Yo Poznan!
When sport literally runs in the family’s veins, you know the story’s going to be good. We’re talking about CityZen, tucked away on Droga Dębińska 10c — a sports club that’s been doing things their way since before “functional training” was even a buzzword.
We met the man, the myth, the machine: Bogumił aka Bodo. His name, given by his grandfather, literally means “God loves you” — and judging by his life, it checks out. A nine-time Polish Triathlon Champion and Olympic team coach (London 2012, Rio 2016, and Tokyo 2021), a black belt in karate, and currently training in boxing. Oh, and married to a former Polish gymnastics champ. The son? Current Polish Triathlon Champion. The daughter? CityZen’s top swimming instructor and camp organiser.
The family behind Cityzen has pulled together a tight-knit, professional crew where everyone brings something unique to the table. From the coaches to the support staff, every member counts — and that’s what gives Cityzen its energy, warmth, and sense of community.”
Even the swimming pool here has sentimental value for me — my own daughters learned to swim here back in the day. So, sitting down for this chat felt like coming full circle.
The Interview
Poznań Daily: Bogumił, when did CityZen first open its doors?
Bogumił: 2001. The swimming pool opened a week before my son was born — talk about a busy month.
PD: And then?
B: After nine successful years, the Academy of PE extended the building and offered me the chance to open the gym. Couldn’t say no.
PD: Sounds like a smooth ride. Any rough patches?
B: Sure — COVID hit hard. We had to shut down at least three times for months. Lost hundreds of thousands of złoty. But thanks to God, we made it through.
PD: Nine-time Polish Triathlon Champion — that’s insane. Which win means the most?
B: They’re all special, but I’m proudest of finishing 11th in Europe. And yes, that was back when I still had hair.
PD: Clearly it’s in the blood. Your son’s a champion too?
B: Maybe, but we never pushed our kids into sport. We just taught them early that a healthy body makes a healthy brain.
PD: Explain that.
B: Most people think the brain tells the body what to do. But science shows 80% of the info flows from body to brain — only 20% the other way. If your body’s firing right, your brain is too.
PD: Triathlon always sounded like a madman’s sport to me.
B: The standard? 1500m swim, 40km bike, 10km run. Perfect balance of physical and mental grit.
PD: Who’s most competitive in your family?
B: These days? My son. Used to be me, but I’ve chilled out with age.
PD: So what’s CityZen about?
B: Not just pumping iron. We connect body and brain to create next-level humans. We do swimming, cycling, running, yoga, aqua aerobics — plus kids’ camps and workshops that teach real-life skills through movement.
PD: And you’re also a black belt in karate…
B: Guilty.
PD: So… could you take me out in 10 seconds?
B: Probably — but you seem like a nice guy.
PD: Why boxing now?
B: It clears the mind. Boxing forces you to focus only on the present moment — it’s like meditation with gloves on.
PD: What’s your training philosophy here?
B: Most gyms chase speed or weight. We focus on technique and why you do something. We even teach breathing as its own discipline. Here its about Why and How. look at this book. The whole book is just about breathing! Patience beats ego every time.
PD: Back then, there wasn’t all this tech.
B: True. We used to train on feel. Now we’ve got machines that can scan your whole body composition and tell us exactly where to work. It’s a game-changer.
PD: The spinning room looks like a Tour de France training camp. Calories burned in one class?
B: Anywhere from 300–600.
PD: Recovery tips?
B: Skip passive recovery like Netflix binges — it slows you down. Read a book, play chess — keep the brain active and you recover faster.
PD: You mentioned silence earlier…
B: My parents were deaf and mute. I grew up in silence and learned to value it. Silence teaches you to hear yourself — and that’s powerful for both sport and life.
PD: Last question — describe CityZen in three words.
B: Consciousness. Body. Freedom.
Address: Droga Dębińska 10c, Poznań
Phone: +48 725 355 312
Email: klubsportowy@cityzenklub.pl
Website: cityzenklub.pl
Instagram: @cityzen_klubsportowy
Opening Hours:
Mon: 8:30–12:45 | 16:30–21:30
Tue: 6:30–13:15 | 16:30–21:00
Wed: 6:30–12:45 | 16:30–21:30
Thu: 6:30–13:15 | 16:30–21:30
Fri: 16:30–18:45
Sat: 7:00–11:00
Whether you want to swim like a fish, run like the wind, cycle like the pros — or just find your inner calm — CityZen is the spot where champions and everyday warriors train side by side.
See you on the bike!
