Sweat and tears – How Michelle Bridges built an empire based on grit

Curveball

There’s sweat flying everywhere at the Alice Springs YMCA as a young instructor cheers the class through their workout. Michelle Bridges is learning how to bring the heat, honing her craft as the motivator-in-chief for people looking to turn their lives around.

Michelle had been teaching fitness classes and entering bodybuilding competitions while she was living in the desert with her then boyfriend.

She was building a small yet loyal following - but she was a big fish in a small pond, the city was calling.

By the time Michelle drove over the Sydney Harbour Bridge at the age of 26, she was on the path to becoming a trainer on TV’s The Biggest Loser, a best-selling author, and a pioneer of online fitness programs.

But with the rise, also came the fall. Michelle opens up about her horror 2020, how it made her embrace her softer side and changed her life for the better.

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This episode was produced by Grace Pashley and edited by Travis Vetier. Executive producers are Rachel Fountain and Kellie Riordan.

We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Australians and Traditional Custodians of the land on which this show was made.

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