Last year I did a feature on the 19st Gym in NYC, once owned by the legendary Brian Moss and known as 
‘Better Bodies'. I looked at how things had changed for the gym over the years and what lay ahead for the gym in the years ahead. However, things took a sharp turn back in November last year when the gym, without warning, closed its doors....was this the end of an era for the bodybuilding landmark?
As the weeks passed and the doors remained closed the future was looking bleak, that is until one Alex Reznik appeared on the horizon and embraced the ownership papers as if they were a long lost childhood friend. Alex knew the history of the gym and immediately saw its potential. A new era for the gym was about to begin and within weeks the gym re-opened under the name ‘Complete Body & Spa'.
But what everyone wanted to know was who was this guy Alex and what were his plans for the gym? Would it ever regain its old reputation or would it simply flicker for a few months and then fade away again?
Well, after meeting Alex and discussing his plans for the gym I can honestly say that hardcore fans of this gym have nothing to worry about. The name may have changed (yet again) but the principles remain the same and additions are being made that can only see the gym going from strength to strength.
Now if this sounds like hardcore PR then forgive me, but if you join me on a journey through Alex's life you will see that it is hard not to get excited about the future of ‘Complete Body & Spa'...
ALEX REZNIK....
Alex Reznik, a whole health advocate and international fitness guru was raised in the former USSR. He studied nutrition at St Petersburg University and went on to become a fitness instructor for the Russian army's Speznaz e
lite commando team. On relocating to the USA he continued his fitness education, graduating from the East Coast Instructor Training School. A recipient of the Gold Certificate in Weight Management from the American Council on Exercise (ACE), Alex also holds a certificate in Personal Training.
The year 1995 saw Alex creating Complete Body Personal Training (now Complete Body Development) and further developing the philosophy which has become an integral part of his work, that being the union of strength, aerobics, flexibility, nutrition, meditation and rest. These key principles led to an involvement with life coach Deepak Chopra, with Alex working with the Chopra Center for Well Being and becoming Deepak's personal trainer. He also became a key lecturer and exercise instructor for countless Chopra Center seminars.
Adhering to one of his core principles, integrating self with environment, Alex developed the Environmental Wellness Design Studio (EWDS). Adding a new element to the Complete Body philosophy, EWDS seeks to balance inner self with environment in an attempt to continue the process of personal development and spiritual growth. The studio offers consultations focusing on organizing and redesigning existing environments, designing and building home and office gyms along with spas, saunas and meditation rooms.
As Alex says, "I have discovered ways to bring focus into my life and I love sharing it with my clients. My goal is to bring personal training to the highest level possible."
COMPLETE BODY & SPA.....THE FUTURE
So, given Alex's impressive background, what does this mean for the future of ‘Complete Body & Spa'?
Well, having been a fan of the old ‘19st Gym' I have to admit that I was a little concerned about its future 
following the take-over. For a start, the name, ‘Complete Body & Spa' hardly conjures up the image of a hardcore bodybuilder's paradise. However, this is 2010 and not 1980, the image of bodybuilding has changed and the bodybuilding community is beginning to embrace a far more rounded - and dare I say, spiritual - approach to the concept of working out. It is not just about building muscles, it is about developing the mind as a muscle in its own right.
THIS is where Alex is definitely a man of the moment. He has done all the training (mentally and physically) he has perfected the business model and now he is ready to educate a whole new audience with it.
The changes at 19st are evident. The gym floor layout has been designed to create the illusion of more space. New machines have been added and an aerobics studio has been created. Holistic therapies have been added, tanning - both spray and sun bed- is now available as is nutritional counseling, physical therapy...the list goes on. This is indeed "Complete" Body restoration. Even the changing rooms have been revamped and a laundry service is available. However, in the midst of all this luxury there is still the hard pounding beat of ‘electronica'
flowing from the speakers and the underlying feel of a hardcore establishment. Consider it for a moment...the marrying of these elements is no easy task and yet Alex has somehow managed to pull off the perfect union.
More changes are in store for ‘Complete Body & Spa' in the months ahead. For one thing it is going to become a Personal Training gym once the traditional membership reaches a set number. This will make it THE place for personal trainers in the area to take their clients for the ultimate workout experience. This is a concept that Alex has brought to all of his existing gyms with great success. Yes, Alex has gyms not only in NY (where he has 3) but also in Los Angeles, Miami, London and Paris.
Yes, I have to say that any doubts I may have had in my head have long since gone. The gym is becoming busier and Alex can add yet another success to his resume.
The magic and the history that this building holds and the ‘miracle' on 19st lives on...albeit under a new name, ‘Complete Body & Spa'...and you know what....I think I am beginning to like that new name after all!
Complete Body & Spa
22 W 19st, New York, NY10011
Tel: 212 777 7719
