Frequently Asked Questions

About New Daune Strength®

  • New Daune Strength® is a personal training and fitness coaching company specializing in evidence-based exercise for people living with Parkinson's disease. We also help adults improve strength, mobility, balance, body re-composition, metabolic health, and overall quality of life through individualized training programs.

    Our mission is to help people train with purpose, building physical and mental resilience, and live with greater confidence.

  • Unlike many personal trainers, our experience extends beyond general fitness. We have worked with:

    • People living with Parkinson's disease

    • Competitive powerlifters and other athletes

    • People who are new to the gym

    • Older adults wanting to maintain independence

    • Clients and athletes seeking diet coaching for fat loss and/or muscle gain

    • Adults wanting to improve cholesterol, blood sugar, and overall health markers

    Every program is individualized based on your goals, health history, and current abilities.

  • Whether your goal is living well with Parkinson's disease, improving metabolic health, preparing for surgery, losing body fat, building muscle, or becoming stronger than you've ever been, our coaching is built around one principle:

    Strength training is one of the most powerful ways to support independence and health for the future. 

    Every program is personalized, evidence-based, and designed to help you move better, feel stronger, and live with greater confidence.

  • No.

    Many people begin training after years of inactivity.

    Programs are designed around your current fitness level and progress at a pace appropriate for you.

  • New Daune Strength® is based in San Carlos, CA. and serves clients throughout San Mateo County and parts of Santa Clara County. In-home training is available depending on location.

  • Yes.

    A consultation is required to discuss goals, health history, and determine how we can best serve you.

Parkinson’s Disease

  • Yes.

    Research shows that forced exercise can improve many symptoms of Parkinson's disease, including:

    • Balance

    • Gait

    • Fall Prevention

    • Rigidity

    • Cognition

    • Mobility

    • Postural Instability

    • Sleep

    • Depression

    Exercise is the most important non-medication treatment available for people with Parkinson's.

  • The best exercise program usually combines:

    • High-Intensity Exercise

    • Strength training

    • Power training

    • Balance exercises

    • Walking and gait training

    • Large-amplitude movements

    • Mobility work

    • Dual-task cognitive exercises

    • Loud and Proud Vocal Exercises

    • Functional movement training

    • Practical tools for daily life 

    Programs are always customized for the needs of each individual Parkinson’s Athlete.

  • Current research suggests that 150 minutes a week of forced exercise has neuroprotective effects and may help slow functional decline.

    Although exercise is not a cure for Parkinson's disease, it is the most effective lifestyle interventions available to help maintain independence and quality of life.

  • Yes.

    We provide individualized training designed specifically for people living with Parkinson's disease. Programs are adjusted for each person's symptoms, mobility, and personal goals.

  • Yes.

    Depending on location, we offer in-home personal training and can also work with clients living in retirement communities and assisted living facilities.

Strength Training

  • Absolutely.

    Research shows strength training is one of the safest and most effective forms of exercise when properly supervised.

    Benefits include:

    • Increased muscle mass

    • Better balance

    • Stronger bones

    • Improved mobility

    • Reduced fall risk

    • Greater independence

    Programs are customized to each individual's abilities.

  • Heck No!!

    People can gain strength at any age. Even individuals in their 70s, 80s, and beyond can improve muscle strength, balance, mobility, and quality of life through properly designed resistance training.

  • Yes.

    Strength training improves:

    • Blood sugar control

    • Insulin sensitivity

    • Muscle mass

    • Functional strength

    • Overall health

    Exercise should always be coordinated with your healthcare provider, especially if medications affect blood glucose.

Weight Loss and
Body Composition

  • Yes.

    With a well-planned program of resistance training and macro-nutrient timing, you can reduce body fat while preserving muscle.

    We create plans that will help you develop sustainable habits to reach your goals. This is not a 12-week transformation program. We use evidence-based, sustainable methods that reinforce healthy, practical, and achievable change in body composition.

  • Yes.

    A properly designed program combines:

    • Progressive resistance training and cardio

    • A personalized macronutrient plan

    • Recovery

    This helps maximize fat loss while maintaining lean muscle.

  • Yes!!!

    Muscle growth remains possible well into older adulthood.

    With progressive resistance training and adequate nutrition, many adults over 50 significantly increase muscle mass and strength.

Diabetes and Prediabetes

  • Yes.

    Regular exercise improves insulin sensitivity and helps the body regulate blood sugar more effectively.

    Many people with prediabetes can significantly improve—or even return their blood sugar to a normal range—with consistent exercise, healthy nutrition, and guidance from their healthcare provider.

  • Yes.

    Strength training improves:

    • Blood sugar control

    • Insulin sensitivity

    • Muscle mass

    • Functional strength

    • Overall health

    Exercise should always be coordinated with your healthcare provider, especially if medications affect blood glucose.

  • Exercise often improves important health markers, including:

    • Hemoglobin A1C

    • Blood glucose

    • Cholesterol

    • Triglycerides

    • Blood pressure

    • Body composition

    Many clients also report increased energy and improved overall health.

Preparing for Surgery

  • In many cases, yes.

    Improving strength and cardiovascular fitness before surgery—sometimes called "prehabilitation"—may help improve recovery, preserve muscle mass, and support better surgical outcomes.

    Always follow your surgeon's recommendations.

  • Prehabilitation is a structured exercise program completed before surgery to improve physical fitness and prepare the body for recovery.

    Programs often focus on:

    • Strength

    • Mobility

    • Balance

    • Endurance

    • Functional movement

Athletic Performance

  • Yes.

    Our experience includes coaching competitive powerlifters seeking improvements in:



    • Technique

    • Strength development

    • Hypertrophy

    • Competition preparation and increasing your total

  • Absolutely.

    Many principles used in powerlifting—progressive overload, proper technique, and structured programming—can safely help everyday people become stronger.

    Programs are always adjusted to each person's experience level.