TUPELO, Miss. (WTVA) -- The NMMC Wellness Centers across Northeast Mississippi are reopening on Monday. Nearly 4,000 members are looking to fight a different part of the pandemic: the Poundemic. Members not being able to workout and maybe not being able to maintain that strict diet. When the doors open, members and staff are ready to take on the challenge of getting back into shape.

"I’m glad it’s opening back up because I’ve missed it," Gym member Lee Duncan said. 

Other than staying healthy and fighting the "poundemic", Duncan also said that he really missed the social aspect of the gym. speaking of the poundemic, the staff member who coined that phrase is nutrionist Emily Littlejohn. She said that even though people are excited to get back in the gym and get out of that poundemic lifestyle, don’t rush it.

"Start small with small steps to making yourself healthier," Littlejohn said. "Whether it’s drinking more water or adding a fruit or vegetable at each meal, it can be done, don’t try to tackle it all at once."

During the shutdown, Littlejohn said she’s been consulting with clients over the phone. Due to the restrictions in place, she’ll have to continue to do so. She hopes to resume one on one in person consultations in the next month or two. Regardless, she’s excited to see some friendly faces back in the wellness center.

"It’s been so weird, not having any life to this gym," Littlejohn said. "We’re used to having lots of personality and lots of members here."

The Wellness Center released a video on Facebook outlining all of the new restrictions in place here: 

https://www.facebook.com/nmmc.wellness.center/videos/1362438617479160