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MIDDLETOWN — For those who have put off those New Year's resolutions to get back in shape, Stu Locke says he has an answer at his family-operated Towne Athletic Club.

Now marking the business's fourth anniversary under Locke's ownership and management, the club has undergone some changes both inside and outside. Locke and his son Andrew — not to mention the several other family members who help operate the large sports, fitness and exercise facility that's been on the local scene for nearly three decades — are eager to show off the fresh look.

"We upgraded the exterior in the fall, and we've made some other significant changes to mark our anniversary," said Stu Locke.

Namely, there is now full-body massage available and the club is reviving its racquetball league play.

League players will find that both of the club's racquetball courts have recently been renovated.

"We've lined up more than 40 individuals who want to participate," said Adam Locke, noting that the local establishment is one of the few area fitness facilities offering two courts.

Also being added now is Zumba, a Latino dance cardio program with four classes already under way. Zumba complements a number of other group exercise programs aimed at personal fitness, such as yoga, kickboxing and beginner-to-expert classes in step aerobics.

The Lockes said the upgrades will continue as spring approaches. The club's vast assortment of fitness and resistance equipment — in separate areas where personalized skilled guidance is provided by club experts — also is lined up for improvements.

Outside, things will be changing beyond aesthetics, said Adam Locke. One such change will be the rehab of sand volleyball on courts behind the club, which haven't been used in years. If members show interest, leagues may be formed, Stu Locke said.

"We think we've done well because we're family operated," Stu Locke said. "We think it makes for a better atmosphere for what people come here for, good health and fitness."

They also feel that offering monthly memberships without a contract has worked out well, too. This will be continued for those who choose to pay per month although those who opt for longer-term arrangements can do so less expensively per month.

Towne Athletic Club

Hours at the club at 4343 Dixie Highway (just south of Eastern Lanes) have been set to suit varied life styles with an early startup at 5:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. weekdays; 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays and 1 to 5 p.m. Sundays.