Moving and getting in shape doesn’t have to be a chore. 

Finding something that you enjoy doing makes exercising and being active feel more like play rather than work, while still giving you the same or better benefits as visiting a normal gym.

Unique fitness experiences exist around Salt Lake County which offers unique excursions and experiences like a new underwater yoga flow, an educational and adventurous late-night snowshoe tour, and so much more.

Here are six fitness adventures including indoor and outdoor fun for all skill levels:

Yoga with the Sharks at Loveland Living Planet Aquarium (Draper)

There’s a certain type of Zen to obtain surrounded by shark-infested waters. Loveland Living Planet Aquarium offers an hourlong instructor-led class in front of a tank teeming with sea creatures on select Monday nights.

Allison Barker, director of development and chair of the Conservation Committee at Loveland Living Planet Aquarium said many participants have said the unique atmosphere creates a peaceful environment with many health benefits including “the gentle rhythm of the water and the mesmerizing movements of the sharks, fish and sea turtles” helping to reduce stress and anxiety.

“Ultimately, Yoga with the Sharks offers a transformative experience combining physical and mental benefits,” she said. “By practicing yoga in such an unusual and beautiful setting, participants gain a deeper appreciation for themselves and the natural world.”

The 2025 dates will be released near the end of December.

Included with the event is admission to check out the rest of the aquarium, but you’ll probably want to go earlier than the class time from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. because the aquarium closes at 8 p.m. The class is open to 8-year-olds and older.

Registration is online and costs $25. The aquarium recommends bringing your own equipment but has some for new yogis.

Momentum Indoor Climbing (Millcreek, Sandy)

If you’ve never gone rock climbing, no biggie. It’s a new year to try new things and Momentum is a great place to learn. The Sandy location offers a variety of classes including belay instruction, rope climbing and even bouldering for any skill level.

“Our class structure is designed with progression in mind so that there’s always something for you to learn and work toward no matter your current ability,” is the Momentum mission.

If learning to climb isn’t your thing, the gym also offers yoga and group fitness classes.

Sign-up is online.

Intro to aerial class at Aerial Arts of Utah (Salt Lake City)

Think Zendaya in “The Greatest Showman”—that could be you this year. Granted, it’s a beginners class for more than just trapeze, Aerial Arts of Utah is offering quite the deal at $90 for three one-hour classes every Wednesday night.

The class is an introduction to several different types of aerial fitness, including fabric and static trapeze for those aged 13 years or older. Sign-up is online.

Onyx Pole and Aerial Fitness Studio, hoop, pole, silks and hammock classes (Sandy)

In one studio, there are at least five different aerial fitness classes to choose from. Onyx offers everything from pole workouts to silks and hoops for differing levels of ability. The hammock beginner class (1.0) is referred to as the “perfect class to not only begin your journey but to keep coming back to build those forever essential movements.”

Most classes range from beginner (1.0) to pro (4.0).

Paddleboard yoga in a natural hot spring (Midway)

The name of the Midway Crater is becoming more well-known as a unique spot to visit in Midway, but did you know that you could not only swim in it but it’s large enough to do paddleboard yoga in?

Midway Crater offers a paddleboard yoga execution that offers a unique opportunity to find your Zen in one of nature’s beautiful (and oldest) yoga studios. Blue 95-degree Fahrenheit mineral water offers an inviting cushion if you fall in.

Booking can include just the paddleboard experience or be bundled with hiking, snowshoeing and more. Park City Yoga Adventures also offers yoga in a backcountry yurt, mountaintop yoga and winter forest meditation. Book online.

Guided full moon snowshoe tour by Cottonwood Canyons Foundation (Alta)

Cottonwood Canyons Foundation offers four types of snowshoe guided tours, with three open to the public. For the first time, the foundation is offering tours free of charge to celebrate their 25th anniversary, including a special treat with their moonlit tours.

“It's a wonderful night when you get to hear the great horned owls calling, and you get to see some good dark skies up there,” said Liz Anderson, Cottonwood Canyons Foundation education director.

Anderson said that tours start up again on Jan. 24 and are offered every Friday and Saturday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. in January and February, and 7 to 9 p.m. in March. All you need to do is bring some snow shoes and preferably a red flashlight, poles optional. Come ready to learn more about the native wildlife.

Registration opens one month before the event date on cottonwoodcanyons.org/events.