Michelle Bridges has been a fixture in Australian living rooms for nearly two decades, first as the tough-talking trainer on The Biggest Loser and later as the force behind a fitness empire. But her personal story—becoming a mother at 45, navigating a public separation, and now advocating for women in perimenopause—is just as compelling. Here’s a fact-checked look at her life, career, and what she’s doing now.
Born: 20 October 1970 ·
Age when had first child: 45 ·
Number of children: 1 ·
Years as Biggest Loser trainer: 2007–2015 ·
Notable relationship: Steve ‘Commando’ Willis (2013–2020)
Quick snapshot
- Has one son, Axel, born 19 December 2015 (The Australian Women’s Weekly (family magazine))
- Co-founded 12WBT online program (Coleman Greig Lawyers (talent profile))
- Authored multiple bestselling books (HerBusiness (entrepreneurial profile))
- Appeared as trainer on The Biggest Loser 2007–2015 (Wikipedia (biographical reference))
- Exact number of books written: 11 vs 18 across sources (HerBusiness, Profile Talent Management)
- Precise net worth figure (estimates only) (HerBusiness)
- Current romantic relationship status (not publicly confirmed as of 2024) (HerBusiness)
- Date of birth verification (HerBusiness)
- 2024: Announced as contestant on I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! (Wikipedia)
- 2024: Launched ‘The Menopause Method’ within 12WBT (Coleman Greig Lawyers)
- Expanding 12WBT menopause resources
- Potential television return with I’m a Celebrity appearance
Seven key facts about Michelle Bridges, drawn from the most reliable available sources:
| Attribute | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Michelle Bridges | Wikipedia |
| Date of birth | 20 October 1970 | Wikipedia |
| Nationality | Australian | Wikipedia |
| Occupation | Personal trainer, author, TV personality | Wikipedia |
| Known for | The Biggest Loser, 12WBT, fitness books | Wikipedia |
| Number of children | 1 (son Axel) | The Australian Women’s Weekly |
| Estimated net worth (2024) | AUD $10–15 million | Multiple industry estimates (business profile) |
How old was Michelle Bridges when she had a baby?
Michelle Bridges’ journey to motherhood at 45
Michelle Bridges gave birth to her son Axel on 19 December 2015, when she was 45 years old (The Australian Women’s Weekly). She had kept the pregnancy private until shortly before the birth. In later interviews, Bridges described herself as a “single mum” after her separation from Steve Willis (Now To Love (celebrity news)).
Public reaction and her ‘naive’ comment
Bridges admitted that her early comment about the pregnancy—that she had been “naive” to think she could keep it secret—reflected her surprise at the public interest (The Australian Women’s Weekly). The remark became a talking point in Australian media, highlighting the intense scrutiny faced by high-profile mothers.
Michelle Bridges built a career on discipline and transformation, but motherhood arrived on her own terms—late, private, and with no apologies. The “naive” comment is less about ignorance and more about a public figure learning that even fitness empires can’t control the narrative.
This section shows how Bridges navigated public expectations while maintaining her privacy.
How many kids does Michelle Bridges have?
Son Axel Willis Bridges
Michelle Bridges has one child, a son named Axel Willis Bridges, born in December 2015 (The Australian Women’s Weekly). She has referred to him as her “little buddy” on social media and keeps him largely out of the public eye.
Co-parenting arrangement with Steve ‘Commando’ Willis
Since her separation from Steve Willis in 2020, Bridges has co-parented Axel with her former partner. Both have spoken positively about the arrangement. Bridges stated that they have maintained a positive co-parenting relationship, prioritizing their son (The Australian Women’s Weekly). She moved back to Sydney by 2023 to be closer to Willis and facilitate shared custody (Now To Love).
Co-parenting after a high-profile split is notoriously difficult, but Bridges and Willis have turned it into a public relations asset. The test will come as Axel grows older and the family’s privacy preferences evolve.
The co-parenting dynamic remains a central part of Bridges’ current life.
Are Michelle and Commando still together?
Relationship timeline: 2013 to 2020
Michelle Bridges and Steve “Commando” Willis met as trainers on The Biggest Loser. They began a relationship in 2013, became engaged, and welcomed Axel in 2015. By 2020, the couple had separated (The Australian Women’s Weekly). Neither has publicly detailed the reasons for the split.
Separation and co-parenting dynamic
Despite the end of their romantic relationship, Bridges and Willis have remained on good terms. Bridges described their current dynamic as “friends” who share parenting duties (same source). Both continue to work in the fitness industry, though they no longer collaborate professionally.
The pattern: Two public figures who built their brand together, then rebuilt it apart. For Bridges, the separation meant leaning into her entrepreneurial identity rather than the couple dynamic.
How much is Michelle Bridges worth?
Sources of income: 12WBT, books, TV
Michelle Bridges’ wealth stems from multiple streams: her online fitness program 12WBT (which she co-founded and still operates), seven bestselling books (by one estimate—others count 11 or 18 depending on the source), television appearances, endorsements, and speaking engagements (HerBusiness (entrepreneurial profile), Profile Talent Management (talent agency)). Her 12WBT program alone has helped participants shed over 1 million kilos collectively (HerBusiness).
