About Us
Our Gym
Ross and Christine Darragh believe in changing the world one step at a time.
Our Philosophy: Fitness For Life – Focused on you.
We all have physical needs that evolve. We grow older, our habits change, and we get burdened with new commitments. It can be easy to let your health slip, but you must always remember that the best investment you can ever make is in yourself!
Our gym brings in people from all walks of life. Some people attend because they used to be fitness focused, but fell out of habit, and now want to reclaim the benefits of good health. Others come to lose weight and slim down, so they can be healthier, happier and more confident. There are also young people who want to build their muscles or professional athletes who need to stay in peak condition for their careers.
The truth is, there are one thousand and one reasons that someone may attend our gym, but really, there is only one main reason, one that connects them all:
Everyone who attends Evolve Fitness is making a commitment to their health, and investing in themselves. Everyone comes to a gym with different goals, hopes, challenges and dreams. It is our joy to support your Journey.
“Fantastic gym! Lots of space, great equipment and the staff are helpful, friendly and dedicated!
I love working out at Evolve.“
Being a little nervous about joining the gym is understandable. We all have our own insecurities, especially when it comes to how we look and what others think about us.
Luckily, at Evolve, we go out of our way to make sure you have a great experience when you attend our gym. Our staff is friendly and helpful, and it doesn’t take long to get a grip of the basic exercises.
Make a Change
Real People. Real Results
It isn’t just young supermodels or hulking bodybuilders who use our gym. People of all sizes, ages, and capabilities are members of Evolve. We’re all here for the same reason, we want to become fitter, healthier, and have fun while we do it.
Ross Darragh
Evolve's Owners
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Although my name is Ross and I am one of the owner/managers, I get called Jack (not really, only by me in my head). But I am, (and need to be – like all other small business owners), a Jack of all trades and in my case a master of none – I’m sure the staff would agree with me on this one.
I am lucky enough to have an incredible immediate and extended caring family. Christine, my wife, and our two kids – Ashleigh and Josh who have recently left home to forge their own ways in life.
So, what do I do – well I oversee the staff, the roles they all play in our business and how we want you our members to be treated, alongside keeping on top of all the admin and day-to-day processes.
I like to be prepared, organised and on time always, although there are occasional slip-ups, not all my fault, as happens in partnerships, if you know what I mean.
I train in the gym 7 days of the week most weeks at 6am. I have tried all sorts of other training times throughout the last 30 years for various reasons e.g. work and family commitments, but find I can train uninterrupted, go home to get ready for work and then not need to worry about unexpected things popping up and me having to miss out.
I am lucky that I am a reasonable sportsman no matter what the sport, a quick learner (except for math at school), and that I possess the amazing ability to forget and can at times, just not think! The other abilities I have are that I can very quickly sum up a situation and will correctly react/respond and have not made many, if any, mistakes twice. And yes, I know what you are thinking about me right now!
I am also lucky that Christine allows and supports me to indulge in my other hobbies. One of these is renovating houses (it’s ok, I was a builder in my past life) and yes, I do eventually finish them, and the other is riding our motorcycle.
I am fortunate, that I love what I do and to call Feilding our home, just as the previous three generations of Darragh have done before me.
Chris Darragh
Evolve's Owners
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Five words my friends may use to describe me: fun, straight-up, no-nonsense, down-to-earth, funny.
I enjoy most music but have no absolute favourites. Little River Band, Fleetwood Mac, The Eagles and Pink are some artists/bands that I like.
I like clothes shopping (like most females), but I love Op Shopping the most. Weird and wacky but definitely interesting. You never know what treasure you’re going to find and there’s nothing more satisfying than finding that special something for a bargain price.
For relaxation, I enjoy reading fiction from authors Stephen King, Robin Cook, Lee Childs, James Patterson and Sandra Brown to name a few. I also like watching action and comedy movies with a big block of chocolate.
My biggest weakness is chocolate. I especially like Cadbury Dairy Milk, Caramilk or lately it’s Whittakers Blondie but honestly, any other flavour will do as long as it’s chocolate!!!
