Commando defends Michelle Bridges’ post-baby workouts

THE super-fit trainer has leapt to his partner’s defence following criticism of the new mum’s exercise regime.

Ultraceuticals Ultra MD Event Launch at Cafe Paci - Socials. Michelle Bridges and Steve Willis

’COMMANDO’ Steve Willis has jumped to partner Michelle Bridges’ defence after she came under attack for supposedly working out too soon after giving birth.

The Biggest Loser trainer says he believes the criticism is unwarranted and there are worse things you can do to your body than exercising — even when you’ve just had a baby.

“The lounge chair and a lot of other things are killing people a lot more than someone who has just had a baby and pushing a pram on the footpath,” he told the Fitzy and Wippa radio show on Thursday. Bridges says she has already got the OK from her doctor to begin training again after giving birth to son Axel on December 19.

Bridges was criticised by women’s health experts for providing irresponsible advice about jogging on her Instagram account.

Revealing her post-natal training as 56 minutes of walking and jogging, experts raised concern over the message she was giving to other new mums.

The new mum has been spotted exercising just weeks after the birth of her son. Picture: GC Images

Mothers and medical professionals called her “irresponsible” for going back to her fitness regime before the recommended six-week period.

The criticism hasn’t gone unnoticed, Willis admitted.

“It’s definitely had an effect on her.”

Fitness has been a way for Bridges to relax, Willis said, keeping her psychologically calm.

“It’s something she’s always done, she’s always liked to get out and about, and feel good in herself and also psychologically, it helps to just calm her.”

Goddess Outdoor Fitness personal trainer Amy Mitchell says the pressure for women to hit the gym and lose the baby weight is quite apparent, with clients emailing her just a couple of weeks after giving birth asking when they can come back.

Bridges shows off baby Axel on the newest Australian Women's Weekly. Picture: Australian Women's Weekly

“I would err on the side of caution,” she says.

“For the sake of a few weeks, it’s not worth doing long-term damage.”

“I’ve had women who have come back to exercise — not with me — too soon and have ended up having surgery.”

She says photos of Bridges jogging so soon after giving birth might give the wrong idea to many of the mothers that follow her social media.

Mitchell does however say that light exercise like walking, swimming and light weights is a good way to return to training, after mothers have received the OK from their doctor.