Michelle Bridges Under Fire For Calling Food Growers ‘Freaks’, Advocating Dangerous Pregnancy Exercises
Michelle Bridges is known for her gorgeous physique and her work on the Australian version of The Biggest Loser, as well as her “12 Week Body Transformation” online program.
Transform Your #Fitness Business with tips from Gabi Bruce @12WBT @OpenCollegesAU http://t.co/53KX8mv3AQ #noexcuses pic.twitter.com/vHbvrTtDyU
— OneFitStop (@OneFitStop) February 9, 2015
These days, however, Michelle Bridges is known for a couple of other reasons, and neither of them seems to be positive. Recently, a series of Woolworths advertisements featuring Michelle Bridges promoting her new line of frozen food has drawn a lot of criticism. The ads show Bridges calling people who grow their own food “freaks.”
After the ads were released, Twitter lit up with comments from people who were offended.
Disappointing to see @MishBridges promoting frozen overly packaged meals over fresh vegetables for @woolworths – misleading and unethical
— Zac Power (@zacpower14) November 6, 2015
ABC News Australia reports that later on the ad was pulled and Michelle Bridges issued an apology.
“Our intention with our ads for Delicious Nutritious were to poke fun at myself and what many see as ‘my (completely fictional) perfect life.’ There was never any intention to offend and for this we sincerely apologise. As a fresh food grower myself and advocate for home cooking I have listened to your feedback and removed the posts which caused upset.”
The advertisement also sparked a parody video which has garnered a lot of attention over the past few days.
Parody Spoof of the #MichelleBridges #Woolworths epic ad fail, worth a look and a laugh! https://t.co/2g9Q5g99yu
— Korum Ellis (@korumellis) November 12, 2015
Michelle Bridges is also under fire for promoting inappropriate exercise for pregnant women. News Australia reports that Lyz Evans, a leading women’s health physiotherapist, says Michelle Bridges is sending the wrong message to women and that crunches in the late stages of pregnancy can cause tearing of tissue in the abdominal wall.
“Putting excessive load on the linea alba is increasing her post natal risk of having ongoing lower back pain, having urinary incontinence and having ongoing pot belly tummy. I think she has a responsibility to ensure she’s doing the correct exercises.”
Evans warned her own clients via her Facebook page, Women in Focus Physiotherapy.
Another women’s health physiotherapist, Vanea Atwood, agreed that while Michelle Bridges was advocating good things regarding fitness, the crunches were not appropriate.
“It does have a huge effect. Michelle Bridges has a huge following which is great. She’s got some really positive great fantastic fitness things to offer women to empower them, to become stronger and more healthy. She’s advocating keeping fit, but in particular, doing isolation abdominal crunches is not the most appropriate exercise to keep firm during your pregnancy, not at all.”
Michelle Bridges recently appeared on Studio 10 to discuss her pregnancy, as well as the current season of The Biggest Loser. Daily Mail reports that Bridges also took part in a panel discussion about domestic violence. She talked about the importance of recognizing the impact of domestic violence against men and how it should be taken as seriously as domestic violence against women.
“I think it’s violence against humanity, whether it’s a man or a woman, when you see something like that.”
She also talked about how the issue is really about violence in general.
“I think it’s about all violence – all violence, whether it’s violence against children, women, men, animals.”
When Michelle Bridges has her baby she and partner, Steve ‘Commando’ Willis, who is a trainer working with her on The Biggest Loser, will enjoy a blended family. Willis has children from two previous relationships, including a daughter, Brianna, who is 17, and two younger children, Ella, 6, and Jack, 3. In October, Michelle Bridges spoke with Australian Women’s Weekly, stating that they will manage with their new family dynamics.
“I know them all, and Steve is a great father to them. They are all excited about it too. So I think it will all work. We will all come together when we can and it will just work.”
Michelle Bridges says she has always hoped to be a mother. Kudos to her for taking this journey!
[Photo by Lisa Maree Williams / Getty Images]
