Health Club Pioneer. Born Victor A. Iannidinardo in Rochester, New York, he was a body builder known as the "Father of Fitness". In 1935, he opened the first professional gym in Rochester and later moved to Southern California, where he opened another gym in Santa Monica in 1939. Soon his fitness centers became a popular chain noted for its modern concept in attracting members and promoting good health. By the late 1950s, the Vic Tanny Gyms holdings included more than 100 gyms in the United States and Canada, grossing $34 million a year. His dream was to spread his gyms all over the world, but his business fell into bankruptcy due to over-expansion and poor management. This led him to sell off many of his gyms to the Bally Gym chain by the mid 1960s. He died of heart failure at age 73 in Tampa, Florida.
Health Club Pioneer. Born Victor A. Iannidinardo in Rochester, New York, he was a body builder known as the "Father of Fitness". In 1935, he opened the first professional gym in Rochester and later moved to Southern California, where he opened another gym in Santa Monica in 1939. Soon his fitness centers became a popular chain noted for its modern concept in attracting members and promoting good health. By the late 1950s, the Vic Tanny Gyms holdings included more than 100 gyms in the United States and Canada, grossing $34 million a year. His dream was to spread his gyms all over the world, but his business fell into bankruptcy due to over-expansion and poor management. This led him to sell off many of his gyms to the Bally Gym chain by the mid 1960s. He died of heart failure at age 73 in Tampa, Florida.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
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