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MEET YOUR COACH

G'day! I'm Dibs Barisic Sprem.

I'm proud to be part of the fitness revolution. I'm a non-binary human of trans experience. I am an activist, certified fitness trainer, occasional podcast guest, sometimes writer, and full time creator of gender euphoria!

Dibs in home gym. They are in a deep squat stretching their goin and chest.

The mission

I have been a personal trainer and group fitness coach since 2017, and spent most of the last decade speaking to businesses about diversity and inclusion.

 

Inclusive fitness was born out of these two passions, and are very important to my mission: To make exercise fun, social, holistic, and accessible to all!

Dibs in home gym. They are in a deep squat stretching their goin and chest.

The mission

I have been a personal trainer and group fitness coach since 2017, and spent most of the last decade speaking to businesses about diversity and inclusion.

 

Inclusive fitness was born out of these two passions, and are very important to my mission: To make exercise fun, social, holistic, and accessible to all!

Dibs, the trainer, is wearing a strong athletic coach shirt. They have a face mask on and are squatting on astro turf whilst explaining an exercise to their client. Two power block dumbbells are on the floor.

The vision

The mainstream fitness industry is difficult to navigate, full of toxic masculinity, and promotes harmful beauty standards. It's easy to see how gender non conforming people, fat people, disabled people, and people of colour slip through the cracks, or are outright excluded.

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My vision is to empower marginalised people to become strong, resourceful athletes.

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Certified

Dibs studied at iPT Australia in 2017 to obtain their qualifications for group fitness and personal training.

Disability Friendly

In 2021 Dibs completed their Adaptive & Inclusive trainer certification. An online interactive course run by Adaptive Training Academy

Pre/Post Natal

In 2020 Dibs completed their pre & post-natal fitness instructor certification.

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This course was made inclusive for all pregnant bodies by Bebo Mia's consultations with Dibs.

Boxing

In 2018 Dibs completed their PUNCHFIT Level 1 Trainer course.

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Boxing for fitness doesn't involve any fighting or sparring. It is all about getting a good workout for your muscles & your heart!

I CAN RELATE

My special skills & where they came from

Having ADHD means I like to try many things! Some for a short time, and some for a long time. Whether or not the hobby ends, I usually gather some cool knowledge along the way. My favourite way to learn, is to do!

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I roller skate in skate parks, ride bicycles & motorbikes, played soccer for a decade, dabbled in roller derby, did competitive powerlifting, and tried a mud run (to get over my fear of filth...it didn't work).

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I've recovered from 4 surgeries, including a double mastectomy, finger reconstruction, & ACL hamstring graft. Honorable mentions go to a broken collar bone, rolled ankles, concussion & a dislocated shoulder.

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If you want an empathetic trainer, chances are I have some sort of lived experience related to your injury! As well as knowledge on how to heal safely.

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Cover art for the Resilient Fitness Revolution Podcast. A pink background with coach Dibs smiling

Check out the Pod!

It's true, we have a podcast! Listen to stories, in-depth discussions with experts and folks from all walks of life. Hope to see you there!

New skill unlocked!

I'm a Registered Massage Therapist with training in Swedish techniques.

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Receipts can be provided in Quebec, Canada.

a white person on a massage table. They are on their stomach and leaning on their forearms facing the camera.
  • How is the course delivered?
    The program includes video tutorials, worksheets and easy-to-follow written instructions. There will be live Q&A calls with Dibs for every cohort.
  • Do I need any equipment?
    Nope! Each exercise routine will show a weighted version and a body weight version.
  • Do I need a lot of space to practice?
    Not much. In fact there is a whole video lecture informing you of how to set up a functional workout area in your home! Most exercises just need enough room for you to be standing with your arms raised above your head, or laying down with your legs extended and arms above your head. Some exercises require wall space, or a furniture.
  • What currency is the price listed in?
    Canadian dollars.
  • How are you different from a regular gym trainer?
    I'm a non-binary human who is transgender, fully qualified, and looks at your goals through a holistic lens. Not many trainers out there can use this lived experience of being on (and off) Hormone Replacement Therapy, having and recovering from multiple surgeries, and being a gender expansive athlete. ​ I also DON'T center weight loss as a goal. My clients are encouraged to focus on building helpful habits, and finding ways to incorporate joyful movement into everyday life. ​ This doesn't mean I turn away clients who have aesthetic goals in mind. I help folks reframe their goals from outcomes to habits.
  • How does online training work?
    Online coaching can be done in many different ways. With me, you receive a program with video demonstrations to every warm up, exercise, and stretch. ​ We keep an open line of communication through your google sheet comments and sticky notes. You are also welcome to send videos of your form for exercises you think you need extra support with. ​ As for online personal training sessions, you can read this informative instagram post! ​ Don't have any equipment? Check this out!
  • What types of home fitness equipment do you recommend?
    The most budget friendly: Resistance bands & a door anchor. Level up: Adjustable dumbbell set. Getting serious: Adjustable workout bench. All in: Squat & bench press stands.
  • Do I need a gym membership to see you at (x, y, z)?
    No you don't! I work in gyms where personal training is the main activity. You won't find me at a public/chain gym. My fee covers your admission to anywhere I work. ​ If you want me to see you at a commercial gym that you are a member of, I will likely not be able to arrange that as those businesses have bans on external trainers conducting business on their premises.
  • Do you teach martial arts? Where can I go to a queer friendly boxing gym in Montreal?
    I don't teach martial arts, but I do coach boxing for fitness! I am certified to coach individuals and groups through boxing drills with gloves and focus pads. ​ Queer friendly, martial arts in Montreal can be found with Black Flag Combat Club. You can see their news and upcoming events on their social media pages. Facebook. Instagram.
  • I've had a bad experience with a trainer before, will I be safe under your guidance?
    The mainstream fitness industry is difficult to navigate, full of toxic masculinity, and promotes harmful beauty standards. It's easy to see how gender non conforming people, fat people, disabled people, and people of colour slip through the cracks, or are outright excluded. ​ It's my mission to help empower these groups of people to feel confident taking control of their fitness. ​ It is crucial for me to create inclusive gym spaces that promote positive body image, and self esteem. Working out in a queer friendly gym, with a non-intimidating, non judgemental personal trainer (like me), will change your perspective on fitness!
  • Do I need lots of space to practice?
    Most drills can be done standing, or sitting down in a chair. Some exercises require wall space, or a bed.
  • Is this course only for transgender people?
    Absolutely not! This course is for anyone who wants to learn how to best care for somebody who has gone through a masculinising chest surgery. Carers & medical practitioners are encouraged to join.
  • How is this course delivered?
    The program includes video tutorials, worksheets and easy-to-follow written instructions. There will be live Q&A calls with Dibs for every cohort.
  • What currency are the prices listed in?
    Canadian dollars
  • Do I need any equipment?
    No! There is no special equipment necessary. I will provide a list of suggested materials which are optional.
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