strengthening the squamish community since 2009.

Since 2009, the mission has been simple: we want the time you spend here make you a better version of yourself. We’re focused on performance, but not at the expense of community or having fun. Although our goals as individuals may be our own, we train together and support those around us. This place is made up of a very unique and diverse group of athletes, coaches, and practitioners who are all part of what makes Squamish Barbell what it is.

OUR FACILITIES

5000 SQFT OF CUSTOM BUILT TRAINING SPACE.

Our facility in Squamish, BC is a 5,000-square-foot, custom-built training space, with a clinic on site. A space is dedicated to CrossFit classes and the rest devoted to lifting, private training, and specialized group sessions. We’ve poured 15 years into creating this space and we believe it shows. We train with many unique implements and have a full complement of specialty bars, machines, sleds, strongman equipment and some customized gear designed in-house and only found at Squamish Barbell.

When you join us for a CrossFit class, you have your own dedicated station. We cap our class numbers so every athlete has access to the equipment and space they need to train effectively and safely.

COACHING TEAM

THE SQB COACHES.

Our coaches each have their own approach, but we all have one thing in common: we’re passionate about our job and love working with people. We’re always learning, and most importantly, paying attention to those we work with so we can continuously improve, not only our athletes but ourselves.

OWNER, HEAD COACH & LEAD PROGRAMMER.

JESSE BIFANO

As the owner of Squamish Barbell, Jesse has done the programming (for both CrossFit and lifting), week in week out, since he opened the doors in 2009. He coaches group classes weekly, alongside privates. He works with professional athletes, local and international, and travels globally as a coach.  Read more about Jesse below.

  • Jesse has been competing in sports for more than 25 years. He has raced mountain bikes, run ultra distance events (125km), climbed all over the world, and competed for logger sports, strongman, and powerlifting. He started CrossFit in 2007 (training off mainsite) and has since travelled the world to expand his coaching skills and knowledge. He shares his experience via the Conjugate Nation podcast.

    As the owner of Squamish Barbell, Jesse has done the programming (for both CrossFit and lifting), week in week out, since he opened the doors in 2009. He coaches group classes weekly, alongside privates. He works with professional athletes, local and international, and travels globally as a coach.

    You'll find him in the gym most every day of the week, either training or coaching.

    • CrossFit Level 2

    • CrossFit Science of Exercise

    • CrossFit Endurance

    • CrossFit Barbell

    • CrossFit Nutrition

    • CrossFit Kids

    • CrossFit Olympic Lifting

    • CrossFit Mobility & Recovery

    • CrossFit Concept 2 Rowing

    • CrossFit Gymnastics

    • CrossFit Kettlebell

    • CrossFit Powerlifting (Westside Barbell)

    • Conjugate Methods Course

    • Olympic Weightlifting (Greg Everett)

    • NCCP Olympic Weightlifting

    • Ma Strength Weightlifting Levels 1,2, and 3

photo coming soon.

Matt Payne

CROSSFIT, LIFTING, PRIVATE TRAINING

  • Matt took an unconventional path to strength training, having spent a childhood immersed in music and art. An early love for skiing and hiking was instilled while growing up in the mountains of Newfoundland, but it wasn’t until he started learning ballet as a teenager that he took an interest in strength training. In the following years, his fascination with the human body inspired him to learn firsthand how movement can be used to unlock our fullest potential inside and outside of the gym. Matt passionately believes that movement is medicine. As a CrossFit coach and personal trainer, he draws on his own experiences as a performer, athlete and paramedic to bring a holistic approach to training.

    • CrossFit Level

    • 1NASM Certified Personal Trainer (NASM-CPT)

    • Darby Training Systems (DTS) Fascial Mobility Training Practitioner (FMT)

FIONA MINTY

CROSSFIT, LIFTING, PRIVATE TRAINING

  • Fi is a CrossFit Level 1 trainer with a love for gritty workouts and heavy deadlifts. She enjoys coaching people who want to better themselves, both in sport and everyday life. In her spare time, she dabbles in trail running.

    • CrossFit Level 1

Taralyn Mile

CROSSFIT, LIFTING, PERINATAL, PRIVATE TRAINING

  • Taralyn started her coaching journey in 2021 after graduating top of her class with a degree in Kinesiology. During her academic career, she became a mom of two, which sparked her desire for perinatal training. When Taralyn’s not folding laundry and supplying endless snacks, she spends time with her new love: lifting heavy. Taralyn is certified under the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology with Pre and Postnatal Exercise Specialization.

