POSTED: 01:30 a.m. HST, Oct 30, 2012 LAST UPDATED: 04:11 a.m. HST, Oct 30, 2012

DENNIS ODA / DODA@STARADVERTISER.COM

Stirling Gunter participates in Aqua Fit, an aquatic group exercise class held at the Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Centers pool in Kapolei. It is described as a class for everyone, especially for those with joint ailments or injuries. The exercises uses your body weight and water resistance.

DENNIS ODA / DODA@STARADVERTISER.COM

Carla Meyers leads Aqua Fit.

A diverse group, young and old and of all sizes, assembled for the Aqua Fit class at the Kroc Center in Ewa Beach.

The class is a good fit for anyone suffering from joint ailments or injuries since water eases the impact of exercise. This can be especially important for overweight participants.

The class still provides good cardiovascular conditioning as well as flexibility and strength training using foam dumbbells.

We donned buoyancy belts to keep us afloat as we ventured into the deep end. For a gentle warmup, we started with a light jog around the pool and movement in the water to get the blood pumping. The belt felt like a corset since it needed to be extra tight so it wouldn't ride up during the exercises.

About halfway through the class, we were each provided with a pair of foam "weights." Although they are nearly weightless out of the water, once they are submerged they provide a great deal of resistance.

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Water aerobics a good fit for those with joint ailments