Tom Aspinall classes expanding with veterans training at Evolution gym

As reported previously by the Star, Evolution Fitness XL has been growing as a real community hub that offers top-of-the-range facilities and space for various community groups and fitness classes.

With the Duncan Street venue the current gym of choice for former World's Strongest Man Eddie Hall as he prepares for his debut MMA fight, the upstairs space is used by UFC champion Tom Aspinall and his 'Aspinall BJJ' training school.

With the Aspinall 'BJJ' led by Tom, his dad Andy and brother Joe, the Evolution team has recently teamed them up with Reorg, a nationwide charity helping veterans, injured ex-servicemen and first responders to use fitness and jiu jitsu as a positive outlet after life in the forces.

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Evolution founder Mike with Reorg members (Image: Evolution XL)
Founder of Evolution gym, Mike Garner, said: "We spoke with the guys at Reorg a while ago and they recently came down the gym to see about setting up a base here.

"They really enjoyed the session with Tom and loved what we're doing here with all the other groups so I think it's another really positive step forward.

"Reorg has a national following and a large online presence so we're really excited about the partnership. It's a win-win really and we're hoping it opens us up to even more avenues.

"We're always looking to keep the gym as varied as possible and offering as much support to different groups as we can."

Reorg has agreed to set up a base at Evolution (Image: Evolution XL)
In addition to the gym's state-of-the-art equipment and popular fitness classes, Evolution has become well known as a community hub just outside of St Helens town centre.

In the past, the team has sponsored local businesses and sports teams, delivered Christmas presents to needy families, opened as a warm hub, and offered space for the Ever Evolving special needs group and young people with behavioural or mental health issues.

There has also been an extension of the gym's second-floor facilities to cater for the growing demand while a podcast has also been launched that zones in on people's lives in sport or business, and the challenges they have faced.

Mike with Tom Aspinall and Eddie Hall (Image: Evolution XL)
More information about Reorg can be found here, while Evolution's website can be found here.