Utah Woman With Down Syndrome Turns Her Love of Fitness Into a Teaching Career
Aubry Allbridge is bringing energy, friendship, and a welcoming spirit to the fitness community in Kaysville, Utah.
At 22, Allbridge has earned certification as an instructor for UpBeat Barre, a lively program that blends strength training, Pilates, cardio, and yoga. The accomplishment allows her to share two of her greatest joys: exercise and connecting with others.
Jane Johnson, an UpBeat Barre instructor and co-owner of VASA Fitness in Kaysville, recognized Allbridge’s abilities after watching her participate in classes for several years. She was especially impressed by the young woman’s talent for quickly learning choreography and remembering routines.
“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.
Allbridge has taken part in a variety of fitness programs, including Zumba, UpBeat Pilates, HIGH Fitness, and SilverSneakers. UpBeat Barre, however, became her favorite.
After completing her instructor training, she made her teaching debut before a class of 60 participants. The experience gave her an opportunity to lead from the stage, encourage others, and create the inclusive atmosphere she values.
“I had such a fun time,” Allbridge said. “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.”
While announcing her certification on Instagram, Allbridge said the part of the course she enjoyed most was learning motivational cues and offering different exercise options “to make everyone feel included.”
Johnson is now helping her transform the certification into a full-time position at the gym. Meaningful, independent employment can open doors to confidence and fulfillment for people with intellectual disabilities, while regular physical activity can also have a powerful effect on health and well-being.
Another athlete who has inspired people through fitness is Dan MacGauley, a powerlifter with Down syndrome and autism who is also deaf in his left ear. MacGauley underwent two open-heart surgeries as a toddler. As a teenager, he used a wheelchair and began lifting weights while working to improve his health.
His dedication eventually carried him to the 2023 European Bench Press Championship, where he earned first place. He lifted 154 pounds in the classic competition and achieved a personal best of 198 pounds in the equipped category.
MacGauley’s joyful determination has encouraged many people around him, according to his mother, Judith, who is also a powerlifter.
“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.”
Like MacGauley, Allbridge is showing how a love of movement can grow into something even greater. Her journey from enthusiastic student to certified teacher is helping others feel supported, included, and excited to get moving.
