RESERVE — As we age, some forms of exercise seem to get harder to do.

The St. John the Baptist Parish Recreation Department has an answer for that. 

The department will begin its fourth season of summer water aerobics classes today at the Regala Park Pool, 200 Regala Park Road in Reserve.

Morning classes will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. each Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Evening classes will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. every Monday.

The classes are free and open to the public. Participants must be 18 years old or older.

Instructor Anita Hefler said the sessions offer fun and exercise for everyone.

“A lot of people can’t do the physical exercises like running or jogging because of the jarring motion on the joints,” Hefler said. “Everybody’s equal in the water. Everybody is weightless, so you can do all kinds of things in the water that you can’t do on land.”

Studies show water aerobics helps build cardiovascular fitness and strength, but is easier on joints.

Lamont Bigham, program coordinator for the St. John Recreation department, said the classes are immensely popular.

“A good bit of the ladies have given testimonial about how good it was and how it benefitted them,” Bigham said.

“It offers them weight loss as well as a social outlet. They have a lot of fun.”

Hefler said the classes are as much about the social aspects as the health benefits.

“It’s such a fun group,” she said. “It’s a good group because everybody watches out for everybody. I told them last year I was so honored to be a part of the group. We are always looking out for each other. Everybody takes care of each other. If someone doesn’t show up for a class or something, we all ask ‘where is so-and-so.’”

For more information, visit sjbparish.com. Registration is available online at sjbparish.com or call 986-652-9569, ext. 1169 or 1241.

Participants may use their own water shoes and gloves.