Evolve Fitness and Performance, based at Hampson Mill Lane in Bury, has grown steadily over the past eight years.
Built on a foundation of personal training, the facility offers small group sessions and one-to-one coaching tailored to people’s goals, from getting moving again after illness to training for sport.
Founder and coach, Mat Roberts, 43, first got into sport and rehabilitation after being hospitalised with anorexia in his early teens.
He went on to study fitness and strength and conditioning, work in gyms and begin building his own business, initially in Wigan before moving to the Whitefield area.
Mat said: “We’re a community here and have clients from all backgrounds. Some are facing cancer, addiction and long-term health problems, while others are looking to build on strength and fitness.
“We help with injuries in a small group training setting and work with partners through a referral system.”
Mat explained that after being diagnosed with an eating disorder when he was around 15 years old, he began educating himself on nutrition and healthy ways to look after his body.
Mat Roberts (Image: supplied)
He added: “I was very active at school before being hospitalised. When I came home, I looked into really understanding fitness and nutrition.
“I worked in gyms as a personal trainer, then went to university.
“We do see guys coming through with eating disorders, and I think speaking openly about my own experience helps them.
“We’re a diverse training community and offer strength and conditioning. You really get to know each other and make friends.”
Evolve describes itself as a non-intimidating, member-focused community gym that puts customers’ experience first and prides itself on results.
Evolve helps people from all backgrounds (Image: supplied)
Group sessions are capped at small numbers to make sure everyone gets close coaching, with the emphasis on safety, steady progression and making sessions enjoyable.
Mat also paid tribute to a member and Bury resident, Peter Day, who sadly died last month after being diagnosed with terminal cancer two years ago.
Peter was a keen fundraiser and well-known across Greater Manchester.
He added: “From day one, he was cracking jokes and making every session better. When you knew Pete was in a session, you knew you were going to get some laughs and make those sessions even better by coaching him.
“I was lucky enough to become great friends with him, and everyone who met him knew Pete was a character. He wore his heart on his sleeve, strong-minded, funny, and always wanting to help others.
“Over the last two years, Pete could have sat there in sorrow knowing his time might come, but he didn’t.
“He was out most days creating awareness for The Christie’s charity and his oesophagus cancer, raising nearly £20,000 to date.
“From parachute jumps out of planes to organising events and fundraising at the gym, he never stopped.”
Mat Roberts (R) with Peter Day (L) (Image: supplied)
Programmes at Evolve range from sports, strength and conditioning and injury rehabilitation to its Live Well offer for people aged 50 and over, designed to keep them active, independent and confident.
The team supports people referred by GPs and counsellors, including those with back pain, spinal issues, heart conditions and eating disorders.
The studio also works with young people from around the area, sometimes from the age of 13, with a parent or adult present, and Mat believes more school-level education on nutrition and exercise is vital.
He said: “It’s not just about how you look – we work with people with serious health issues and those coming through counselling services.
“We’re here more about what they’re going through and try to support the whole person.”
Evolve, Unit 2, Hampson Mill Lane, Bury, BL9 9TZ
If you or someone you know needs support, you can contact Beat via their website at www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk, by emailing help@beateatingdisorders.org.uk* or by calling 0808 801 0677*.
(*England only – more contact details for other areas are available on the website).