From Gym Floor to Online Coach: How Bec Gibbs Built Her Dream Career

After 10 years in the gym and a background in banking, Bec Gibbs found her groove online—balancing motherhood, mentorship, and mindset with a booming coaching business.

Bec Gibbs has built a rich and varied career in fitness. With over a decade of experience, she’s gone from group fitness instructor to personal trainer, gym mentor, and now, full-time online coach—all while juggling family life and personal growth.

Her journey into fitness started back in 2003 when she completed her Cert III and IV in Fitness—before online learning was even an option. “It was full-time TAFE, five days a week for two years,” Bec recalls. “Back then, it was all anatomy, writing programs, and lots of practical experience.” Initially, she just loved sport and gym workouts, but her passion grew fast.

After working as a body pump instructor and doing a stint in banking (yes, she was a bank manager!), Bec’s love for bodybuilding reignited her fitness focus. One bold move later—handing in her notice and walking away from corporate life—she went all-in on personal training.

“I worked at a gym called Rec Express, which was a family-run business,” she says. “I stayed there until the end of last year. They really looked after their trainers.” Over the years, Bec not only built a solid client base but became a mentor to new trainers, guiding them through those challenging first months in the industry.

But with two young kids, something had to give. “I was working crazy hours, trying to do it all,” Bec admits. “I knew it was time to pivot.” And pivot she did—gradually building her online coaching business while still training clients face-to-face, until she made the full transition in December.

Bec had already laid the groundwork with 20 online clients and a solid social media presence. But she didn’t leave it to chance. “I got a mentor to help with the business side,” she explains. “I knew how to train people, but I didn’t know how to sell or have those conversations online. That changed everything.”

Today, her online coaching business thrives on authenticity, structure, and real connections. “It’s not about viral posts. It’s about building a community,” Bec says. She shares value-rich content, builds relationships, and stays true to herself. Her advice for new trainers wanting to go online? “Get experience in person first. You need to learn how to read people, work with different personalities, and handle unexpected situations.”

And for anyone entering the industry: “Knowledge is power. Learn from as many different trainers as you can. Work with coaches, try different training styles—bring it all together to create your own way of doing things.”

Bec’s story is a reminder that your fitness career doesn’t have to follow a straight path. With passion, adaptability, and a willingness to keep learning, you can build a business that fits your life—and helps others transform theirs.

If you’re thinking about becoming a qualified personal trainer or group fitness instructor, check out our Certificate III and IV in Fitness. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions