HOW I'M STAYING FUTURE PROOF

In the first week of our two-part series, Michelle Bridges shares her plan for staying fighting fit now and for decades to come

- Words: Amber Bramble.

Staying fit has always been a big part of the business for celeb trainer Michelle Bridges.

However, when a knee injury left her severely incapacitated last year, it became a stark reminder of how quickly our independence can be taken away.

“A ski accident in Japan turned my world upside down,” recalls Michelle, 55. “On crutches, I was unable to drive, cook or get groceries. I couldn’t even shower without a plastic chair. And I was doing this alone, as a single mum to my then nine-year-old son Axel. I’ve had some challenges in my life, but this was right up there.”

It was during one of those darkest ebbs that Michelle had an epiphany, which became the inspiration for her new program Future Proof, a 12-week program designed to help women thrive, not just now but to build a foundation for strength and independence later in life.

HOW DID THE IDEA FOR FUTURE PROOF COME ABOUT?

What struck me was that I was actually one of the fortunate ones. I’ve spent my life building my strength, fitness and agility. I knew that was my foundation on which I would come back from this. However, the situation was confronting.

What if this was a window into a future where I hadn’t taken care of myself? What could it look like for women who have put everyone else before themselves?