– credit, Cindy Allbridge
A 22-year-old Utahan with Down Syndrome has just become a certified fitness instructor for the popular fitness program UpBeat Barre.
UpBeat Barre instructor and co-owner of VASA Fitness in Kaysville, Jane Johnson, said she had kept her eye on Aubry Allbridge for some years, noticing how the young woman was exceptionally gifted in remembering the various routines and choreography of the classes.
“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,” she told KSL.
Allbridge had been attending several classes, including UpBeat Pilates, Zumba, SilverSneakers, and HIGH Fitness, but her favorite was UpBeat Barre, which according to its website “combines strength training, Pilates, cardio, and yoga into a high-energy fusion of fun.”
Having been recently certified as an instructor, the classes combine Allbridge’s favorite things: friends and fitness.
“I had such a fun time,” said the new instructor after leading her debut class of 60 people. “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. I want to help everyone feel included.”
In a recent post on her Instagram, announcing her arrival as a certified instructor, she said her favorite part of the course was motivational cuing and giving options, “to make everyone feel included.”
Johnson said she’s now helping Allbridge to take that certification and turn it into a full-time job at the gym where she works. Gainful, autonomous employment can do wonders for the mentally-challenged, while fitness activities also has transformative powers for those with Down Syndrome.
36-year-old Dan MacGauley, has Down Syndrome, autism, and is deaf in his left ear. He underwent 2 rounds of open-heart surgery when he was a toddler, and was wheelchair bound as a teen when he started lifting weights as part of an urgent need to lose weight.
In 2023, GNN reported that MacGauley took first place in the European Bench Press Championship, posting 154 lbs. (70 kg) classic, and 198 lbs. (90 kg) equipped—meaning with a weight belt and gloves—which was a new personal best.“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,” said his mother Judith, who’s also a powerlifter. “But that they see Dan there, smiling and laughing despite all his problems, and it gives them the motivation they need.” 22-yo with Down Syndrome Becomes Certified Fitness Instructor, Leads Class of 60 at Local Gym
