Comments on: Mop Her Up: Homeless at the Vertical Club

By: Victor

Victor — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 00:43:16 +0000

The story wouldn’t be complete without a mention of the best part of the club- the rooftop ! Straight shot up the elevator to tar-top-roof complete with BBQ and bodies all ablaze in sun worship. Definitely the studio 54 of its day. -Vic

By: nigel anderson

nigel anderson — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 21:04:56 +0000

I remember the ‘secret door’ that lead directly into Scores Gentemens Club (never had first-hand use of this, however ). I remember working out in the strenght area and watching the women in their spandex- yes, Spandex- and full makeup not even trying to work up a sweat!

By: Mickey Z.

Mickey Z. — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 16:13:30 +0000

Hey, I remember you guys.

FYI: A lot of these stories ended up in my e-book, “Personal Trainer Diaries”
http://www.lulu.com/product/ebook/personal-trainer-diaries-making-the-affluent-sweat-since-the-1980s-vertical-club/15118738

By: Julie Cirillo Milliron

Julie Cirillo Milliron — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 14:28:18 +0000

Micky

What a great tale…yes, I too am an ex-vertical club employee. Perhaps you will remember me, I was the Aerobics Director during the late eighties and early nineties. I can still remember policing the aerobics floor; thinking how odd it was that these people were jockeying for position to get the best spots in the front of the class. Sometimes, I still hear those disco tunes.

On the other hand; we offered the ultimate fitness experience of it’s time. The intructors that worked on my team were some of the most dedicated and professional people in the field. They were always up on the newest trends and many of them are still in the field today. We offerred such diversity in our programs and were always willing to go that extra yard to please our clients.

The Vertical Club was the first club to embark on the private trainer path; we set the model for the gym business as it is today. Without personal training, the gym business would be without a major profit center. Kudos to Ralph Raiola and yourself…..

Tommy D.where would we have been without him…no one wore a suit like him. You have no idea how many times, I was in his office being told ” can’t they play some different music” . Although, somewhat emotional he ran a fantastic business.

What a crazy but fun time…yes Steve Paul, Alfredo, Elissa Hyman, Diane and Lisa, Terry Certain, Kathy Adwar, Pat and Maura, Pat Schorr, Diane and all the other folks. It was the best of times and the worst of times.

Julie

By: Diane (Leonard) Graziosa

Diane (Leonard) Graziosa — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 22:46:22 +0000

LOL – loved this – i was there – in the 80′s teaching classes when they were l/2 hour and personal training after going through the necessary training.. we wore those maroon outfits!! i recognized many of those stories – truths for sure – didn’t know about Paula – wow – Lisa and Diane (sisters) were there when I was there, Michael Rodriquez (rip), High Energy, Rosemary Rios (Michael, Rosemary and I entered the first aerobic championships together-i remember rehersing together there at the VC) Remember Poco? (we went on to teach together at Steps) I was very close with my manager Alfredo Racano (RIP) who asked me to do a class at JacklaLane on 74th and B’way at 2:30 – no one wanted it – i took it and it was the beginning of teaching, on commission at STEPS and my career just rocketed – i will never forget the VC – gorgeous Tommy with the tatoos lol – Regine – owner of Regines hired me after taking my class there and i trained her for many years after that….

wonderful memories – i was there for a good amount of time – when it first opened – the 80′s……
I still teach and privately train – Equinox/Scarsdale for l2 years. I’m on fb and have a few photos of Alfredo Racano – wonder whatever happened to Poco – Rosemary is on fb with me – Ellissa Hyman and I are still in touch….remember Steve Paul….

This was a great story and soooo true. Thank you for writing this. WOW – blessings to you and continue to write!! Diane Graziosa (formerly Leonard)