Meet Aubry Allbridge, the 22-year-old Utah woman with Down syndrome who became a certified fitness instructor and led her first class of 60 people.

Aubry Allbridge, a 22-year-old Utah woman with Down syndrome, has become a certified fitness instructor for the UpBeat Barre fitness program. Recently, he took another step on his journey by leading his first class at a local gym, which was attended by 60 people.Allbridge had attended 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 favorite. The program 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 routines and choreography during classes. Johnson said he had been watching his progress for several years.“She has an incredible brain. Aubry can learn choreography very quickly and retains it. She also knows all the lyrics to the songs, so she can sing 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 learned and guide others through the routine.“I had a great time,” Allbridge said after class. “I love being on stage. I love working out. I loved using my microphone and saying every cue, and I love meeting people and getting friends together.”

Aubry Allbridge wants everyone to feel included

In a recent Instagram post announcing that she had become a certified instructor, Allbridge talked about what she liked most about the course. It highlighted motivational cues and options for participants.For Allbridge, the focus is not just on completing the training. She also wants the people who participate in her classes to feel included. His approach was reflected in the way he described his 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 goal is to help her move from completing certification to working as an instructor.

Fitness has also helped other people with Down syndrome

Allbridge’s experience is also linked to a broader example of how fitness can become an important part of the lives of 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 child. Later, as a teenager, he became wheelchair-bound. He started lifting weights when he needed to lose weight.In 2023, MacGauley placed first at the European Bench Press Championships. 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 weightlifter, said his presence at the gym had encouraged other people.“A lot of people have told us that they go to work and come home after a long day and it’s an effort to go to the gym,” he said. “But seeing Dan there, smiling and laughing despite all his problems, gives them the motivation they need.”