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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.

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.

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.

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!

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).

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.

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.

a white person on a massage table. They are on their stomach and leaning on their forearms facing the camera.
  • How is top surgery done?
    Female-to-male (FTM) top surgery, (FTX) Female to Non Binary), also known as chest reconstruction surgery, reshapes the chest to create a more masculine appearance: Breast tissue removal: Excess breast tissue is removed to create a flatter chest. Nipple repositioning: Nipples are repositioned to create a more natural-looking flat chest. Areola movement and shrinking: Areolas may be moved and shrunk. Liposuction: For smaller breasts, liposuction may be used to create definition and contour. Double incision: For larger breasts, the double incision technique may be used to save the pectoralis major muscle. The type of surgery used depends on the patient's chest size, body type, skin type, and nipple size and position.
  • How much does top surgery cost?
    The cost of top surgery varies by country, the type of surgery, and the surgeon. Depending on where you are, you might have the entire procedure covered, get a rebate for the hospital stay, a rebate for the anaesthetist, or have no coverage at all. These are some general price ranges for a few countries: - USA: Top surgery can cost between $6,800 and $15,000 - Australia: Top surgery can cost between $10,000 and $20,000 - Canada: Top surgery can cost between $4,000 and $12,000 - UK: Top surgery typically costs between $10,000 and $15,500 - Philippines: Top surgery can cost around $2,700 - Thailand: Top surgery can cost between $2,600 and $7,000
  • How is the e-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's the difference between top surgery vs mastectomy?
    The main difference between masculinizing top surgery and a mastectomy is their purpose: top surgery is a gender-affirming procedure, while a mastectomy is a treatment for breast cancer. Therefore the procedures are carried out with very different goals in mind. Top surgery reshapes the chest to align a person's physical appearance with their gender identity. A mastectomy is a procedure that removes as much breast tissue as possible to combat breast cancer. The extent of the disease might require the removal of the entire breast tissue. This surgery is performed in the presence of a large tumor, multiple tumors in the breast, when cancer has spread and, in some cases, as a preventative measure. Surgical approaches vary. A simple mastectomy involves removing the entire breast tissue but leaves the chest muscles intact. Radical mastectomies remove the chest muscles. Post-care following mastectomy involves a recovery period. It may include reconstructive surgery to restore the appearance of the breasts. Therapies like chemotherapy or radiation may be recommended based on the medical diagnosis. A mastectomy is important to improve long-term outcomes for those facing a cancer diagnosis. There are different types of top surgery. Options include double incision, periareolar, and keyhole techniques. Double incision is the most common. It involves horizontal incisions with nipple grafts. It is best for larger chest sizes. Periareolar, or keyhole surgery, is used for those with smaller chests. It involves minimal incisions around the areola. The keyhole technique keeps nipple sensation and reduces scarring. By understanding each technique, you can choose the option that best suits your goals. The outcomes are transformative both physically and emotionally.
  • Do I need any equipment for the e-course?
    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.
  • Can you have top surgery without hormones?
    Yes! In fact, I booked my appointment before I started HRT. However, whilst i was on the waitlist, I decided to begin taking testosterone. Hormone therapy generally doesn't affect the results of the procedure, and whether or not to take testosterone is a personal decision.However, some patients may notice that being on testosterone before surgery can add volume to the chest muscles.
  • What currency is the price listed in?
    Canadian dollars.
  • How to prevent 'dog ears' in top surgery?
    Following a double incision mastectomy, some patients may experience the formation of “dog ears.” This term describes the excess skin and fat that extends and bulges at the ends of the surgical incision, primarily seen around the chest’s outer edges near the armpit. This puckering effect occurs when the skin doesn’t lay flat against the body contour. The formation of “dog ears” can be influenced by several factors. Understanding these can help in minimising their occurrence after surgery. Here are a few factors to consider: Physiology and Natural Body Contour The inherent symmetry and contour of your chest play a significant role in how your skin adjusts after a mastectomy. Every individual’s body structure is unique, which can affect the final outcome of the surgery. Maintaining Ideal Weight Being at or near your ideal weight before undergoing a double incision mastectomy can greatly influence the success of the procedure in terms of aesthetics. While having excess body weight does not guarantee the development of dog ears, carrying less weight can reduce the risk. This is due to less fat under the skin at the incision sites, which can make it easier to achieve smoother results. Surgical Technique: The Length of Incisions Opting for a slightly longer incision that extends around the side of your body towards your back can also decrease the likelihood of dog ears. This approach allows for more skin to be adjusted and redistributed evenly, preventing puckering at the ends of the incisions. Rigorous Postoperative Care Adhering to your surgeon’s postoperative care instructions is critical for a smooth recovery and healing process. Following these guidelines helps ensure that the incision heals properly and the skin adjusts well to the new contours of the chest. This includes managing swelling, preventing infection, and supporting proper wound closure, all of which contribute to the overall appearance after surgery. These guidelines are explained in the 'Heal & Thrive' course!
  • When was ftm top surgery invented?
    The first gender confirmation surgery, which is considered the beginning of top surgery, is said to have taken place in Berlin in 1912. However, gender-affirming surgeries were not common until the 1970s.
  • 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.
  • Senior Fitness Gabriola
    If you're looking for an exercise class, you can check my schedule on the class timetable page. If you're wanting personal training, you can send me an email or fill out my contact form on the home page. .
  • 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!
  • Transgender trainer Canada
    If you're looking for someone who understands you, then look no further! I love empowering other trans and gender diverse people to feel their best on the inside, and outside. I know why it's important to be coached by someone in your own community. It provides a sense of safety, reduces time spent explaining, or answering awkward questions, & just feels cool to meet someone that gets it! I offer e-courses, custom programs for you to follow at home, or in the gym, and personal training sessions.
  • 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!
  • Inclusive gym near me
    You can find my list of resources in my shop. This is a FREE downloadable PDF which includes coaches in Montreal. If you're located elsewhere, I would recommend checking out the resource list from Ilya Parker, who runs Decolonizing Fitness.
  • How does gender affirming top surgery work?
    Female-to-male (FTM) top surgery, (FTX) Female to Non Binary), also known as chest reconstruction surgery, reshapes the chest to create a more masculine appearance: Breast tissue removal: Excess breast tissue is removed to create a flatter chest. Nipple repositioning: Nipples are repositioned to create a more natural-looking flat chest. Areola movement and shrinking: Areolas may be moved and shrunk. Liposuction: For smaller breasts, liposuction may be used to create definition and contour. Double incision: For larger breasts, the double incision technique may be used to save the pectoralis major muscle. The type of surgery used depends on the patient's chest size, body type, skin type, and nipple size and position.
  • 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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