One-On-One with Fitness Director, Steve DiDio

Tell us about yourself and what you brought you to PBF.

I have been in the fitness industry for 25 years. Early in my career I was entrusted with the responsibility of managing the sports injury rehabilitation department at the USATC in Manhattan. There I worked with athletes of all levels ranging from “weekend warriors” to Olympians.

Later I took that experience to SUNY Purchase where I was hired as head athletic trainer and fitness director. Along with supervision of all fitness related programs, implementing the injury rehabilitation, prevention, and conditioning programs for the intercollegiate athletes, I also taught for physical education department .

In 2001 I started PFX, an owner operated fitness and sports medicine facility where we combined athletic training and sports conditioning to create a unique wellness facility for “every body”.

What can people expect at The Studios?

We have created an intimate setting here at The Studios. One where our knowledgeable, well trained staff will be able to help supervise your fitness journey. You will not get lost in the crowd at Pine Brook because our clients are not just numbers. We care about you and your wellness goals.

What makes The Studios different than other gyms?

That’s an easy one. We’re putting personal fitness and health at the forefront of Pine Brook. A concept that is lost in large chain franchises.

What are you most excited about with the launch of PBF?

​I am so excited to have clients start using The Studios!  Having members enjoy the facility, establishing a fitness community where clients interact with one another and with our instructors and support each other in their journey, in a fun, friendly environment….that’s what it’s all about!

What’s your favorite workout?

It is going to sound cliché but I truly enjoy all type of workouts. Trying out new exercises excites me. I am a big believer in muscle confusion and how the body responds positively to introducing new stimuli. So experimenting with new workouts is one of my favorite pastimes.

What is your pre and post workout meal preference?

Meals are all about planning and timing. I eat every 3 ½ – 4hrs to keep my metabolism going. Since my workout time varies greatly so do my meals. However, I always eat something small ½ -1hr before my workout to ensure I have the energy to make it through the training session. Also, it is very important to consume protein within a ½ hr following a workout to repair muscle. Protein shakes are a great supplement to use as a low calorie meal replacement if you’re overly hungry or don’t have the time for a full meal. .

What’s your biggest claim to fame?

It has always been about the clients for me. Whether it is getting an actor ready for a movie roll, watching the expression on someone’s face after reaching their weight loss goal or being there when an athlete I have worked with scores the winning basket in the NCAA Division I conference finals, that shared memory is my claim to fame.

What’s your most memorable training moment?

​A few years ago, I had a big birthday coming up and decided to set some lofty fitness goals for myself.  Goals like deadlifting and bench pressing a certain amount of weight, and running a mile and a 5k in a set time.  They were going to take some work, but I expected to reach each and every one of them.   As it turns out, I was a bit over confident. During my training, I sprained a ligament in my lower back and on a separate occasion tore a hamstring muscle.  I realized that fitness was not about an event or competition but a journey. A journey that required not only a committed work ethic but also patience, persistence and positivity.

When you’re not working out what do you do in your spare time?

I really enjoy spending time with my family. I have two active kids involved in sports, theater and music so any chance I get to spend time with them is a gift. I am also actively involved in remodeling my older home. It has been an ongoing project that is truly a labor of love.