With his signature dark glasses, black T-shirt and combat fatigues, Steve Willis (or The Commando or Commando Steve as he is better known) has become a familiar face on Australian television since putting contestants through their paces on The Biggest Loser.  Since then, Steve has motivated, inspired and pushed contestants to levels of physical and mental fitness they never dreamed possible. The ex-military man’s “no excuses” style of training continues to make for compelling television as we move into series eight.

Away from The Biggest Loser camp, Steve runs regular one-on-one and group training sessions where he trains clients in the CrossFit method to help them become they best they can be. To kids, he’s an action man come to life and they love him. At the inaugural Nickelodeon Slimefest, children voted him the celebrity they most wanted to see slimed in the dunk tank. Never one to shrink from a challenge, Commando Steve bravely took to the stage and received the honour of becoming Nickelodeon’s first ever full-body slime submersion.

As the oldest of four boys growing up in Queensland, Steve was always self-reliant and very physical. After finishing school, Steve joined the army, where he was given the structure and direction he craved. Learning to push beyond physical and psychological barriers helped build his focus and determination. He spent over a decade rising up the ranks of the Australian Special Forces, eventually becoming a Counter Terrorism Team Commander.

In 2004, Steve left his successful military career behind to become a fitness professional. The skills he had acquired in the army translated well to this new career, and he made it his goal to help others transform their lives through training. He started his own gym with a team of trainers certified in the CrossFit method of training. He leads by example, training and competing in CrossFit competitions around the world.

Steve’s 2010 book, No Excuses, explores his journey as well as the fitness philosophies in which he so passionately believes. When he isn’t training others or giving motivational talks, Sydney-based Steve can be found hiking and spending time with his wife and children.