Keep fitness simple

Bridges's message is short and simple: "Thoughts, words, then action." Photo / Thinkstock

Michelle Bridges wants people to stop over-complicating the idea of weight loss.

The fitness trainer, who has become a household name because of her role in Australia's The Biggest Loser, says sometimes it just takes five minutes a day to refocus, to reconnect, to exercise, to relax, to plan.

"A lot of people get what I call 'paralysis by analysis' where they just tend to over think it," Bridges says.

"They put so much concern around: Should I train in the morning? Should I train in the evening? Should I eat before I train? Should I eat carbs before 12 o'clock? Should I eat carbs after 12 o'clock?

"So there's so much going in their head, that it's like, 'Guys, girls come on - it's really not that complicated'."

It's what pushed Bridges to write her new book, 5 Minutes a Day, which is a pocket-size guide chock-a-block with the Bridges mental ammunition to push those who want to get fitter, stronger and healthier.

"The five minutes a day principle is really just to keep people on track.

"Maybe it's the kick in the butt they needed to hear. Maybe it's sitting down and going through their shopping list so they are prepared for their meals for the week. Maybe it's sitting down with your diary and working out where in your weekly timeframe you can fit in your training.

"There are exercises that you literally can do in five minutes if that's all you've got."

Rather than filling pages with thousands of words on why we need to exercise and eat healthily, Bridges has designed a quick reference guide full of practical messages.

Flick through and stop on any page and a message in large black print jumps out. As she says it might just be what you need to hear.

Bridges' message is short and simple: "Thoughts, words, then action."

- AAP