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Baptist Healthplex Reopens May 11

Baptist Healthplex employees reopened the popular fitness facility in Clinton May 11 after closing several weeks ago due to the COVID-19 crisis.

That’s wonderful news to Baptist Healthplex members like Suzanne McDonough. “I was so happy the Healthplex opened back up,” says the Mississippi College kinesiology professor.

“Even though I have a home gym, it is just not the same without all the free weights and cardio equipment,” McDonough says. “It was good to see all the faces, and I am looking back to everything being back to normal real soon.”

A Clinton resident, McDonough serves as director of the university’s Applied Physiology Laboratory. Many people know her as the leader of the annual Hap Hudson Road Race at MC’s Homecoming.

Whether taking laps on the walking track or utilizing fitness equipment, Suzanne is in her element at the Healthplex on the Mississippi College campus.

Regularly sanitizing one of Mississippi’s premier fitness facilities are among the steps making the health of its members priority one.

“I want to brag on the Healthplex management and all the employees,” says Bob Mohr, a 15-year member from Raymond. “The facility is spotless. There is a glass around the front desk, someone to take your temp when you walk in, some hand sanitizer, towels and smiling faces from all,” says the retired educator. “They made you feel welcome and see you back at the Plex.”

±«ÓãtvEnglish professor David Miller agrees after returning from a Healthplex visit Tuesday. There is room for social distancing when using the equipment and the staff did an outstanding job cleaning the facility, he said. “The team there is doing a super job of preparing the place so we have the option to workout safely.”

While back in business, the Baptist Healthplex isn’t immediately offering all of its diverse services.

Now open are: fitness areas on the 2^nd and 3^rd floors, the walking track, lap and therapy pool, locker rooms, showers, sauna/steamroom/ along with the hot tub/cold plunge.

While reopening for its first week one (through May 17), Healthplex officials say basketball and racquetball courts remain closed. Also unavailable for now are services such as family swim and swim lessons, massage, personal training, the child watch center, along with kids fit and coffee for members. Starting next week (May 18), the Healthplex will offer a limited group exercise schedule.

Across the Magnolia State, gyms, fitness centers, barber shops, and salons began reopening this week under orders announced by Gov. Tate Reeves. Last Thursday, restaurants began opening with a 50 percent seating capacity. Social distancing stays in place for businesses nationwide.

Mississippi College admissions director Kyle Brantley is a faithful Baptist Healthplex member the past 11 years. A regular, Kyle didn’t miss Monday’s reopening and returned again May 12.

While the Baptist Healthplex was closed, the Mississippian stayed in shape with light workouts at home and by running. “But it just wasn’t the same,” he said. “I definitely missed seeing the staff and regulars I’ve gotten to know over the years,” says the ±«Óãtvgraduate.

The Baptist Health is a big selling point to prospective students at the Christian university. From its free weights to the lap pool, running track, basketball courts, racquetball and exercise classes, the fitness center shines.

“I’ve been to other university campus gyms over the years and our Healthplex really is a top tier facility,” Brantley said.

Temporary hours for the Healthplex are Monday through Friday 5 a.m. until 8 p.m., Saturday 7 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. until 6 p.m. Things stayed busy for employees well before the facility reopened May 11.

Josh Osborn, the membership marketing director, is happy to discuss Baptist Healthplex benefits and costs. Josh can be reached at josborn@healthplexclinton.com