A fitness pioneer ahead of his time, Joe Loprinzi (October 31, 1914 – December 16, 2009) taught fitness and trained weightlifters for over six decades.
Loprinzi grew up in an athletic family that included three brothers. As a 9-year-old, Joe Loprinzi took in a strongman show at a local theater and delved into weightlifting. He graduated from Commerce (now Cleveland) High School and was a young state lifting champion. In 1930, Joe Loprinzi and his brothers opened a gym, the Portland Barbell Club, and four years later were accepted as members in the Multnomah Athletic Club. In 1937, Joe Loprinzi, who had frequently competed as a weightlifter for the club, began working as a fitness instructor and weightlifting coach. He later turned his coaching skills to numerous other sports.
Loprinzi served in the Navy during World War II with his brother Sam alongside Bay Area fitness guru Jack LaLanne. Both would be early exercise influencers. Loprinzi led morning exercise on KGW-TV from 1960-78. He was also an early jogging enthusiast, leading daily runs through Washington Park. Over 250 novice runners took part as "Joe's Joggers".
Joe called his job at the MAC the best job in the world, and he stayed at the club for 60 years, retiring in 1997. That's when the club named its new West wing in his honor.
The MAC also created the Joe Loprinzi Inspirational Award, given annually to the club member who best exemplifies the spirit of fitness he exhibited. The Multnomah Athletic Foundation later named a scholarship for him.
Joe Loprinzi, affectionately called “Mr. Mac”, had a favorite idiom, "The Four D's", desire, determination, dedication and discipline.