Dana Newell - Palo Alto Head Coach & Sunnyvale Assistant Coach
- 11 years experience in the fitness industry (group exercise, dance)
- Competitive dancer for 8 years
- ACE certification in progress
- CPR/AED Certified
- BA in Philosophy of Law & Society
When she's not studying law (she's a second year law student at the University of San Francisco) or coaching PowerVie Boot Camp, you'll find Palo Alto Head Coach Dana Clare mountain biking, backpacking, geocaching, or rock climbing.
"Throughout high school and college, I was a part of competitive dance teams. I loved the team mentality and the way dance made me smile. My love for the outdoors prompted me to take up mountain biking, hiking and pretty much anything outdoors. My husband always remarks at my unmistakable grin when I mountain bike. I'm also known for riding pretty hard, my many bruises and scars being proof that I 'ride with the boys.'"
Dana, an Idaho native, also spins, weight trains and kickboxes. Despite the fact that running and swimming don't come easily to her, she's currently training for a triathlon ("I enjoy the challenge and I will overcome.").
Dana emphasizes that begin fit isn't just about looking good - it's about creating a sense of balance.
"When I wasn't active, my entire outlook on life suffered. I started working out again and my sense of balance reemerged. This realization prompted me to act upon my passion and make fitness a part of my everyday life."
Eager to share this insight with others, Dana "wanted to reach out to others and demonstrate to them how fitness could make their work, home and personal lives remarkably better. Acting upon my passion for fitness has helped me to focus on what is important in my life. I hope to show others that same window and help them to work toward their best self."
As a coach, Dana really enjoys "the 'aha' moments," when someone crosses the line where they understand the impact fitness has on all areas of their life.
"That understanding changes not only the body composition of the individual, but their entire life and their outlook," Dana says.
"Working out and eating healthy are choices you make that impact how you feel and what you are able to take on," she adds, "Working out and eating clean are priorities that make everything else that much easier."
| Favorite exercise(s): |
My favorite muscles to work are legs and shoulders. My favorite exercises are squats and Arnold press. |
| Least favorite exercises: |
Chest is my least favorite muscle group, but it's a necessary evil |
| Favorite healthy food: |
Chicken breast is my all time favorite - so versatile and a great source of protein. |
| Favorite cheat food: |
True to my roots, I love any and all potatoes (I'm from Idaho). |
Greatest Fitness
Accomplishment: |
Understanding that my body is impacted by every choice I make. Deciding to make fitness a lifestyle helps me to reaffirm that decision every day. |
| Biggest fitness roadblocks: |
Time management is a challenge for me. Exercising has to be on the top of my list, or it doesn't get done |
| Current Fitness Goals: |
I want to complete a sprint distance triathlon within the year. |
| Words to live by: |
"The future depends on what we do in the present." - Mahatma Gandhi |
