Fitness guru Michelle Bridges sparks backlash after sharing a ‘totally unrealistic photo’ of her tiny waist
She rose to fame as the tough personal trainer on The Biggest Loser.
And now Michelle Burgess has been accused of promoting an 'unrealistic' body image on her social media.
The 53-year-old raised eyebrows on Friday when she posted a selfie to Instagram that showed off her tiny waist.
Despite showing off her enviable figure, some of Michelle's followers were furious that she didn't show off a more recognizable image.
The photo shows the famed fitness guru flaunting her toned figure in a figure-hugging black leather skirt with a thigh-high slit.
Fitness guru Michelle Burgess, 53, was accused of promoting an 'unrealistic' body image by sharing a photo of her tiny waist this week (pictured)
A number of fans took to social media to criticize the fitness trainer for her tiny waist
Michelle turned her body to the side in the photo, which made her waist look impossibly small.
One fan suggested Michelle 'sucked in' her waist to make it look smaller, while another said the photo was 'unrealistic'.
“You look great, but I can't help but think you're making your waist look smaller by sucking it in?” wrote one concerned fan.
“Maybe I'm wrong, but photos like this make me angry because people look at them and think that's how they would like to be, even though it's not technically real,” they continued.
'I believe that all influences should show their 'natural' selves, especially as they can play a huge role in women's and body image.'
The photos on Michelle's Instagram page appear unedited and her waist appears small in several images shared in recent months
Another added: 'A totally unrealistic photo, which sends the wrong message. Please keep it real.'
'Where has the natural gone?' another follower complained.
Despite the backlash, many others came to Michelle's defense and praised the star for staying in shape.
“You are a beautiful, beautiful lady,” one gushed, while another exclaimed: “Gorgeous!”
“Always stunning and beautiful to me, I love your dress and your mirror selfie,” another added.
The photos on Michelle's Instagram page do not appear to have been edited and her waist looks small in several images.
Michelle rose to fame on The Biggest Loser in 2007 and has also appeared on Celebrity MasterChef Australia in 2009, Dancing with the Stars in 2019 and Celebrity Apprentice Australia in 2021.
Michelle rose to fame on The Biggest Loser in 2007 and went on to appear on Celebrity MasterChef Australia in 2009, Dancing with the Stars in 2019 and Celebrity Apprentice Australia in 2021.
The fitness fanatic shares son Axel, eight, with her former partner Steve 'Commando' Willis.
The couple split in 2020 after meeting on The Biggest Loser in 2012.