Australia’s Biggest Loser A Passionate Octane Fitness User

BROOKLYN PARK, Minn. – June 1, 2009 – The newest winner of NBC-TV’s worldwide hit series, “The Biggest Loser” in Australia credits his Octane Fitness elliptical cross trainer as critical in helping him shed a remarkable 192 pounds in just 12 weeks – the most ever of any “Biggest Loser” titleholder. Bob Herdsman, 57, of Bunbury, Western Australia, also set a record as the oldest contestant to win the fiercely competitive weight loss contest.
“I entered ‘The Biggest Loser’ really to help my daughter-in-law, Tiffany, and I wanted to be able to live a full, active life with my family,” said Herdsman, who started the contest weighing 370 pounds. He and Tiffany, who participated together in the Couples program (she won second place), recently appeared as special guests on the Season 7 finale of “The Biggest Loser” in the United States, and Herdsman also was live May 18 on the Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minn. NBC-TV affiliate, KARE-11, in the “Monday Motivation” segment with fitness celebrity Chris Freytag.
Conquering the Challenge
After 26 years as a policeman, Bob was assigned to desk duty as a result of his weight gain. So he decided to open a roadhouse café, where fried food became daily fare, and packing on more pounds was an occupational hazard.
Over time, Herdsman missed his former activities, such as canoeing, hiking and scuba diving, which were virtually impossible to enjoy due to his size. And he wanted to be alive and healthy long enough to enjoy his grandchildren.
Seven weeks into the show, Herdsman was voted off with another competitor. Equipped with a shrewd strategy, he and this competitor secretly moved temporarily to an isolated island to train one-on-one with an intense local fitness trainer known as the “Commando” for six weeks of grueling, incredibly effective workouts, along with healthy eating.
To continue his astounding transformation, Herdsman solicited recommendations for “the best piece of fitness equipment.” Although he was entitled to a free elliptical cross trainer from another manufacturer that sponsored the show, Herdsman followed the advice he received and selected the Octane Fitness Q47ce, paying AUD $6,500 of his own money and exercising consistently on the elliptical to claim a prized spot in the show’s finals.
“I never liked treadmills,” said Herdsman, “but I became a huge fan of ellipticals, and Octane is unbelievable when it comes to feeling good and delivering results.”
Now a celebrity in Australia and worldwide, Herdsman continues his regular, rigorous Octane workouts at home, where he lives with Janet, his wife of 37 years. Together, they have three grown children, Susan, Gary and Ben.
Produced in 25 countries, “The Biggest Loser” airs in 90 countries.
Trademark Octane Advantages
The leading elliptical cross trainer brand today, Octane Fitness is well known for its numerous unmatched features, including:
· SmartStride – patented interactive ergonomics replicate walking, jogging, running and moving backward
· Converging Path handlebars mimic natural upper-body movement
· MultiGrip handlebars – maximize customization, variety and effectiveness
· X-Mode and GluteKicker – virtual personal trainers
· Body-Mapping Ergonomics – delivers inherently smooth, natural motion
Today, Octane Fitness offers 10 standing and seated elliptical models for home use, and four commercial models. Its newest product, the xRide seated elliptical, creates an entirely new way to experience total-body cardiovascular and strength-training exercise. Octane Fitness ellipticals are available direct from the company and through specialty fitness retailers worldwide.

Octane Fitness Background
Fueled by a relentless passion, Octane Fitness is the market leader in elliptical cross trainers and is committed exclusively to delivering breakthrough, performance cross training—unlike any other fitness equipment manufacturer today. Low-impact, effective cardiovascular equipment is the sole focus of Octane Fitness’ extensive research, development, testing and manufacturing—all ultimately to benefit exercisers with superior quality products; innovative, effective workouts and unparalleled personalized service.
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Images are available; contact Julie King at 847.638.1582 or jking@octanefitness.com for access. Octane Fitness, Body-Mapping Ergonomics, Converging Path, GluteKicker, SmartStride, X-Mode and xRide are registered trademarks of Octane Fitness, LLC.