Aubry Allbridge, a 22-year-old from Utah with Down syndrome, has become a certified fitness instructor for UpBeat Barre and recently led her first class of 60 people at a local gym, according to reports from the Good News Network and KSL. Allbridge’s journey from a regular class attendee to a certified teacher highlights a growing movement toward inclusive fitness environments and independent employment opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities.
From Fitness Enthusiast to Certified Instructor
Before earning her certification, Allbridge regularly attended several group fitness classes, including UpBeat Pilates, Zumba, SilverSneakers, and HIGH Fitness. However, UpBeat Barre became her favorite program. According to the UpBeat Barre website cited by the Good News Network, the workout combines strength training, Pilates, cardio, and yoga into a high-energy fusion.
Jane Johnson, an UpBeat Barre instructor and co-owner of VASA Fitness in Kaysville, watched Allbridge’s progress over several years. Johnson noted Allbridge’s exceptional ability to master routines quickly. “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.
Following her certification, Allbridge taught her debut class to 60 participants. “I had such a fun time,” Allbridge said after the session, as reported by the Good News Network. “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.” On her Instagram account, Allbridge emphasized that her favorite parts of the course involved motivational cuing and giving options to make everyone feel included.
Pro Tip for Inclusive Fitness: Instructors looking to build inclusive environments can focus on motivational cuing and offering alternative modifications for movements, ensuring participants of all fitness levels and abilities feel welcome in group classes.
Expanding Employment and Broader Fitness Impact
Following Allbridge’s successful debut, Johnson is working to help her transition from certification to a full-time job at the VASA Fitness gym in Kaysville. According to reporting by the Good News Network, autonomous employment provides significant benefits for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
Allbridge’s achievement aligns with other notable fitness milestones achieved by individuals with Down syndrome. The Good News Network previously reported on 36-year-old Dan MacGauley, who has Down syndrome, autism, and is deaf in his left ear. After undergoing two rounds of open-heart surgery as a toddler and spending his teen years wheelchair-bound, MacGauley began lifting weights to lose weight.
In 2023, MacGauley took first place in the European Bench Press Championship. He lifted 154 pounds (70 kg) in the classic category and 198 pounds (90 kg) in the equipped category, utilizing a weight belt and gloves to set a new personal best. His mother, Judith, who is also a powerlifter, noted the broader impact of his presence at the gym. “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,” Judith told the Good News Network. “Pero que ven a Dan allí, sonriendo y riendo a pesar de todos sus problemas, y eso les da la motivación que necesitan.”
Did You Know? UpBeat Barre classes blend strength training, Pilates, cardio, and yoga, making the format adaptable for instructors and participants with diverse fitness backgrounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
What fitness program did Aubry Allbridge get certified in?
Aubry Allbridge is a certified fitness instructor for UpBeat Barre, a program that combines strength training, Pilates, cardio, and yoga.
Where did Aubry Allbridge teach her first class?
According to local reports, Allbridge taught her first class to 60 attendees at VASA Fitness in Kaysville, Utah, where instructor and co-owner Jane Johnson is helping her work toward a full-time position.
What achievements have other athletes with Down syndrome reached in fitness?
In 2023, Dan MacGauley won first place in the European Bench Press Championship, lifting 154 pounds in the classic category and 198 pounds in the equipped category, according to the Good News Network.
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