Meet Alex Reznik

 

We were lucky to catch up with Alex Reznik recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Alex, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

I started CompleteBody as my biggest project over 20 years ago. At this point, we are the only independent gym chain in Manhattan. However, couple of years ago, I decided to establish something different, which is CompletePlayground—the first and only indoor playground in Manhattan, which is also the biggest indoor play area in the city.
The reason and my inspiration to follow this purpose were quite simple—we traveled a lot with my husband and kids all over the world and realized New York is the only place that has no indoor playgrounds in the city, despite having so many families with children. Then I decided to commit to building it myself, and it took me a couple of years to find the perfect place. With support from our donors to develop CompletePlayground as a non-profit organization, we ended up at 30 Broad Street—an ideal space with high ceilings, close to Battery Park, with many schools nearby, and easily accessible from any spot in the city and New Jersey area. I knew exactly what I wanted to do because I traveled and saw a lot of playgrounds and was trying to bring the best from each of them.
Another thing that was important for me to implement is inclusivity. I have three sons—Lucas, Milan, and Nicolas—and as Lucas was diagnosed with a sensory disorder at the age of 2, I wanted to create an inclusive, welcoming space for all kids to play and learn. As a matter of fact, nowadays every third child is neurodiverse, so it is crucially important to learn about different role models and inclusivity for everyone.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

’m Alex Reznik, an immigrant from Ukraine, and my journey has been deeply shaped by hard work and a passion for building inclusive communities. I started my career in the U.S. as a dishwasher and eventually became a personal trainer, which led me to establish and manage a successful chain of fitness clubs, a business I continue to operate today.

Our family’s life took a new direction when our son, Milan, was diagnosed with autism at the age of two. Doctors told us he might never speak and would face significant challenges throughout his life. However, our family made the decision to ensure that Milan would interact and learn alongside all children, regardless of their abilities. This choice was driven by the belief that every child thrives best when they are part of a diverse and supportive community. Over time, we saw how this approach helped Milan adapt to society and grow in ways that exceeded expectations.

This experience inspired the creation of Complete Playground, a 40,000-square-foot inclusive family center located near Wall Street. It is not just a playground—it’s a community hub designed for families and children of all ages and abilities. The center features sensory rooms, a sensory gym, and an extensive lineup of programs, classes, and activities tailored to different age groups and interests. From physical activities to creative workshops and skill-building classes, Complete Playground is a space where everyone can find something meaningful to participate in.

In addition, we’ve opened Complete Café, where families can enjoy healthy, freshly prepared meals. Our menu focuses on offering options for everyone, including vegetarian, gluten-free, and kosher dishes, all made with high-quality, locally sourced ingredients.

As a father of three boys, including Milan, I’ve experienced the challenges and rewards of raising a neurodiverse child. Complete Playground is my way of giving back and creating a space where families can find the support, resources, and connection they need. It’s a place where every child, no matter their abilities, can thrive, and every family can feel a sense of belonging.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, I believe the key qualities that were most impactful on my journey are perseverance, adaptability, and a deep belief in my vision.

As someone with neurodiversity, I don’t have the same fears as others. I’ve been through moments where people either see me as successful or, if things aren’t going well, label me a failure. But I don’t let that define me. Success is often framed by others, and sometimes what’s seen as a compliment by one person could be harassment to another, depending on how they view you. In my case, I’ve learned to see both positive and negative reactions as part of the journey.

Perseverance has been crucial. There were times when I could’ve easily given up, but I believed in my vision, and even when others told me it was impossible, I kept going. That’s what led to the creation of Complete Playground, even though many doubted it. Believing in what you’re doing and trusting that you can make it happen is vital to success.

At the same time, adaptability is key. When you’re building something new, it doesn’t always go as planned. You need to learn from every step, make adjustments, and accept that nothing is ever perfect. Things will evolve as you go, and you must be willing to adapt to those changes. For anyone starting out, I would say: keep pushing forward with perseverance, stay adaptable, and never lose faith in your idea. You’ll face challenges, but with those qualities, you can make your vision a reality.Some successful people once gave me an important piece of advice that I still follow today: ‘Find what you love and find someone who will pay you for it.’

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

We are still expanding and building, and we’re actively looking for people who truly care about making a difference. Any help is appreciated—whether it’s sharing our mission on social media, volunteering your time, supporting our GoFundMe page, or making corporate or personal donations. Every contribution, no matter how big or small, matters and helps us move closer to our goal of creating a supportive, inclusive environment for neurodiverse children and their families.

As a non-profit, all of the funds we raise go directly toward promoting inclusion, supporting public schools, and benefiting the Beacon Beach Foundation. We are still seeking corporate partners who want to get involved in this important work. Partners can have their name displayed on our wall, at the entrance, or even on the floor, and it’s also tax-deductible. Additionally, we have a list of specific items and services we need funding for, so donors can choose where their money goes. For example, they can fund speech therapy, scholarships, or summer camps for families who can’t afford them. They could also support our STEM classes by donating toys or equipment, which will feature their name. Donations of all sizes—from $5 to $500,000—are welcome, and every contribution makes a difference. For those interested in providing core funding, we have a dedicated page available for donations. Your support is truly appreciated!

Thank you for being part of this journey with us!

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