Our Trainers
John Vivian
Co-founder and Trainer
A fitness enthusiast for several years, John discovered CrossFit in early 2005. Upon realising the potency of CrossFit, he began his journey of learning and sharing the benefits of athletic training.
Now a Certified CrossFit Level 2 Trainer, he continues to evolve his fitness knowledge and coaching skills. In addition to his CrossFit certifications, he has received training from the Ontario Weightlifting Association and is a Certified Agatsu Kettlebell Instructor.
John is also an avid martial arts student having begun his training in JKD Concepts and the Filipino Martial Arts in 1997 under renown JKD Concepts instructor, Makoto Kabayama. John continues to improve his martial arts repertoire, also training with Jason Lancucki of SBG Toronto, whom John considers one of his most influential coaches, as well as studying BJJ (Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu) with Elliott Bayev, head instructor at OpenMat Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
John’s current certifications include:
- Certified CrossFit Level 2 trainer
- CrossFit Specialty Certifications
- Olympic Lifting
- Basic Barbell
- Endurance
- Nutrition
- Mobility
- Agatsu Kettlebell Instructor
- CPR and First Aid
- Apprentice instructor in JKD Concepts under Makoto Kabayama
Machiko Emoto
Co-founder and Trainer
A dedicated, charismatic, and enthusiastic CrossFitter, Machiko is a Certified CrossFit Level 2 Trainer, a Certified Agatsu Kettlebell Instructor, and an OWA-trained member of the Ontario Weightlifting Association.
Machiko’s current certifications include:
- Certified CrossFit Level 2 trainer
- CrossFit Specialty Certifications
- Olympic Lifting
- Basic Barbell
- Endurance
- Nutrition
- Mobility
- Agatsu Kettlebell Instructor
- CPR and First Aid
Angela Sibbald
Trainer
What do you get when a former gymnast obtains a Bachelors Degree in Exercise & Sports Science with a specialty in athletic therapy, certifications in coaching and personal training, who accidentally discovers CrossFit Toronto in February 2008?
Angela Sibbald is a coach who has expertise in gymnastics, biomechanics, and injury prevention. Coupled with a die-hard passion for CrossFit, she will do anything to help you achieve all of your healthy lifestyle goals!
Angela admits to being a lifelong athlete with special interests in nutrition and injury prevention.
Angela’s certifications include:
- Certified CrossFit Level 1 trainer
- CrossFit Specialty Certifications
- Nutrition
- Gymnastics
- Can-Fit-Pro certified Personal Trainer Specialist
- NCCP Level 1 Gymnastics Coach
- Emergency First Responder
In addition to her passion for training, Angela loves kayaking, camping and alpine skiing… and you will find her most weekends in the winter providing emergency first aid as a volunteer Ski Patroller.Why does Angela love CrossFit? It helped her to achieve health and fitness goals that she didn’t even know she had, making her stronger in her 30′s then when she was a teenager all while making lifelong friends and being welcomed for who she is into an amazing fitness community.
Freyja Spence
Trainer
Freyja started out her career in athletics with classical ballet at the age of 2 and pursued it for a couple decades, adding in track, rock climbing, and eventually weight lifting along the way, all in an effort to achieve well-rounded fitness.
With a passion for all things athletic and science-related, she attended the University of Guelph for a H.B.Sc in Human Kinetics, with an emphasis in clinical biomechanics and nutrition. While at Guelph she worked with the Health and Performance Center in fitness consulting for athletes.
In 2008, she stumbled on CrossFit while working as a consultant and personal trainer in Toronto and has not looked back.
Freyja’s certifications include:
- Certified CrossFit Level 1 trainer
- CrossFit Specialty Certifications
- Olympic Lifting
- Movement and Mobility
- CPR and First Aid
- CPTN Certified Personal Trainer
Andrew Midmer
Trainer
Andrew first heard about CrossFit through his girlfriend’s brother, an RCMP officer, back in 2006. Andrew quickly saw the benefits of this fitness regime and has used CrossFit ever since.
After seeing significant physical benefits, the desire to coach friends and family became a focal point. Andrew came to CrossFit Toronto in early 2010 with a desire to perfect his coaching skills and join a community of like-minded fitness enthusiasts.
Andrew has since successfully completed his CrossFit Level 1 certification and has attended several seminars focusing on Olympic-style weightlifting and nutrition.
Andrew compliments his CrossFit training with his practice of aiki jiujitsu, which has aided in his understanding of morale, confidence and group dynamics.
Andrew’s current certifications include:
- Certified CrossFit Level 1 trainer
- CrossFit Specialty Certifications
- Olympic Lifting
Alex Naraine
Trainer
Alex is an avid, outgoing and zealous CrossFitter with a penchant for pushing himself and those he coaches to uncharted fitness highs. He discovered CrossFit in the fall of 2006 after finishing his basic training with the Canadian Forces and soon realized the potential for CrossFit to take his fitness to unparalleled peaks.
He was recently deployed to Afghanistan and credits CrossFit for preparing him for the mental and physical rigors of operating in a combat environment.
Alex’s fitness knowledge is constantly evolving and he aspires to share this knowledge with athletes using a candid, engaging and vocal coaching style.
Alex’s current certifications include:
- Certified CrossFit Level 1 trainer
- CrossFit Specialty Certifications
- Nutrition
