Today we’d like to introduce you to Richard Diaz.
Hi Richard, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I am a recent transplant to Tennessee from California. My wife and I have been here for the past 4 years now. My business is unique, actually I don’t know any other business that provides the service I do. I honed my craft over 30 years in California, beginning with big box fitness centers (over 15,000 sq ft) for a decade, sold this business to follow my true passion which is working with athletes, both recreational and professional, on a more intimate basis. I sold my fitness center and built a more boutique oriented facility that was perfect for the personal interactions.
Over the past 30+ years, I developed a system of diagnostic and prescription based on active and resting metabolic analysis. these assessments provide accurate identification of how an athlete (or anyone’s) energy system responds to exercise. The resting assessment (RMR – resting metabolic rate) reveals daily caloric requirements and how efficiently one’s energy demands are at rest. Collectively, these assessments serve as the foundation on how to proceed for optimal performance.
These assessments are not unique in themselves, my niche is in movement analysis. Runners have the highest injury rate of any exercise modality. The majority of these athletes (both professional and recreational) are destined to be injured according to statistics. The reason is not because of the act of running, but due to improper running styles.
When a client visits, we begin with a video gait analysis (a careful review, in slow motion, of how a runner moves). I identify the flaws, explain what they are and why then set about teaching the corrections. Once this is done and the client has experienced what it feels and looks like once corrected, we set about conducting the clinical metabolic analysis. All of which can occur within a few hours.
Leaning back into what occurred post boutique experience was an eventful move into my home and conducting business “Homestyle.” Aside from operational savings, I found that this approach became nearly viral in appeal. I began to have clients visiting from around the world.
This resulted in a demand to travel and visit groups of clients around the country. Over the span of 10 years, we visited 14 states, some locations multiple times, all based on demand without any advertising.
Fast forward to Tennessee, we have not missed a step. Since arriving, we operated once again from our home. We have fashioned the space needed, brought in the equipment needed to provide our services, featuring a high speed treadmill and diagnostic tools. Since our introduction to the Nashville area, we have served clients from as far away as England, France and even Malta. As the word has began to spread, we are now seeing more and more clients from our area.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Honestly, I was surprised how slow things have evolved given how much influence we have had in the Midwest and Eastern seaboard. Most of our business still comes from outside Tennessee but lately it’s gotten better. I think in large part, since we are not heavy advertisers, it takes time.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
What I have not mentioned is that I have authored 4 books related to training, two most recent “Running and Hybrid Fitness” and “Flow – Breaking Barriers of Athletic Performance” and I anticipate the release of a new book titled “RUN.” Early 2026. I am very excited about this next release as it written as an incredible resource for all things to do with the Art of Running. It will only be available in hardcover. All my books can be found on Amazon.
What’s next?
I have an insatiable passion for my work. At the ripe young age of 72, I still study daily and am constantly working to develop and refine my skill sets. My plan is to continue this passion for the rest of my life.
Contact Info:
- Website: Https://diazhumanperformance.com
- Instagram: @diazhp
- Facebook: @diazhp
- Youtube: @diazhp
