If you walk into the Clyde Recreation Center during one of Alli Moon’s AquaFit classes, don’t expect a quiet, methodical workout. Expect music. Expect laughter. And most of all, expect something that feels a lot more like a dance party than a traditional fitness class.
Standing at the edge of the pool, Moon leads her class through a series of choreographed movements set to upbeat music. Participants, chest-deep in water, follow along as the tempo rises and falls with each song. It’s structured, yes—but it’s also playful, energetic, and surprisingly joyful.
“It’s kind of like doing HIGH fit in a regular classroom, but it’s adapted for the water,” Moon explained. “You follow the music, so when the chorus hits, your movements match that energy. When it’s slow in the music, we move more slowly. It’s a lot of engaging movements and fun songs.”
That sense of rhythm and flow is no accident. Moon comes from a strong dance background, having taught since 2013 after earning a degree in K–12 dance education from Brigham Young University. Her experience spans modern and contemporary dance, along with jazz, creative dance for kids, and even time performing with a collegiate folk dance team.
Despite years in the studio, teaching fitness—especially in a pool—wasn’t always part of the plan. In fact, her journey into AquaFit is a recent one.
“I’m a newbie,” she said. “I’m new to the rec center. I’m new to Springville. I’m new to being a fitness instructor, but I always knew I would do it one day.”
That opportunity came through a friend who taught Aqua Zumba and encouraged Moon to give it a try. Curious, she attended a few classes—and immediately felt hooked.
“I just fell in love with it,” she said. “The desires I have for the class are slightly different than Aqua Zumba, but I just loved the energy of doing the dance fitness in the pool.”
Rather than simply replicate what she experienced, Moon created her own version of the class—AquaFit—tailored to her strengths as a dance educator and her vision for what a fitness class could be.
The result is something that blends structure with spontaneity. Participants move continuously with the music, guided by Moon’s cues. It’s immersive, intuitive, and, perhaps most importantly, fun.
“I get to just basically lead a dance party,” she said. “It’s so fun for me.”
Beneath the upbeat atmosphere, however, is a workout that’s more effective than it might first appear.
“I think it’s a surprisingly difficult workout for how gentle it is,” Moon explains. “You get high results with low impact, and I think that’s really beneficial.”
That low-impact quality is one of AquaFit’s biggest draws. The water provides natural resistance while also reducing strain on joints, making it an appealing option for a wide range of participants—from those recovering postpartum to individuals dealing with joint pain or mobility issues.
“Being in the water is great for your knees and for joint mobility,” she said. “I know that a lot of people whose bodies are getting more worn-down love to be in the water for their exercising.”
Even the pool itself plays a role in making the class accessible. With varying depths, participants can find a level that works for their height and comfort, typically exercising in water that reaches up to their chest.
But the benefits of AquaFit aren’t just physical—they’re also psychological.
“There’s less comparison,” Moon said. “You can’t really see what everyone else is doing in the water, and that is a big deal for some people.”
For many people, that reduced sense of self-consciousness can be the difference between showing up and staying home. Traditional fitness spaces can feel intimidating, especially for beginners. AquaFit, by contrast, offers a more forgiving and welcoming environment.
That inclusivity extends to the type of people who attend the class. While water-based workouts are sometimes stereotyped as being for older adults, Moon says her class is far more diverse.
“We have men, we have women, we have a slightly older crowd, but the longer I’ve been teaching, the more I’m getting younger and younger people,” she says. “Once they come they just have so much fun that it lifts their spirits.”
Ultimately, AquaFit seems to appeal most to those who might not love traditional workouts—or who simply want something different.
“If you’re not sure that working out is enjoyable for you, this is for people who want to have fun and who want to have a smile on their face and enjoy it.”
That sense of enjoyment is at the heart of everything she does. Whether she’s guiding a high-energy routine or encouraging participants through a slower segment, Moon’s goal is simple: to create a space where fitness feels less like a chore and more like a celebration.
And judging by the growing number of people stepping into the pool each week, it’s working.
“I want people to know that it’s for all ages,” she said. “It’s going to be fun and you’re going to get a great workout, even though it’s in the water.”
