# Stop Chasing Protocols. Start Using THIS Instead | Doug Gray, Gray Institute

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Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/cheeky-mid-weeky-6384778/stop-chasing-protocols-start-using-this-instead-doug-gray-gray-institute.md
Podcast: [Cheeky Mid Weeky](https://stenobird.com/podcast/cheeky-mid-weeky-6384778)
Published: 2026-03-25T09:19:00+00:00
Episode link: https://rss.com/podcasts/cmw/2659410
Audio file: https://content.rss.com/episodes/210220/2659410/cmw/2026_03_24_22_14_32_f108469d-f8c6-40f8-964a-e71c67bf9df3.mp3
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Duration seconds: 3965

## Resource

Stop relying on rigid exercise protocols and start developing movement-based decision-making. Doug Gray explains how to supplement traditional strength training with functional matrices to better prepare athletes for real-world sport demands.

## Highlights
- Main idea: Shift from following a fixed menu of exercises to a decision-making process based on individual movement needs
- Practical takeaway: Supplement traditional lifts like the bench press or squat with variations that mimic sport-specific planes of motion
- Failure mode: Neglecting multi-planar stability can lead to injuries, such as labrum tears, when athletes encounter unexpected forces
- Practical takeaway: Use small, incremental changes in stance or position during warm-up sets to introduce functional complexity without overwhelming the athlete
- Main idea: Applied Functional Science is designed to enhance, not replace, existing strength and conditioning methodologies

## Topics

Applied Functional Science, Strength and Conditioning, Injury Prevention, Athletic Performance, Movement Assessment, Gray Institute, Functional Training, Sports Science

## Chapters
- 1:00 — The Evolution of Movement Science: A look at the history of the Gray Institute and the deep roots of Applied Functional Science in the industry.
- 6:00 — Beyond the Exercise Menu: Why coaches should focus on individual movement assessment rather than just following standardized protocols.
- 11:00 — The Legacy of Dr. Gary Gray: Reflecting on the revolution of functional movement and the impact of the Gray Institute's founding principles.
- 21:00 — Utilizing Movement Matrices: How reach and pivot matrices create greater freedom of movement and better athletic capacity.
- 26:00 — Supplementing Traditional Strength: How to integrate functional variations into heavy lifting sessions to prevent injury and improve carryover to the field.
- 51:00 — The Three Big Rocks of Dysfunction: Identifying the spine and key joint areas as the primary culprits in movement dysfunction and injury.
- 56:00 — The Mission of Gray Institute: A discussion on the importance of continuing education for movement professionals to provide better care.

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## Transcript

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