    • Diploma in Human Kinetics Exercise Science (Capilano University)

    • CrossFit Level 1

    • CSEP-CPT

    • NASM-CPT

    • CSEP Pre & Postnatal Exercise Specialization™

    • BCRPA Group Fitness

    • CPR-C & AED (St. John Ambulance)

    • SportMed BC Athletic Taping and Standard First Aid

    • HIGH FIVE® Certified

RORY BALDWIN

CROSSFIT, LIFTING, PRIVATE TRAINING

  • Rory started at Squamish Barbell in 2011 in the first teen program offered at the gym. He received his CrossFit Level 1 certificate and started coaching classes in 2018. Since that time, he has received his CrossFit Level 2 certificate and expanded his coaching skills with powerlifting, personal training and youth programs. Rory has served with the British Columbia Wildfire Service for eight seasons and works in carpentry.

    • BA Geography UBC Okanagan

    • CrossFit Level 2

    • CrossFit Powerlifting

    • Ma Strength Weightlifting Levels 1,2, and 3

Ellen Sobieniak

CROSSFIT, LIFTING, KIDS PROGRAMS

  • Ellen has been coaching CrossFit and CrossFit Kids at Squamish Barbell for over ten years. She has competed in CrossFit, Weightlifting and Strongman. Ellen is also a PE teacher of 16 years in Squamish.

    • Bachelor of Education (University of Victoria)

    • CrossFit Level 2

    • CrossFit Kids

    • CrossFit Powerlifting

    • CrossFit Concept 2 Rowing

    • Catalyst Athletics Olympic Weightlifting

    • Ma Strength Weightlifting Levels 1,2, and 3

Zac McHugh

CROSSFIT, LIFTING, PRIVATE TRAINING

  • Zac found CrossFit after a major back surgery and it taught him the important role strength and sport contribute to overall physical and mental health. He received his CrossFit level 1 in 2009. Through CrossFit, Zac found a love for coaching and a hunger for learning and competing in anything strength-sport related. For the last 16 years, he has been competing in CrossFit, Olympic weightlifting, and currently Powerlifting, in addition to the occasional Strongman event. Zac is a Level 2 CrossFit trainer and consistently attends seminars and courses, increasing his knowledge and ability to coach and compete.

    • CrossFit Level 2

    • CrossFit Gymnastics

    • Ma Strength Weightlifting Levels 1 and 2

    • CrossFit Nutrition

JAYDE QUILTY

YOUTH PROGRAMS

  • Jayde Quilty has been with Squamish Barbell since 2014, starting as a full-time coach and athlete. Along with coaching, Jayde spent five years competing in CrossFit. She competed at a world level and became one of the top contenders in Canada during her time on the competition floor. Jayde has over ten years of experience coaching adults and youth at Squamish Barbell and is well-rounded across all the skills. She has a passion for working with female youth, instilling confidence and teaching safe movement in a fun and motivating atmosphere. Today, she works with both adults and youths in the gym, while also being a career firefighter. She operates with high levels of enthusiasm, scares easily, and has a tremendous love for cows.

    • CrossFit Level 2

    • CrossFit Kids

    • CrossFit Powerlifting

    • BCRPA Group Fitness

Jason Noel

CROSSFIT

  • Jason’s CrossFit journey began in 2006; he did his first WOD (Helen) with Coach Greg Glassman in the Science World parking lot. Since then, Jason has enjoyed the full breadth of the CrossFit experience, going from an eager foundations student to a four-time Regionals athlete, to a coach.

    Jason truly believes that Squamish Barbell is one of the best CrossFit gyms in the world and is honoured to be a part of it. You may see Jason in class if “bench” is programmed and you will 100% see Jason participate each year in the CrossFit Open!

    • CrossFit Level 1

    • CrossFit Mobility

    • NCCP Olympic Weightlifting

Ian MacKay

CROSSFIT

  • Ian MacKay is a dedicated CrossFit coach at Squamish Barbell, bringing a wealth of experience and passion to the coaching team. Ian began his CrossFit journey in 2013 and quickly developed a deep love for the sport. Joining Squamish Barbell staff in 2017, Ian has played a vital role in guiding athletes towards their fitness goals. In 2023, he achieved his Level Two CrossFit certification, further solidifying his expertise in coaching and training methodologies.

    Outside of the gym, Ian leads a dynamic and fulfilling life. As a critical care nurse, he provides essential medical care in the corridor and extends his expertise to humanitarian efforts abroad, offering aid to those in need. Additionally, Ian serves as a ski patroller in Whistler, ensuring the safety of fellow skiers, and volunteers as a marine search and rescue team member, showcasing his commitment to serving and protecting the community both on land and at sea. Ian's diverse experiences and unwavering dedication make him a valuable asset in the fitness world and in his various humanitarian and rescue endeavours.

    • CrossFit Level 2

    • Ma Strength Weightlifting Levels 1,2, and 3

MEMBERSHIPS & PASSES

pricing

We have a range of memberships and passes. See all of our options using the dropdown menu. Prices do not include taxes.

  • 1 Week: $55

    1 Month: $198

    3 Month: $565

    6 Month: $1070

  • Drop In: $22

    10 Pass: $185

    20 Pass: $350

  • One-On-One: $85/hour

    Two-On-One: $140/hour

    Three-On-One: $165/hour

    *email for more options