Early Life and Inspiration
Born on October 20, 1970, in Newcastle, Australia, Michelle Bridges grew up with a passion for fitness that began at an early age. While attending Lambton High School, she proposed an innovative fitness class for students who didn’t engage in traditional sports. This initiative marked the beginning of her fitness career, demonstrating her drive to inspire others. By the age of 18, she became a certified fitness instructor through the Australian Institute of Fitness.
Despite her early success, Bridges also faced personal challenges. At 18, she survived a traumatic sexual assault, an experience she bravely shared later in life. She reported the incident, faced her attacker in court, and ensured justice was served. This adversity fueled her commitment to empowering others, especially women, to take control of their lives and health.
Career Breakthrough and Television Success
Michelle’s rise to prominence came when she became a personal trainer on the Australian version of The Biggest Loser in 2007. For eight consecutive seasons, she coached contestants on their weight loss journeys, gaining a national following for her tough-love approach and motivational style. She also appeared on various TV shows, including Mornings with Kerri-Anne, Sunrise, and The Project.
Her diverse television career extended to reality shows like Celebrity MasterChef Australia (2009), where she showcased her culinary skills, and Dancing with the Stars (2019), where she competed in the sixteenth season. In 2021, she joined The Celebrity Apprentice Australia, continuing to diversify her media presence.
Entrepreneurial Ventures
In 2010, Michelle launched her groundbreaking 12 Week Body Transformation (12WBT) program, an online exercise, nutrition, and mindset program that has helped participants lose over 1.5 million kilograms. The success of 12WBT solidified her reputation as a fitness innovator.
In addition to her fitness programs, Michelle expanded into retail by launching her ONEActive fitness and leisure range, sold in Big W stores across Australia. Her line includes apparel, footwear, and hardware fitness goods, catering to a wide range of body sizes and ages. She also collaborated with Ubisoft to create an avatar of herself for the Your Shape: Fitness Evolved game, further cementing her influence in the digital fitness space.
Best-Selling Author
Michelle Bridges is a prolific author, having published numerous bestselling books on health, fitness, and weight loss. Her books, including Crunch Time, Losing the Last 5 Kilos, The No Excuses Cookbook, and Everyday Weight Loss, have collectively sold over 400,000 copies. She is recognized for her accessible, no-nonsense approach to achieving personal fitness goals.
Philanthropy and Public Speaking
Beyond her fitness empire, Michelle is a passionate public speaker, frequently delivering motivational talks on topics ranging from fitness and nutrition to self-empowerment. Her influence extends to national conversations about health and fitness, regularly contributing to major magazines like Women’s Health and Cosmopolitan.
Personal Life and Advocacy
Michelle was previously married to gym owner and fitness trainer Bill Moore, and after their separation, she began a relationship with fellow Biggest Loser trainer Steve Willis. The couple welcomed a son in 2015 but later separated. Despite her personal ups and downs, Michelle remains a prominent advocate for health and wellness, inspiring millions across Australia to lead healthier lives.
Michelle’s resilience, authenticity, and commitment to transforming lives have made her one of Australia’s most respected fitness experts and public figures. She continues to motivate people through her books, programs, and public appearances, championing the power of fitness to change lives for the better.
