Missouri City’s Parks and Recreation Department is offering help to residents who want to start the new year by taking a few inches off their waistline or drop a few excess holiday pounds.

For a fee of $30 a year, Missouri City residents can utilize the city’s fitness center. Located in the community center in the city hall complex, the center includes a range of workout equipment for exercise enthusiasts, including a fully equipped weight room, stair climber, elliptical machine, treadmills and a basketball court.

"I've been coming here to work out for more than 10 years, and I chose the Missouri City Fitness Center because it's convenient,” resident Lynne Shaver said. “I really like the facilities and equipment, and it's very affordable. You can't beat that. And the staff is helpful, as well."

In addition to the equipment, the fitness center offers affordable exercise classes from exotic aerobics for women to step aerobics for seniors.

For more information or to schedule a tour of the facilities, call 281-403-8500 or visit www.missouricitytx.gov and click on the “Parks and Recreation” tab.