and Dr. Lee Burton, have dedicated their lives to understanding movement and have trained thousands of fitness and healthcare professionals worldwide with their holistic philosophy and approach. Listen as they discuss topics, speak with other industry experts, answer questions & give practical advice on how you can optimize the human body to be the best it can be.

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Movement Podcast

From NYC to Beijing: Danyue Zhang on Building a Movement Culture in China

September 18, 2025 • Gray Cook and Dr. Lee Burton • Season 7 • Episode 83

In this episode of the Movement Podcast, Gray Cook and Lee Burton are joined by Danyue Zhang, FMS Director of Education in China and a key figure in expanding Functional Movement Systems globally. Danyue shares her unique journey—from personal trainer in New York to translating and teaching FMS courses across China.

They dive into:

• Cultural challenges of translating movement concepts
• The power of calibration over instruction
• How personal trainers in China are embracing corrective exercise
• Why movement screening works across language and borders
• Lessons from introducing FMS to sports institutes, universities, and rural communities

Danyue offers valuable insights into movement, communication, and building trust in a growing global movement health community.

Whether you're a coach, therapist, or educator, this episode will shift your thinking on how we teach and talk about human movement—no matter where you are in the world.

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