Michelle Bridges Adidas Ambassador

Michelle Bridges Interview

Michelle Bridge is an Adidas ambassador and is a personal trainer on the Australian version of The Biggest Loser. Michelle trains the 'red team' in the series.

1) How does it feel to be the adidas ambassador?

I am very proud to be an ambassador for such a fantastic company like adidas! I have always loved their shoes and clothing and wore them well before I was an ambassador. I love their attitude around sport, being active and loving YOU! Everyone who works within the fitness industry knows they are the superior sports wear brand. adidas go the extra mile when it comes to what you want and who you want to be.


2) What is your favourite adidas product?

Without a doubt my "Dishy Mishys"! They are from the mi adidas running shoe range. You can create your own unique shoe! You choose all the colours and no one will have the same pair! They are totally your own style. Plus, running in them is the bomb! They are available at the adidas store in Bourke Street (Melb) ad Pitt Street (Sydney).


3) During 'that time of the month' females don't feel like eating 'healthy' or exercising what can you suggest to stop bad cravings?

Stop using "that time of the month" as your excuse to not take care of yourself!! Yes, I know it's a pain in the butt, but more often than not we having being saying "oh well, its that time and my body just craves it and I never want to exercise" for so so long that we've locked it into our heads as gospel! We believe it to be absolutely true! It's time to start THINKING differently. Most times you will find that a bit of moderate exercise WILL have you feeling better, and I don't know about you, but I ALWAYS feel worse after I have eaten dumb food - physically and mentally, so why would you want to bring yourself down any further??? Any alarm bells going on out there?! Get over it girls. It's the card we've been dealt, deal with it.


4) There are so many classes offered at gyms, what are the best classes for females who want to loose weight?

The best form of exercise to lose weight is high intensity cardio and weights. This could be BodyPump, BodyAttack, RPM, Spin, Boxing, Circuits, Basic Training. You have got to move it to lose it, so if you're looking to lose weight and lining up for a gentle stretch class, turn around and RUN in the other direction!


5) How can a female, who doesn't like exercising, stay fit?

You need to find something that you enjoy. Maybe it's dancing or surfing? Perhaps you would like to get involved in the community and become a lifesaver? There is something out there for everyone and the benefits of being active and into life are priceless! How you begin to feel about yourself starts to spill over into other facets of your life. The question is, WHY would you not want to be active when it has such positive impact on your life??


6) How often should a female do boxing/weights classes, to gain high fitness levels?

I train 6 days a week and I know plenty of women who do the same. Some sessions are gut busters, others are moderate. The key is consistency. By getting into the groove and having a regular pattern, it becomes a part of your life. Just like brushing you hair, taking a shower and making your bed. It's no big deal, it's just something you do everyday for yourself. To gain a high fitness level, just make more of those training sessions gut busters! Yeah!!!


7) What is a good exercise for muscle recovery?

Sleeping! Seriously!! You must be getting good rest in order for your muscles and your mind to recover. Instead of sitting up watching dumb aimless TV, get into bed early and feel the spring in your step after a good 8 hours! I like to be tucked up no later than 10pm if I can, earlier if possible.


8) When is it best to eat, before or after a workout?

It's different for everyone but I definitely prefer to eat after. I like to train on an empty stomach because I tend to get a stitch if I have eaten before training. Some, however, can get a little light headed and woozy training on empty. Then it's good to have a little snack, like a small banana or a cracker with vegemite.


9) What is your best fitness tip?

Be consistent! Never blow off a training session. If you not feeling into it then take the pressure off and just cruise a half pace, but still do it.


10) If you only have a limited time to exercise what do you suggest doing?

You can't beat running when it comes to fast calorie expenditure. I also like to do a basic training circuit. They are my specialty. I have a ton of them in my book "crunch time" and they get my heart rate up around 180 in no time!


11) What is your number one favourite snack?

Nestle diet yogurt for a sweet hit. And carrots for a crunch hit.

12) What are good carbs and bad carbs?

Everyone is so carb phobic these days! Let me lay it on the line. You can not be socially acceptable and not eat carbs!!! You choose low GI carbs (they are the good ones), you monitor the portion size, you know the calorie intake for each portion and you eat them early in the day (breakfast and possibly lunch - depending on your calorie intake from breakfast and what sort of training you will or won't be doing in the afternoon) when you need the energy! End of story! The bad carbs are the ones which are high in calories, high in GI (although if your about to run a race they can be good), low in nutritional value and binge eaten at night!


13) What is your exercise motto?

Stop having paralysis by analysis! Get your shoes on and GO! And go bloody HARD!