Concept2 Celebrates Women: Bec Giles

International Women's Day is Friday, March 8. It is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity. We have spoken with several women we'd like to celebrate for their fitness achievements and in honor of International Women's Day.

Bec Giles: I’m a full-time personal trainer and club manager in Australia at Peak Altitude Training/F.I.T Sydney CBD and also do two nights at the Concord location. I overcame an eating disorder in my late teens, then studied personal training and left my long-term, retail manager role to work full-time in the fitness industry. I was a very active child, always doing handstands, climbing up walls or dancing. I got into figure skating on roller skates and competed in nationals with a team when I was 13. I also played touch football and danced. My current training is mostly running, ergs and strength. I love being competitive and always look to improve at what I’m doing. I’m currently training for an Ultra marathon held in the Blue Mountains in May.

Have you always been an athlete? Growing up I have always done sports—figure skating, dancing, touch football, gymnastics.

What was your first sport, and how did you get started? Gymnastics at the age of 3. I was always a monkey so my parents thought I’d be great at it.

Who has been an influential coach in your career? Jane Erbacher and Scott Reynolds.

What/who got you into using Concept2 equipment? Jane Erbacher with her 4 minute world record on Instagram. I had never used a SkiErg until I signed up to do a 5-hour Everest challenge. Scott Reynolds put on at Peak Altitude which involved a team of 3. 21km row, ski, 42km assault and 1000 burpees.

What is your favorite workout on a Concept2 product (and why)? I love longer distances—2km, 5km, 10km—and team relays. Anything to push my mental and physical strength.

What is your proudest moment in sport? Running an Ultra marathon. First year competing in the SkiErg 1000m sprint and claiming the Australian record along with claiming the 10k SkiErg World Record.

What athletes inspire you? Tia Toomey, Courtney Dauwalter, Lucy Bartholomew.

What are the biggest challenges you face in your sport/training? Accepting that every workout isn’t going to be a PB [Personal Best] and I’m going to have good and bad days.

What advice would you give women and girls for pursuing sports? Advice I would give other women is to find something you like doing. It will help with your health and mental health. Do it regularly and do not fear failure. Failure is what makes us stronger and more determined to move forward. I believe if you want something bad enough, you are going to have to hurt, but it’s about holding on when you feel like giving up.