What has always struck me about Bec is her commitment but more importantly her passion and love for life in general.
With the greatest smile and contagious laugh she makes the perfect individual for our awesome community.
Below is Bec`s Journey in her own words.
Can you tell us a little about your CrossFit journey to date?
I started CrossFit in 2012 after being encouraged by my brother to try something different. I’d always been an active person, however, the boredom of pump classes and spin classes was not producing many results.
What changes have you seen in yourself, physically and mentally, from the beginning of your journey to now?
I am a hell of a lot stronger than I thought I could ever be and have worked hard most of my life to maintain a healthy body weight. CrossFit has allowed me to appreciate my body for what it is and not compare it constantly to others. I found it difficult in the beginning not to compare my PBs with others and was wondering why I could not lift the weight but I understand now CrossFit is an individual journey. You have good weeks and bad weeks, you just have to go with the ebbs and flow of how your body wants to work.
Tell us your five most addictive things about CrossFit that you can't live without and keep you coming back for more?
It has to be the people and the release of endorphins after finishing a workout. Knowing when I get to the box at 5.30am I can have a laugh (and a hug from Gab) is the main thing that gets me up that early. Whether it’s Steve letting some rip during back squats, or Wil turning up at 6.02am and doing some bicep curls, there is never a shortage of laughs. Also knowing that I am doing something in my life now that will help me later in life is a great feeling.
You're a school teacher with a busy schedule. How does CrossFit help keep your life balanced? Training early in the morning is a great way to start the day.
Gab has been great in accommodating my new job hours and I could just never use the excuse I cannot find the time to train. Most of my students cannot understand why I am so happy in the morning. I also love that I can educate my students as to the importance of a healthy lifestyle. Also when I worked at an all boys school, being able to deadlift 90kg gave me some street cred! They knew they couldn't mess with me.
You've got a mean overhead squat in you. Can you tell us how that came to be "your" power movement?
mm…you have to be good at one movement and overhead squat is it for me. It is something I have always felt strong with. I think maybe having strong shoulders has allowed be to feel like I can lock out the bar and feel steady in my squat.
You are known around the box for your beautifully bubbly and bright nature, great sense of humour and infectious laugh. How important is it to step into the box and be yourself?
It is so important. As many of us know it is so hard not to compare yourself to others, but to let that go is the best feeling in the world. I also think when people in the box are seeing you at 6am, hair all over the place, no make-up and some sleep in your eyes you really have no option but to be yourself.
You've been hit with some injuries over the past few months, but one of the most admiring things about that is that you just kept showing up. Tell us a little about that.... what you did and what advice you have for other athletes who have an injury.
I have had to manage many injuries, the biggest being two prolapsed discs, and with the support of Gab and friends at the box I have learned to manage it. I used to beat myself up for not being able to train at my best, but realise now as long as I get there and move that is better than nothing.
Okay, we've all got those movements we hate, so..... what are the movements you dread and why?
Thrusters. It’s the breathing, I just can’t seem to get it right.
OHS aside, what are your other favourites and what's to love about them?
I actually don’t mind burpees because it feels like every muscle is working. I have also come to love the rower after not being able to run.
Everyone comes to the box for different reasons and has their own path. What is Crossfit for you?
I remember taking 3 months off CrossFit a few years ago because of my back injury, but I couldn’t find anything that really motivated me to get out of bed in the morning. The functional, high intensity workouts are the best form of exercise. I have never felt as strong and healthy in my life.
You train with your brother, Matt. Can you tell us a little bit about how training together strengthens your bond as brother and sister?
Thank goodness for my brother! As many have you know, he is not only my brother but my personal masseuse. He has been through the good times and the bad, helped me with my injuries and supported me 100%. He motivates me, inspires me and makes me laugh every day.
We know you, but we want to know more. So..... here's a few questions about you....
.... if you had to sum you up in a song, what song would you be and why? Girls Just Want to Have Fun – we all should have more fun in our lives.
.... you've been immortalised with your very own 'St Bec' day. What would the annual celebrations look like on that day? Red wine and cheese for everyone!
.... you win tattslotto and become an instant millionaire. What would you do? Travel around the world. I love kids so volunteer with children that cannot afford an education.
.... if you had one day to live over again, what would you pick? Reaching Mt Everest base camp…best feeling in the world. It was the hardest thing I have ever done.
.... what is your motto in life? Don’t take life to seriously.
.... be invisible or be able to read people's minds? Invisible
You're still Crossfitting in a year's time. What will CrossFit Bec be doing then? What will she look like?
Hopefully injury free and still having a laugh, enjoying training and have more of a tan.
In the middle of a WOD, what animal would best represent you?
Tortoise…slow and steady wins the race.
You've been asked to write a sales pitch for CrossFit. How would you pitch it?
Will change your life! You will make some great friends, challenge yourself and be able to do things you never thought your body was capable of.
CrossFit Inc. decide to name and design a WOD in your honour. What would the 'Bec' WOD be?Bec's WOD
1 Rounds for time:
33 Cal Row
22 Over-head squats 30/50
11 Pull-ups
33 Cal Row
22 Burpees over bar
11 Pull-ups
33 Cal Row
22 Shoulder-to-overhead 30/50
11 Pull-ups