Global Down Syndrome Foundation
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Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fitness Class with Pure Barre

Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fitness Class with Pure Barre

Colorado

The Global Down Syndrome Foundation launched the Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fitness Class with Pure Barre for adults with Down syndrome in the summer of 2011. The idea for the class came about when long-time supporter of the Global Down Syndrome Foundation, Patricia McDonnell, introduced the Red Rocks Church Sports Director, Scott Russomanno, to Executive Director, Michelle Sie Whitten, to discuss fitness challenges facing adults with Down syndrome.

Instructors lead a Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fitness Class

In less than a month, Scott helped the Global Down Syndrome Foundation organize the first Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fitness Class for adults with Down syndrome. The class is a based on the Pure Barre technique, a total body workout utilizing the ballet barre to perform movements set to up-tempo music.

The class runs once a week for 12 consecutive weeks. Each week, Pure Barre instructor Briget Russomanno, and a team of volunteers lead participants through a series of fun and safe muscle building and flexibility enhancing exercises, all to the beat of a fantastic and energizing music mix.

Patricia C. Winders, the Sie Center’s world-renowned physical therapist and Down syndrome expert, has created basic safety guidelines for the participants and Global Down Syndrome Foundation staff and volunteers are always on site. Participants also get social networking opportunities and leadership training as towards the end of the classes, each participant is given the opportunity to teach a segment of the class.

Meet the Fitness Class Instructors

At the Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fitness Class, males and females ages 16 and over are welcome to join and learn the Pure Barre technique as a fast and effective way to improve overall fitness.

If you have any questions, please contact us at programs@globaldownsyndrome.org.