Building A Business, Bettering A Community By Patricia Adams Forum Courier, July 1, 2004, page 3 Reprinted with permission Local enterprise in Queens is on the rise and merchants are scrambling for prime space in southern and western Queens. But in one location in Middle Village the Coliseum Gym has not only opened for business, they were honored last week by the office of the Borough President Helen Marshall, the City Council and the mayor's office. Stacy and Ted Theodoropoulos officially opened their doors in September of 2003 in a location that had been quoted by locals as being a "rats nest." Residents say they were not only referring to the traditional rodent population, but the overall deterioration that surrounded the area. Mayoral Community Assistance Unit (CAU) Queens South Joann Ariola explained the previous problems with the area. "What the Theodoropoulos' have done here is brought business employing local residents and cleaned up a real problem area at the same time," Ariola said. "The building was abandoned and teens were congregating to engage in drug activities. The graffiti problem was enormous. The city is pleased to welcome business neighbors who obviously have dedicated their efforts to the betterment of the community." Councilmember Dennis Gallagher was at the ceremony joined by borough president Helen Marshall to congratulate the couple on their grand achievements. "People like this are so important to the economic development of Queens. But they have gone above and beyond in extending themselves to the community," said Councilman Gallagher. In addition to having completely refurbished the area at and around the gym, the couple is constantly involved in locally based affairs involving youth and volunteer activities for the betterment of the community. The gym sponsors a woman's softball team and participates regularly in community based fund raising events. "Look at the difference in this whole area. There's a thriving business, it looks great and the graffiti vandals and the drugs are gone." Councilman Gallagher delivered a City Council Proclamation to the couple and said he would definitely be back to try and take off those "few" extra pounds. The Theodoropoulos', who wanted to bring a state-of-the-art fitness facility to the area, knew their undertaking was one of great magnitude. " We knew the neighborhood was what we wanted - family oriented. The size of the building was what we were looking for but the conditions were horrible. Sometimes when you see something that looks almost impossible, it makes you want to try even harder," said owner Stacy. "My husband and I knew what it would take but we knew we could do it." Now less than one year later, the gym boasts a membership of over 2,300 clients. And walking through the front doors makes the boom in clientele obvious. The interior design is welcoming, comfortable and shines in every corner. It is obvious that the same pride level on the exterior improvements carried through the tremendous indoor space. Unique to Coliseum is that the gym is organized according to different parts of the body. Common policy among gym owners is to deal with one equipment company in order to save money on a large package discount. But, Coliseum chose to make a much larger investment in equipment by purchasing from more than a dozen manufacturers. "Every part of the body has a need for a particular piece of equipment," Stacy explained. "We chose different manufacturers so that we would get the finest combination of equipment available." One of the features that really sets the facility apart from competitors is its 7-hour daily child care program. "Mothers and fathers can come to work out and bring their kids," Ted Theodoropoulos told The Forum Courier. But even more impressive than that is that parents working out in the cardio or aerobics areas can actually view their children on video monitors. One regular Kim says it's an unbelievable benefit to everyone with a busy schedule. "Both my husband and I work and both belong to the gym. We can actually come here as a family, spend time together while we work out, knowing our kids are on TV in front of us." The Coliseum Gym employs over 35 local residents on staff. The range of programs and fitness offerings is unparalleled by any other facility in nearby areas. Personal trainers are on hand. A one time free session is offered with every membership to ensure the clients become thoroughly familiar with the equipment. The gym offers a range of programs including aerobic classes, spin cycling, tai-chi, yoga, kick boxing and all other top classes. Also offered is a Nautilus training circuit program which allows for a twenty minute complete body workout for those who are on a limited schedule. The circuit is also used for a rehabilitation follow-up from physical therapy and is most beneficial to post therapy patients because of its precise calibration. The gym is equipped with a locker room comprised of handsome wooden lockers and the locker area is complete with his and her saunas and a hydro-massage bed for stress relief. Clients use this as an alternative to a massage. Tanning beds, reclining and stand up, are also available. If you want to relax for a while after your workout the owners of Coliseum have seen to it that you can do that as well. The gym includes a cafe with a 42" plasma screen TV where members are invited to wind down in comfort. There is a juice and smoothie bar and a full line of soy protein and Atkins along with a wide selection of waters and juices. Muscle meals, which are comprised of grilled chicken in six varieties are available to have at the gym or to take home. The Coliseum Gym & Fitness Center is located at 75-09 71st Avenue, Middle Village. For more information you can call them at 718-326-2GYM or by e-mail at coliseumgym@aol.com.