My favourite type of holiday is getting away in the caravan. There’s nothing quite like packing up the caravan and your bike on a Friday and taking off for an adventure in the weekend, parking up by a beach or lake – you just can’t beat it!! Everything is so relaxed – no housework, basic cooking and meeting lots of interesting people.
Even though currently I do not play sports I have previously played touch rugby, indoor netball, indoor cricket and winter netball. I’ve also done triathlons with the bike being my favourite discipline. My passion now lies with resistance gym workouts.
Family is really important to me. I believe, “without family you have nothing”. Another is life balance. I believe balance is key to everything in life.
Dale Morgan
Operations Manager
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Hi, I’m Dale and I was born and bred in Auckland (don’t worry I promise I’m not another JAFA!), and moved to Feilding three years ago. I enjoy living in Friendly Feilding with my partner and our three children.
I’ve been involved in sports my whole life with a few of them including tennis, soccer, gymnastics, squash, and table tennis. I’m really looking forward to combining my skills in administration and my passion for sport and exercise in this role.
If I could describe myself in a few words it would be: sporty, family-oriented, compassionate, caring, and fun-loving.
I love cars, and a dream of mine is to one day own a Mustang. Or, if I won lotto I’d buy a Cobra (though I’d actually have to invest in a lotto ticket first). Some of my other passions include reading – I particularly enjoy Lee Child and David Baldacci – camping, and attending church on Sunday mornings.
I’m an animal lover and currently have three cats (I know, three!) and one dog. My strengths include a love for people, being highly organised and punctual, and great communication skills. My weaknesses (aka can be bribed with) are chocolate, ice cream, and chips.
I’m a people person so come and say hi!
Chris Vinsen
Sales Manager
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Hey, I’m Chris I grew up in Shannon and come from a family of seven. After starting work in Feilding I moved to Palmerston North where I live with my wife and 5-year-old daughter. In my spare time, I like to go fishing and hunting, but if it’s too cold, you will find me tinkering in my man cave.
Growing up I’ve always had a passion for sports and exercise. From a young age, I played league and rugby through till the end of High School. Once I completed my degree in Bachelor of Human Performance, I went on to become a full-time track cyclist in New Zealand and Australia. My cycling journey continued on for seven years, through which I was working part-time for different supplement stores and gyms.
My career in Health and Fitness began in 1999. I have worked at Evolve Fitness for 18 years, specialising in Personal Training and Sales Management. I have gained 21 years experience in my field and over the years have helped many people succeed in reaching their fitness goals. I have learnt that the key to success is hard work, determination and never giving up.
Janine Jackson
Sales & Administration
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Hi, I’m Janine.
I have previously worked here at Evolve Fitness and am thrilled to have recently returned! The team here are friendly, warm and caring and we have awesome members. It is a special place to be a part of.
I enjoy living in Feilding with the great community we have here. I am fortunate to have a wonderful husband and three gorgeous children. My family and friends are very important to me and I love spending time with them.
Outside of work I also enjoy going to movies, learning, baking, walks, travel and camping. My favourite place to camp is at Mount Maunganui.
I look forward to seeing your smiling faces as you come in to the gym for your morning workout.
If you are new to Evolve I look forward to welcoming you and showing you around.
Please do come and say hi, we are here to help and are always happy to assist you.
Yasmine Hunter
Sales & Administration
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Hey there, I’m Yasmine and I am born and raised here in Friendly Feilding. I tried to leave the nest a few years ago and move down to Otago but they don’t say home sweet home for no reason
I am currently on my last year of University at Massey, studying a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Education, so you will get to see my friendly face around here and there over the next year.
I am currently a Pump and LIT instructor here at Evolve, so if you ever feel like joining in one of my classes you are welcomed with open arms. I promise I won’t be too mean in the classes!
I love being active and staying fit myself. I am a highland dancer and qualified dance teacher, as well as playing netball at a high level.
Teaching and instructing, is such a rewarding experience because I am able to help people progress through their achievements and reach their goals.
