Ashley Downes
IFBB Pro Athlete & Coach
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About Me.
Ashley Downes is a dedicated IFBB Pro athlete, coach, and owner of FitFuel Nutrition, Fitness, & Cryotherapy in Jasper, IN. With a passion for health, fitness, and empowering others, Ashley specializes in guiding athletes through competitive bodybuilding journeys while prioritizing long-term wellness and sustainability.
Why Work with me?
Contact Information
Email: adownes@fitfuelnutritionllc.com
Phone: 812-631-1040
Preferred Contact Method: Email or Text
Website: www.fitfuelnutritionllc.com
Specialties
Ashley specializes in the following divisions:
Fit Model
Bikini
Wellness
Fitness
Figure
She also offers choreography for Fitness routines to help athletes stand out on stage.
Background and Experience
Ashley began her personal bodybuilding journey in 2018, earning her IFBB Pro Card in 2021 and actively competing at the Pro level since then. She has been coaching bodybuilding and physique athletes for competitions since 2021, with a foundation as a personal trainer and group fitness instructor dating back to 2008. Her own experiences, including navigating postpartum recovery after her fourth child in 2022 and overcoming a major knee injury in 2024, have shaped her empathetic and resilient approach to coaching.
Coaching Approach
Ashley's coaching philosophy is realistic, healthy, safe, and manageable, with a strong emphasis on long-term success and athlete longevity in the sport. She meets athletes where they are, customizing plans to fit individual bodies, lifestyles, and goals. Key elements include:
Weekly Check-Ins: Close monitoring of progress with adjustments to macros and cardio as needed.
FitFuel App: Tracks weight, progress photos, food logs for accountability, and delivers customized training programs.
Individualization: No two plans are alike, always prioritizing the athlete's overall health.
Comprehensive Support: From prep to peak week, suit selection, show day guidance, post-show reverse dieting, and 24/7 availability.
Stance on Supplements
Supplements are viewed as practical tools to enhance performance once the fundamentals—consistent nutrition, structured training, and recovery—are in place. Ashley recommends options like creatine, glutamine, BCAAs, pre-workout, and quality protein powders based on individual needs. As a proud natural athlete, she does not promote or prescribe PEDs; any related guidance must come from external sources, though she supports athletes on their chosen paths.
Handling Challenges Like Injuries, Plateaus, or Hormonal Imbalances
Drawing from personal experiences—such as returning to the stage 10 months postpartum while breastfeeding and pivoting from Fitness to Bikini after a 2024 knee injury requiring surgery—Ashley addresses roadblocks with empathy, flexibility, and a positive mindset. She assesses situations, adjusts training and nutrition, focuses on achievable goals, and helps athletes grow stronger mentally and physically. Her 2nd place finish at the 2024 KC Natural Pro, just a year post-injury, exemplifies her commitment to perseverance.
Fees and Services
Ashley's competition prep package is a monthly subscription that includes:
Initial consult call
Weekly email check-ins
Customized macros and workouts
Food log and progress tracking via FitFuel app
Supplement suggestions
Private team chat group
Posing guidance
Peak week plans
Suit selection assistance
Show day instruction
Post-show reverse diet plans
24/7 support
Pricing:
Monthly Prep Plan: $200
6-Month Prep Plan: $1,080
Monthly Meal Plan: $100
6-Month Meal Plan: $540
30-Minute Posing Session (in-person or online): $45
4-Pack of 30-Minute Posing Sessions: $160
Degrees and Certifications
Degree in Health and Fitness from Purdue University (Co-Ed Cheerleader, 2001-2005)
ACE-Certified Personal Trainer
NASM-Certified Physique and Bodybuilding Coach
Precision Nutrition (PN-1) Certified Nutrition Specialist
Additional Certifications: Lifestyle and Weight Management, Group Fitness, Sports Conditioning, Behavior Change Management
Outside of fitness, Ashley is a wife and mother to three boys and one girl, driven to help others build confidence through health and wellness.