Aubry Allbridge, a 22-year-old woman from Utah with Down syndrome, has become a certified fitness instructor for the fitness programme UpBeat Barre. She recently took another step in her journey by leading her first class at a local gym, with 60 people attending the session.Allbridge had been attending several fitness classes before becoming an instructor, Good news network reported. These included UpBeat Pilates, Zumba, SilverSneakers and HIGH Fitness. However, UpBeat Barre became her favourite. The programme combines strength training, Pilates, cardio and yoga.Jane Johnson, an UpBeat Barre instructor and co-owner of VASA Fitness in Kaysville, had noticed Allbridge’s ability to remember the routines and choreography during classes. Johnson said she had been watching her progress for several years.“She has an incredible brain. Aubry can learn choreography so fast, and she retains it. She also knows all the lyrics to the songs, so she can sing along with the best of them,” Johnson told KSL.After completing her instructor certification, Allbridge was able to combine two things she enjoys- fitness and spending time with people. Her first class as an instructor gave her the opportunity to take what she had learnt and lead others through the routine.“I had such a fun time,” Allbridge said after the class. “I love to be on stage. I love exercise. I loved to wear my mic and say every cue, and I love to meet with people and collecting friends.”
Aubry Allbridge Wants Everyone To Feel Included
In a recent Instagram post announcing that she had become a certified instructor, Allbridge spoke about what she liked most about the course. She highlighted motivational cuing and giving options to participants.For Allbridge, the focus is not only on completing the workout. She also wants people taking part in her classes to feel included. Her approach was reflected in the way she described her experience after leading the 60-person class.Johnson is now helping Allbridge turn her certification into a full-time job at the gym where she works. The aim is to help her move from completing the certification to working as an instructor.
Fitness Has Also Helped Others With Down Syndrome
Allbridge’s experience is also linked to a wider example of how fitness can become an important part of life for people with Down syndrome. Good News Network previously reported on Dan MacGauley, a 36-year-old man with Down syndrome, autism and deafness in his left ear.MacGauley had undergone two rounds of open-heart surgery as a toddler. He later became wheelchair-bound as a teenager. He started lifting weights when he needed to lose weight.In 2023, MacGauley took first place in the European Bench Press Championship. He lifted 154 pounds, or 70 kg, in the classic category and 198 pounds, or 90 kg, in the equipped category. The latter was a new personal best.His mother, Judith, who is also a powerlifter, said his presence at the gym had encouraged other people.“Loads of people have said to us that they go to work and come home after a long day and it’s an effort to go to the gym,” she said. “But that they see Dan there, smiling and laughing despite all his problems, and it gives them the motivation they need.”