While I’m finishing my last year studying, I am also on the front desk at Evolve on a casual basis so come in and see me and I can show you around.
An awesome quote:
“Life is not a competition it’s a journey. Life is about helping and inspiring others so we can reach our potential.”
Karina Shann
Personal Trainer
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Hey, I’m Karina and I’ve been a Personal Trainer in Wellington for six-plus years. I’ve recently joined the Evolve Family to be in Feilding more with my partner.
I’ve always had a passion to help people and I enjoy exercise, so personal training was the perfect fit. I love getting to know people and help them see the benefits of exercise physically and mentally, plus how it can overall improve their outlook on life.
My personal focus with members is to help them build confidence in the weights area and develop a consistent routine. I love supporting members through their fitness journey and celebrating their progress and successes.
Another passion and hobby of mine is dance. I learnt Jazz growing up, played Hockey in school, and got into strength training in my early 20s and continue to work on getting stronger. I missed dancing so I gave pole dancing a go and five-plus years later I am now also an instructor and I love sharing my passions with people. I look forward to helping you learn and grow!
Cydney Ohara
Personal Trainer
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Hey, I’m Cydney.
I currently hold a Bachelor of Sport and Exercise (Exercise Prescription) from Massey University, and I am so excited to see you all in the gym!
My sporting background consists of a whole lot of hockey, playing since I was seven years old. I really enjoy being a part of a team, working towards a common goal, and making friendships along the way. My passion is to help others achieve the goals they set for themselves and to feel like they can achieve anything they put their minds to.
If you see me around the gym, please come and say hi!
Chris Vinsen
Personal Trainer
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Hey, I’m Chris I grew up in Shannon and come from a family of seven. After starting work in Feilding I moved to Palmerston North where I live with my wife and 5-year-old daughter. In my spare time, I like to go fishing and hunting, but if it’s too cold, you will find me tinkering in my man cave.
Growing up I’ve always had a passion for sports and exercise. From a young age, I played league and rugby through till the end of High School. Once I completed my degree in Bachelor of Human Performance, I went on to become a full-time track cyclist in New Zealand and Australia. My cycling journey continued on for seven years, through which I was working part-time for different supplement stores and gyms.
My career in Health and Fitness began in 1999. I have worked at Evolve Fitness for 18 years, specialising in Personal Training and Sales Management. I have gained 21 years experience in my field and over the years have helped many people succeed in reaching their fitness goals. I have learnt that the key to success is hard work, determination and never giving up.
For some people the instructor is what the class is all about – so check out our instructors!
Jemma Lawton
Class Instructor
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Kia Ora, I am Jemma. Sport, fitness and well-being, family, education, teaching and travel are the heart of my journey in life. It is hard to believe that I have been involved in the Fitness Industry for over 30 years. Over that time I have met many friends, colleagues and people who have shared a similar passion.
I have been privileged to cycle throughout NZ and Hawaii sharing and promoting well-being through USO bike ride. Our purpose has been to promote a healthier lifestyle and also a need to have regular health checks amongst Maori and Pacific men for prostate cancer.
I now know what grandparents meant when they said having grandchildren is a whole new and amazing experience. I am blessed to have a beautiful 4-year-old grandchild who from my biased view is simply amazing.
Nga Mihi…Jemma Lawton
Christine Darragh
Class Instructor
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Currently I am teaching the Low Impact class every Tuesday and Thursday morning. These classes are designed for our senior ladies to enable them to continue to live life to the fullest as well as catch up with other ladies as they are quite social. Don’t let the grey hair fool you though as these ladies are full of energy and lots of sass!! I also wear the hat of Group Fitness Manager, so if you’re enthusiastic about teaching classes and can bring lots of your positive energy, come and see me!!
Kim Scott
Class Instructor
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Hi I’m Kim and I’ve been teaching RPM at Evolve for over 10 years now.
I have always been involved in fitness and outdoor activities dating back to 1983 (yes 1983!) when I was selected for the NZ Track Cycling Development team. I have run a few marathons in recent times and enjoy mountain running events where I compete with my wife for ‘first home’ honours!
