It began eight years ago, with one local physician's vision to open a center that would help meet the needs of the mind, body and spirit. In less than a month, the e-Fitness and Wellness Center in Biloxi will open its doors.

The 122,000 square foot center is the first of its kind in South Mississippi.

"A wellness center is a place to come to take care of the entire body. Wellness is a peaceful state in your mind, your body and spirit. Those three have to come into a balance to create wellness," said Dr. David McAfee, President of e-Fitness and Wellness. 

Dr. David McAfee came up with the idea years ago. The $11.5 million center is funded by McAfee and about 40 other physicians who wanted to take a step beyond their medical offices to meet the needs of their patients and others.

"We have a dietician on staff. We have a physician medical director. We have programs for disease states like hypertension, diabetes, and arthritis, and that is the big change in the way we're looking at this. We're really providing a service to the majority, 85 percent of the people who don't go to gyms, who are embarrassed to go to a gym, or who don't understand that a gym isn't just a place to push weights," Dr. McAfee said.

The center has a wide array of fitness machines, including treadmills that can hold up to 600 pounds, five pools, a daycare, a food court, and an outdoor grill.

The fitness and wellness center will also feature a spa. It's slated to be completed in the next six months.

"Aveda Spas is going to initially come in and help us do all our training with our spa attendants so they'll understand the process, so they'll understand what it is to take care of the mind, the body and spirit," McAfee said.

The center is slated to open on December first. It's located on Richard Drive right next to Biloxi High School. A basic membership costs $50 a month. For more information, you can call (228) 396-3200.

By Toni Miles