Full Breakdown
Aubry Alldredge Becomes First Certified Fitness Instructor with Down Syndrome
9/6/2026, 10:45:56 PM
Milestone Achievement
Aubry Alldredge, a 22-year-old from Kaysville, Utah, recently earned certification as an UpBeat Barre instructor, marking the first time a person with Down syndrome has achieved this credential. After years of attending classes at VASA Fitness—including Zumba, dance, HIIT, UpBeat Pilates, SilverSneakers, and her favorite UpBeat Barre—she taught her inaugural class to more than 60 participants. Alldredge said she enjoys the stage, the mic, and “collecting friends” while motivating class members.
Path to Certification
Alldredge’s progression from participant to instructor stemmed from her long-standing involvement in the gym’s community. Co-owner and UpBeat Barre instructor Jane Johnson noted that Alldredge often demonstrated choreography during regular sessions, quickly mastering routines and song lyrics. This familiarity, combined with Alldredge’s enthusiasm for exercise and social interaction, paved the way for her formal certification and the launch of her own classes.
Official Statements & Responses
Johnson emphasized that the gym’s mission includes expanding inclusivity, and she expressed delight that Alldredge’s certification aligns with that goal. Alldredge’s mother, Cindy Alldredge, explained that Aubry co-authored a children’s book titled *I Have a Six Pack* with her sisters, a playful reference to Aubry’s six rescued dogs. The family hopes the book promotes positivity for the Down syndrome community and encourages dog adoption.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I want to help everyone feel good, and I love to wear a mic, and I love showing options,” — Aubry Alldredge
- “Aubry has come to our classes for years, and even sometimes she'll turn around and teach the class because she knows the choreography really well,” — Jane Johnson
- “Finding ways to be inclusive has been one of our missions,” — Jane Johnson
- “They wanted to create something that would help create positivity for the Down syndrome community, but also for dogs,” — Cindy Alldredge
- “Aubry is a light, and she brings so much joy to so many people,” — Jane Johnson
Looking Ahead
Johnson indicated that the gym is working to list Alldredge as an official instructor, a step that would further the center’s inclusive objectives. Alldredge plans to expand her class schedule, continue writing, and keep “collecting friends” through fitness and community outreach.
