Is it 'PDA' Paul Dziduch Approved? Fitness way of life for local gym owner
MT. JULIET - He seems like a regular guy. In t-shirt and cargo shorts, Paul Dziduch is about 6 feet tall, and looks like a typical, in-shape man. He doesn't go around flexing his muscles and making other people feel intimidated. He's gentle voiced, full of humor, humble and genuine.
However, a couple weeks ago he snagged "Overall Men Master's Champion" in one of the the world's most respected bodybuilding competitions, the Mr. and Mrs. Tennessee Bodybuilding/Figure/Bikini Championship. In other words, he's the nation's top bodybuilder in his age class of 35-39 years.
But it's only when he is on stage competing in a sport that is way more complicated than most people realize, that it's obvious Paul has dedicated many years perfecting his body to the point that he's probably one of the world's fittest people. He feels very uncomfortable talking about this accomplishment and is more at ease talking about using all of his experience in the world of nutrition and fitness to help others. In fact, he took 2011 off as far as competing to do something that has been a dream of his for years.
"My sole focus has been opening a gym in Mt. Juliet," he said. "My discipline and focus has been on building my business."
Fit Physiques Fitness Center is in the heart of Mt. Juliet at the relatively new Faulkner Landing development. He opened the gym last November and his membership is growing at a steady rate.
People gravitate toward Paul because he is so eager to help literally transform not only their bodies, but at times their minds, spirits and lives.
"I consider myself a pretty simple guy," he said. "I don't want to intimidate anyone and I just enjoy spreading knowledge and building relationships and seeing how happy people are with their progress."
He spent about a year making a business plan and finding the perfect location. While he was an athlete in high school, the first time he went to the gym was in the late 1980s. He's always been fit and taking care of his body was more of a way of life. He made his money as a mechanic, but he had always had a passion for exercise.
He said that if you are training to bodybuild, or just working out to stay healthy the brain is an important aspect.
"The body won't go where the mind hasn't already taken it," he noted.
He also said that eating right and training go hand-in-hand, that there should be an equal combination of both. Always disciplined, Paul said that his love of training and working out has turned into his career.
"Because I've competed and work out a lot people were always coming to me for advice," he said while smiling. "I thought why not make a living doing this since I do it everyday anyway."
The most enjoyment Paul gets is "seeing people get the benefit out of working out, losing weight and seeing how their clothes feel or look different on them."
He said everyone can get into shape and some of his clients are even in their 80s.
"I don't see why not," he said. "Age is only a number, it's how you feel and act."
His first bodybuilding competition was in 2007 when he was 33-years-old. He said that's not young.
"But, I've always wanted to participate," he said.
He came in second in the novice class. He said he's totally against steroids and does not use them, but some famous competitions do allow them.
"I don't agree with them at all," he said.
But he has competed against men who take them and still won. After 2007 Paul started competing regularly and won, over and over again. In 2009 he captured first place in the World Amateur Bodybuilding and Figure competition. And a couple weeks ago the national title was "great," he said.
Paul has some great success stories as a trainer. He's especially proud of local wife and mother Paige Hagar.
"I've really enjoyed working with her," he said. "She was with me at the last competition and she swept it in the woman's division."
Paige said that Paul has helped transform her life.
"A few months after I turned 40, my three kids began to joke about my flabby arms when I drove," she said. "It was then, I decided a change was needed. I noticed a sign in the plaza across from MJMS, which was under construction at the time, that read Fit Physiques. I made a firm, verbal commitment to them and myself, that if the new business were to be a gym, I was in!"
She said the first day Fit Physiques opened was also the first day of her new initiative.
"My goal at that time was to get in shape, lose a few pounds, and have more energy to devote to my busy life as a wife and working mother of three children," said Paige. " I met Paul and joined that day. He was happy to show me around the gym and design an exercise regimen for me. It was a good thing, because I had very little prior gym experience!"
After a few months Paige decided to compete in the 2012 Mr. and Ms. Tennessee Bodybuilding/Figure Competition with Paul. He designed a detailed and comprehensive personal daily exercise regimen and eating plan for her and frequently made modifications to both, based on her progress and the areas that needed improvement.
"He fully prepared me for every aspect of the competition, from posing to tanning products to helping me select my music," she noted. "Most importantly, he encouraged me daily and never wavered in his promise and commitment to get me stage-ready. I carefully followed his plan for me and the results of his efforts were solid. I ended up winning. I give credit for that to Paul's training and the patience and support of my husband and children."
Paige said that Fit Physiques has become an important part of her life.
"It's been the ideal place to unwind from the daily stresses of life, while giving me the opportunity to focus on my own personal goals," she said. "Paul is so helpful and knowledgeable. He values each member and really enjoys helping people make changes and see the results. His approach to a healthy lifestyle has inspired me. Since putting in the time and work to get in shape, I feel healthier and happier at 41 than ever before. It's a bonus that the members there are friendly and down-to-earth, real people. I feel at home there, and that's priceless to me."
Michelle Unger joined Fit Physiques on Jan. 9.
"I had decided to make life resolutions not just new year resolutions," she said. "I have trained three days a week with Paul ever since and go in three or four more days for cardio and/or weights on my own. On the days I am on my own, Paul is always there to answer any questions I have about machines, what weight to use, reps or just to make sure I'm doing correct form. Fit Physiques is a great gym. Each member is not just a number and we are greeted with a smile and hello from Paul each time we walk in, and Paul will answer any and all questions you have pertaining to nutrition and what exercises will help with whatever problem areas you are focusing on, whether its the whole body, mid-section, arms or legs."
Michellee Unger is on her way to being a total success story. In just six months, she has lost 40 pounds.
Paul gave her a healthy food list, and it gives people the basics they need to intake per day. Its not counting calories, carbs or fat.
"You actually get to eat six to seven meals per day," said Michelle. "A few of us exchange emails or text on new recipes we found that are healthy and can easily be made for the entire family. We joke and say is it "PDA"?, Paul Dziduch Approved!"
Paul's gym is reasonably priced on memberships and personal training. You can go month to month memberships or three, six or 12 month memberships.
Paul said being at the gym is "your time."
"You can walk on the treadmill and watch television," he said. "Or work on the equipment. It's a way to incorporate exercise into your lifestyle. It's not about counting calories. You can't live life like that and enjoy life.
One day last week Paul said his breakfast was broiled chicken and beans out of the can (no salt). He's totally against microwaves and thinks people need to drink a bottle of water every time they eat. As far as hobbies, "this is my fun," he said. He enjoys working out in the yard and he enjoys cooking.
"Not in your traditional way," he said. "I like trying to take different recipes and then turning them into healthy, but good food."
He lives in Mt. Juliet and his mom and dad are members of the gym. His brother, Craig, was a power lifter at one time, getting his inspiration from Paul. But now Craig is married and has a family and no longer lifts.
As far as the future, Paul hopes to build his gym and perhaps later think about writing a cook book with his good recipes and nutrition advice.
"I'm having a lot of fun and it's great watching people change and feel good about themselves," he said.
Fit Physiques is located at 3384 North Mt. Juliet Road. Paul's business number is 758-8656.
Photo: LAURIE EVERETT • MT. JULIET NEWSPaul Dziduch opened his gym Fit Physiques last November. His membership is growing because people like his one-on-one attention and knowledge. He also is a bodybuilder with many trophies.
Photo: LAURIE EVERETT • MT. JULIET NEWSPaul Dziduch