Michelle Bridges: Biggest Loser trainer slammed over her post-baby training regimen

BIGGEST Loser trainer Michelle Bridges has been branded “irresponsible” after boasting about her highly active post-baby body blitz.

BIGGEST Loser trainer Michelle Bridges has copped a barrage of criticism and been branded “irresponsible” after boasting about her highly active post-baby body blitz.

Health experts have panned the 45-year-old, who welcomed son Axel with fellow personal trainer and partner Steve “Commando” Willis last month, after she posted details of her new interval training regimen.

The controversial workout includes 32 minutes of jogging and 24 minutes of walking — but health professionals have warned new mums against following in Bridges’ footsteps.

“It is irresponsible of ­Michelle to be promoting running or any impact exercise only three weeks after giving birth,” Pilates for Life owner Kirsten Joyner said.

“Running and impact sports with a weak and recovering pelvic floor runs the risk of pelvic organ prolapse and ­incontinence problems. Strenuous exercise post-natally can also decrease milk supply.

“Michelle seems to be under the illusion that because she is a personal trainer she can run now. However just because someone has the ability to run doesn’t mean they should run. It is advisable to let the body heal.”

The Bondi-based Women in Focus Physiotherapy ­centre, run by Lyz Evans, also took aim at the weight-loss guru.

“Michelle recommends you reduce the length of her workout, however she has failed to identify that the real issue is not the length rather the type of exercise: jogging!” the clinic said online.

“The reduced 20-minute workout would still include 12 minutes of jogging, which for a woman who has just had a vaginal birth or caesarean delivery is quite simply irresponsible, and would not be recommended by an experienced health professional.

Health experts have panned Michelle Bridges, who welcomed son Axel with fellow personal trainer and partner Steve “Commando” Willis last month, after she posted details of her new interval training regimen.

“If an individual decides to jog soon after giving birth, this is their choice.

“However as a public ­figure encouraging women whose body types, birth and fitness histories are unknown, to start jogging is quite frankly concerning.

“It could potentially cause a woman more harm than good in these early stages.”

While not all feedback on Bridges’ social media site has been negative, many people have logged on to express their disappointment with the trainer and to suggest women seek professional advice ­before returning to exercise after childbirth.

Biggest Loser trainer Michelle Bridges / Picture: Instagram

“Running is not recommended so soon post birth, regardless of how fit you were pre pregnancy or during pregnancy,” nurse Claire Kroehn wrote on Bridge’s ­Instagram account.

Another user going by the name Lauren added: “It’s a poor message to give women and being fit is not relevant as I saw and treated multiple marathon runners with severe continence issues simply from running.”

Professor Stephen Robson, a spokesman for The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, supported Bridges in her return to exercising.

“I think one of the problems women have is that it is so easy to be inactive after a birth,” he said.

“It is really important and there is good evidence that women need to be active in pregnancy and active after birth. Certainly in Ms Bridges case, she is clearly a professional. I actually think that we should encourage women to be active, I certainly do. You exercise to a level that you are comfortable with. I don’t personally think we should be chiding people for being responsibly active after birth and every woman should make a personal assessment of how she’s travelling and if there’s any concerns, talk to her midwife or a doctor.”

Professor Robson doesn’t believe women should wait six months after childbirth to exercise.

“Women should be active as they feel comfortable,” he said. “I preface that by saying if there’s any issue at all to see the doctor or midwife who is looking after you. I don’t see a problem with a bit of light jogging and Michelle Bridges is going to be at a completely different level of fitness to the average new mum.”

Steve ‘Commando’ Willis and Michelle Bridges / Picture: Media Mode