Vic Tanny

Victor "Vic" Tanny (born Victor A. Iannidinardo; February 18, 1912 – June 11, 1985) was an American bodybuilder, entrepreneur and physical culture advocate. He is considered a pioneer of the modern health club.

Biography

Tanny was born into an Italian family in Rochester, New York. His father was a tailor. Amid anti-Italian sentiment during World War II, some of his family members legally shortened the surname, Iannidinardo, to Ianni. From this, Victor made a new surname, Tanny.

In 1935, while a full-time school teacher, Tanny opened his first fitness club.

Tanny's younger brother, Armand Tanny, had also moved west in 1939. and offered a budget plan to draw working-class families. Tanny's centers closed or sold, some retaining his name. Others joined the Bally Total Fitness network.

During semi-retirement in Florida, Tanny made a few, unsuccessful attempts to restore his brand. In 1985, at age 73, after a debilitating stroke, —who rapidly outmoded them and ushered in today's familiar, modern fitness club.