In February, I wrote to Oswestry Life readers to say thank you and to invite the town to come and see what we’d been working so hard to create. One month on, I can honestly say the response has exceeded anything we imagined.

Since opening the doors to The Evo Project, we’ve welcomed people from every corner of the community. Some are long-time Evolution members who’ve been with us for years. Others are stepping into a gym for the very first time.

That’s exactly what Evo was designed for.

A SPACE FILLED WITH PEOPLE, NOT PRESSURE

What’s been most rewarding over the past few weeks isn’t just seeing the gym busy, it’s seeing how people are using it. Mornings filled with early risers finding their routine. Lunchtimes bringing in people fitting training around work. Evenings alive with classes, conversation and energy.

The gym floor, group training studio and Reformer Pilates studio have quickly become part of daily life for many in Oswestry. From strength training and circuits to Pilates and coached sessions, the variety of movement happening under one roof has been incredible to watch.

Just as importantly, the atmosphere has stayed exactly how we hoped it would, welcoming, supportive and unpretentious. People training at their own pace, encouraging one another and feeling comfortable enough to keep coming back.

CLASSES THAT BRING PEOPLE TOGETHER  

One thing that’s been especially well received in these first few weeks is our class timetable, which is included as part of our basic membership. From high-energy sessions like Spinning and HIIT, to more accessible options such as Steps & REPS, Pilates, Yoga and our Intro to HIIT classes, the variety means people can train in a way that suits them. Whether someone is pushing themselves, learning the basics or simply enjoying moving with others, seeing our classes filled with people of all ages and abilities has been a real highlight and a big part of what’s making Evo feel like a community.

WHAT’S COMING NEXT

While the gym floor, studio and Reformer Pilates are now fully up and running, we’re not finished yet.

Over the coming weeks, we’ll be completing the final stages of the project, including our recovery suite and on-site café. These spaces are designed to make Evo somewhere you don’t just come to train, but somewhere you can recover, relax and connect and we can’t wait to share them with you when they’re ready.

THANK YOU — AND KEEP COMING

If you’ve already been through the doors, thank you for being part of the first chapter of Evo. Your support, feedback and positivity are much appreciated.

If you haven’t visited yet there’s no rush and no pressure, just an open invitation whenever you feel ready. This space isn’t going anywhere and there’s room here for everyone.

The Evo Project was never about a grand opening moment, it was about building something lasting.

One month in, it certainly feels like we’re on the right path.

— Jimmy Hayns