About

A woman holding two green kettlebells in an indoor gym.

Caroline Duncan

With years of experience coaching at the Spears and Bryan YMCAs, Caroline developed a passion for helping people move well and live confidently through sustainable, functional training.

Her philosophy is simple: fitness should meet you where you are. Caroline creates a positive, judgment-free environment where clients of all fitness levels can build strength, balance, and confidence — one session at a time.

When she’s not training clients, you’ll find her drinking hot tea, shopping at the Greensboro Farmers Curb Market, exploring Greensboro’s trails with her dogs, attending sporting events with her family, and finding joy in everyday movement. She believes fitness should support and sustain your life, not control it, and that every person deserves to feel strong and capable in their own body. And she knows they’re more likely to do that when they’re having fun.

A woman standing at the entrance of the North Carolina Rowing Center, smiling, with a mural of a boat paddle and the words "North Carolina Rowing Center" on the brick wall behind her.
  • ACE Certified Personal Trainer since 2020

  • ACE Sports Nutrition Specialist

  • ACE Behavior Change Specialist

  • ACE Youth Fitness Specialist

  • Trauma Informed Weightlifting training, Trauma Informed Yoga training

  • CPR/AED/first aid certification

All certifications are active and up-to-date. Additionally, Caroline has experience working with people who are on the hypermobility spectrum, including Ehler’s-Danlos Syndrome, as well as people with anxiety and ADHD diagnoses. She is comfortable with and capable of offering additional proprioceptive cues, mind/body connection training, and breath work to help build lasting efficacy and confidence in exercise, particularly for people who have struggled to develop them in the past.

Credentials

Philosophy

Fitness should meet you where you are.

Caroline Duncan, the founder and lead trainer of FUNctional Fitness in Greensboro, NC, Creates a positive, judgment-free environment where clients of all fitness levels can build strength, balance, and confidence — one session at a time.

  • Training with Caroline has been such a gift. She is an exceptional trainer and an extraordinary human being, and I’m deeply grateful for the impact she has had on my health, confidence, and well-being.

    Martha H.

  • Caroline is so positive and always motivates me to stay on my fitness journey. Over the years I’ve been able to depend on her to help keep me strong and healthy. Specifically, she always helps me adjust my workouts to accommodate for areas of weakness or injury, giving alternative options to better suit my individual needs. Her energy, attention to detail and knowledge of nutrition are unparalleled. I highly recommend her instruction for anyone looking to improve their overall health and well being. Caroline genuinely cares about people, their health and their longevity.

    Lacey B.

  • Caroline is an incredible trainer who truly takes your goals seriously. She creates a completely customized program based on your specific needs, not a one-size-fits-all plan. From the start, she focuses on how your body moves — helping you understand your strengths, any imbalances, and how to correct your form. She’s very observant and constantly makes small adjustments that keep you improving and getting stronger. Caroline’s approach is thoughtful, personal, and effective — she’s truly one of a kind.

    Martha P.

  • Caroline can laugh at herself and in response, she has helped me laugh at myself and take things less seriously. She has helped me connect exercise to being a form of play. I haven’t “played” in years but I do with Caroline.

    Nancy D.

  • In Fall 2021 I needed to tune-up my nutritional and fitness routines. In a few personalized sessions, Caroline taught me ALL about nutrition and since has focused on strength and fitness. Today, I am equipped to make informed nutritional choices that fuel rigorous strength training circuits and demanding aerobic activities and, I’m still growing!

    Lisa L.

  • Caroline is a magic maker. She is motivating, encouraging and gets me moving. I can see the difference she makes in my fitness and attitude for the week. Item

    Lauren G.

  • Caroline’s patience and knowledge, along with her vast experience, provide her clients with excellent care. You can expect clear instructions, explanations, and guidance of proper form. You will leave feeling energized and empowered from her approach. Whether you are new to exercise or a veteran like myself, Caroline teaches you something new to help you move through your best life.

    Amanda H.

  • It’s not everyday one can say that a certain person has changed your life for the better. Caroline has been such a person for me. Her knowledge and ability to communicate that knowledge is superior. Her observations are remarkable. Her commitment to assisting me achieve my goals is unwavering. My training sessions are well designed and prepped. The sessions are more varied than that coveted box of 64 crayons (you know, the one with the built in sharpener). Most importantly, she is genuine and authentic. Caroline is the consummate professional trainer, and I cannot recommend her services enough.

    Leah H.

  • Caroline has accomplished what no other trainer has been able to with me. She truly understands the unique challenges of my body and has come up with so many effective ways to strengthen me, both physically and mentally. I can’t say enough good things about her!

    Amy C.