Estimated net worth 2024
Industry estimates place Michelle Bridges’ net worth at between AUD $10 and $15 million as of 2024. This figure is not publicly audited and relies on reported business revenue, book sales, and media contracts (Coleman Greig Lawyers (business profile)).
Net worth estimates for Australian fitness entrepreneurs are notoriously fuzzy. Bridges’ wealth is real—she runs a profitable business—but the exact number is a best guess. Readers should treat rounded figures as directional, not definitive.
The financial picture remains imprecise, but the sources of income are clear.
What is Michelle Bridges doing now?
12WBT and online fitness programs
Bridges continues to run the 12 Week Body Transformation (12WBT) program, which has evolved into a comprehensive online platform. In 2024, she launched “The Menopause Method” within 12WBT, a program aimed at women navigating perimenopause and menopause (Coleman Greig Lawyers (talent profile)). She has 25 years of experience in the fitness industry (HerBusiness).
Perimenopause and menopause advocacy
Bridges has become a vocal advocate for perimenopause and menopause education, using her platform to destigmatize the topic. The Menopause Method combines exercise programming with nutritional guidance tailored to hormonal changes. She also speaks publicly on the subject (Celebrity Speakers (speaker bureau)).
Social media presence and TV return
Active on Instagram under the handle @mishbridges, she shares fitness tips, personal updates, and advocacy content. In March 2024, she was announced as a contestant on the tenth season of I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! Australia (Wikipedia), marking her return to reality television after nearly a decade.
Timeline of key events
- 1970: Born 20 October in Australia
- 2006: Becomes a trainer on The Biggest Loser Australia
- 2007–2015: Appears as trainer on the show
- 2012: Launches 12WBT online program
- 2013: Begins relationship with Steve “Commando” Willis
- 2015: Gives birth to son Axel at age 45
- 2020: Separates from Steve Willis
- 2023–2024: Shifts focus to perimenopause and menopause education
- 2024: Announced as contestant on I’m a Celebrity
What’s confirmed and what’s still unclear
Confirmed facts
- Date of birth: 20 October 1970
- Has one son, Axel, born 19 December 2015 (The Australian Women’s Weekly)
- Separated from Steve Willis in 2020 (The Australian Women’s Weekly)
- Founded 12WBT (Coleman Greig Lawyers)
- Authored multiple bestselling books (HerBusiness)
What remains unclear
- Exact net worth (estimates range AUD $10–15 million)
- Number of books published (discrepancy between 11 and 18 across sources)
- Current romantic relationship status (no public partner confirmed)
- Date of birth verification
Michelle Bridges in her own words
“I was naive to think I could keep my pregnancy secret. It was a massive learning curve.”
— Michelle Bridges, speaking about her pregnancy announcement (The Australian Women’s Weekly)
Bridges has also shared that she and Steve Willis have managed to maintain a positive co-parenting relationship, with their son as the priority (The Australian Women’s Weekly).
Bridges’ ability to speak candidly about both the messy and the triumphant parts of her life has helped her maintain relevance long after The Biggest Loser went off air. For fans and followers, the takeaway is clear: reinvention is not a one-time event but a constant practice. For Bridges, that practice now includes menopause advocacy, solo parenting, and a return to the jungle.
newidea.com.au, linkedin.com, imdb.com, bountyparents.com.au, freshfiction.com
Frequently asked questions
What is Michelle Bridges’ most famous fitness program?
The 12 Week Body Transformation (12WBT), an online program she co-founded in 2012 that includes meal plans, workout videos, and community support (Coleman Greig Lawyers).
Did Michelle Bridges write any books?
Yes, she is the author of several bestselling fitness books. Sources vary on the total number—some say 11, others say 18 (HerBusiness, Profile Talent Management).
What is 12WBT?
12WBT stands for 12 Week Body Transformation, an online fitness and nutrition program created by Michelle Bridges and her team. It provides structured workout routines, meal plans, and accountability tools (Coleman Greig Lawyers).
How did Michelle Bridges become famous?
She rose to national fame in 2006 as a trainer on The Biggest Loser Australia, where her no-nonsense approach made her a household name (Wikipedia).
Is Michelle Bridges still involved with The Biggest Loser?
No. Her last appearance as a trainer was in 2015. The Australian version of the show ended in 2016, and Bridges has since focused on her own brand (Wikipedia).
What perimenopause resources does Michelle Bridges offer?
In 2024 she launched “The Menopause Method” within 12WBT, a program tailored to women over 40 that addresses hormonal changes through exercise and nutrition (Coleman Greig Lawyers).
Does Michelle Bridges have any siblings?
Public information about her siblings is limited. She has not frequently discussed family members other than her son and former partner.
Related reading
Catherine Roy is Editor-in-Chief at Oz Briefly, overseeing editorial standards, publication decisions and corrections.