Family connections bring Sharif and his wife Fleur home to Bellingen, an area that has fond memories for the couple.

"Fleur grew up in the area, so we've visited many times before, and always enjoy coming home for the Jazz and Blues Festival," Sharif said.

The couple married in Kalang prior to Sharif's journey on popular television show The Biggest Loser. That journey saw Sharif enter the Biggest Loser house weighing in at 178.3kg - the heaviest contestant in the history of the program.

After shedding an incredible 72.5kg, Sharif finished third at the finale and credits his success to learning the true meaning of perseverance and determination, coupled with optimism and a positive mindset.

Sharif is now using these lessons and his belief that whatever you can conceive, you can achieve with his personal training clients in Brisbane, and is having much success helping them on their own personal journeys.

Since The Biggest Loser experience, Sharif has embarked on another personal journey, leaving the public service and becoming a fully qualified personal trainer.

His continued thirst for knowledge about fitness and nutrition has seen him attain not only Certificates III and IV in Fitness, but also Certification as a CrossFit Level 1 Trainer. His interest in CrossFit started during The Biggest Loser when he was held hostage by the Commando, and he is now a committed CrossFitter, making the CrossFit certification a significant achievement.

"Now I want to give locals and visitors an opportunity to train with me and get an insight into the lessons I learned while on The Biggest Loser," Sharif said.

Group training sessions will be conducted at 6am and 7.30am on Tuesday 29th and Thursday 31st December at Connell Park in Bellingen. Cost is $20.00 per person. Bookings are essential, and groups will be no larger than 10 people per session. Private training sessions will be available by appointment. Please contact SHARIFIT on 0416 217 436 or sharifit@westnet.com.au to secure your place.