For many, January is a time for fresh challenges and pursuits of self-improvement. And these challenges can be especially difficult for working mums, who are trying to strike the right balance. So, Wandsworth women will be delighted to hear there’s a brand-new personal trainer on the scene to help you reach those 2026 goals.
Meet Michael Brigo of BrigoPT.
How did BrigoPT come about?
I first started out as a personal trainer working with anyone and everyone. But it didn’t take long for me to realise that women — especially working mothers — faced the biggest challenges when it came to their health and fitness. That was a real light-bulb moment for me. I knew this was the group of people I genuinely wanted to focus on and help the most. That’s how BrigoPT came about, a bespoke, home-based fitness service designed to help women at every stage; post-natal, menopause, and everything in between look and feel great at any stage of life.
How would you describe your approach when compared to other PTs?
There are lots of different approaches in the personal training world, so it can be hard to compare. But any good, or even great, coach will always come back to the fundamentals.
That’s exactly what I built into my 5-step methodology, the 5 M’s: Mindset, Motivation, Meals, Move, and Maximise.
It’s about understanding a person’s mindset, their challenges, their nutrition, their movement, and their lifestyle, and bringing all of that together in a way that supports their mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing. The 5 M’s are underpinned by three key principles in my approach: simple, sustainable, and social.
What’s a popular fitness myth you’d just love to bust once and for all?
Weight loss is a big theme in what I do. Easily over 85% of my clients come to me with weight loss as their main goal. One fitness myth I love to bust is the idea that weight loss is a quick fix. In reality, weight loss is a lifestyle. That doesn’t mean you can’t lose weight quickly in a healthy, natural way — you absolutely can. But if you want to lose weight, maintain it, and stay in great shape long-term, it comes down to adopting healthier habits and a sustainable lifestyle.
What have your clients said so far?
A lot of my clients tell me it’s not as complicated as they thought it would be, because my programmes are built around three key principles: simple, sustainable, and social.
Most of my clients are working parents, especially working mums, and they simply don’t have the time, energy, or motivation to overcomplicate fitness. Overcomplicating anything makes it harder to stick to, so I keep things simple and tailored to what my clients actually need and want. It also has to be sustainable because that’s where real results come from. I always say results – with the right principles in place – are just consistency over time, applied to anything
And finally, it has to be social. We’re social beings — we need connection. Many fitness programmes are too restrictive with food or demand too much time with exercise, which can feel overwhelming. That often affects mental and emotional wellbeing, even if physical results are minimal. When fitness is simple, sustainable, and social, people understand it, stick to it, and enjoy the journey — and that’s when results last.
What advice do you have for people who are struggling to make the time to begin their personal fitness journey?
I love this question because time is a big barrier for almost everyone. And honestly, if you’re not doing anything right now, you’re committing zero time to your fitness.
Starting small is always better than staying at zero. If for example you can commit to just 20 minutes once a week — great. That’s already a step forward. Do that consistently, then build from there. Maybe you add another 20 minutes later. The key is committing to what you can realistically do week in, week out. If it feels overwhelming, it usually means you’re trying to do too much.
You don’t need to train for an hour, four or five times a week — most people can’t sustain that, and you don’t need it to see results. Start small, build gradually, and you’ll realise it’s achievable.
What’s the best way to wind down after a great workout?
To wind down after a workout, I recommend four things: breathing, movement, hydration, and a mental switch-off.
Slow, controlled breathing — longer exhales than inhales — helps bring the heart rate down and puts you into a more relaxed state.
Gentle movement, like mobility work, improves how your body moves while helping you relax.
Hydration is key — water, electrolytes, or even protein and supplements if appropriate to support recovery.
And finally, a mental switch-off. Acknowledge that you’ve done something good for yourself. That creates a positive feedback loop.
This is why people who exercise regularly tend to feel good about it, they’ve achieved something, stayed disciplined, and nourished their mind, body, and emotions.
Do you have any favourite local hotspots?
I don’t go there so much for the coffee, but I do go for the atmosphere at Caffè Nero by Wandsworth Common. It has a great community feel; there are always people chatting, meeting up, or bumping into neighbours. It’s like a dog show with everyone coming in from the common with their dogs, which I love.
I often use it as a little work hub too, but mostly I enjoy just being there and seeing the same familiar faces. The more you go, the more regulars you recognise — it really feels like a community.
And finally, I’m a fan of beer, so I do enjoy BrewDog at Southside. Great selection, good atmosphere, and just a nice vibe overall. Also, I do love a good old traditional British pub, especially in the winter when it feels cosy. The Spread Eagle is a lovely one.
Reach out to Michael at [email protected] to begin your fitness journey. Connect via Instagram.
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