Family life revolves around my wife of 22 years (Dee) and our two children, James (35yr) and Ashlee (22yr). Most summer weekends we are often away camping lakeside and wakeboarding enjoying what NZ has to offer!
In my day job I own and run a product design & development firm called Idea Developments which fills my weekdays (and nights) with interest and passion for design and detailing, along with our manufacturing operation (Idea-China) in Shenzhen, China.
I have a passion for teaching RPM, from both a fitness and technical aspect, and connecting with members to see their improvements over time. I welcome any new (or old) members keen to try a RPM class, and as I always say… “do the class at your level and take time to feel the difference as you get stronger”
Christina Heemi
Class Instructor
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Hey I’m Christina and I teach the Body Step class on Thursday night. I have three children along with working and studying this year.
More importantly, my favourite three Netflix series would be Game of Thrones, Breaking Bad and Money Heist, what’s yours? Any Netflix recommendations would be much appreciated.
I love the group fitness classes as I HATE running, and I imagine everyone in the class is my close friend and we are at a dance party so if that’s you too, I would definitely recommend coming along!
Garry Twomey
Class Instructor
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Hi, I teach one of the Les Mills group fitness classes – RPM.
With RPM I have participants who have had success in toning up, losing weight and looking forward to the next class of the challenging indoor cycling workout without the hassles of traffic and the weather.
See you there and come get your fitness game up.
Lisa Mordaunt
Class Instructor
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Hey, I’m Lisa and I am a BodyStep and BodyBalance Les Mills Instructor. Group Fitness is my passion and I have been hooked ever since I attended my first class as a teenager.
Originally from the UK, I am now lucky enough to call New Zealand my home. I live with my brilliant husband and had our three gorgeous little ladies in Palmy North. Outside the gym we are super busy running a business, whilst leading a full and active life; full of activities, sports, events and adventures.
I originally trained as an Instructor while at home with my babies, to turn my passion into a reality (and motivate myself back into shape). My goal is to bring energy, knowledge and heaps of enthusiasm, to each and every class. I love seeing people inspired, having fun, and achieving their own unique fitness goals.
Neil Bryant
Class Instructor
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Hi my name is Neil Bryant I am currently taking the Thai Boxing fitness classes each Monday at 4pm for kids and 5.10pm for adults.
My main hobbies are bone and wood carving. The sports I enjoy are rugby and obviously Muay Thai.
Have been involved in Thai boxing for 24 years as it also offers great fitness and self-esteem.
Helen Luoni
Class Instructor
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Hi I’m Helen and I’ve been at Evolve in Feilding since February 2017 though I’ve been involved with the fitness industry as an instructor for over 24 years! OMG!
As a kid, I was into competitive gymnastics and then in my early twenties reignited my love of dance and became a performer and a dance instructor.
I have lived in four different countries, however, the longest I’ve lived anywhere was Taihape.
I’ve been married to Simon for almost 28 years and have 16-year-old twins Luca and Sophie.
I currently teach Body Pump at Evolve.
I enjoy the season of summer, reading, attempting cryptic crosswords, tennis, walking our dog Louis, stand-up paddle boarding and spending time with my family.
I have my own business providing on-site chair massage to busy professionals in both Feilding and Palmerston North.
I love both my jobs as they keep me fit and I meet a lot of people.
Anthea Turner
Class Instructor
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Hi, I’m Anthea, I have been teaching at Evolve for a few years now and I still love it. In my downtime, I hang out with mates or family, love movies, especially horrors, lover of all animals.
If you are ever around the gym come try a class they look scary but seriously they are not!! And it’s always great to push yourself to try new things xx
Yasmine Hunter
Class Instructor
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Hey there, I’m Yasmine and I am born and raised here in Friendly Feilding. I tried to leave the nest a few years ago and move down to Otago but they don’t say home sweet home for no reason.
I am currently on my last year of University at Massey, studying a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Education, so you will get to see my friendly face around here and there over the next year.
I am currently a Pump and LIT instructor here at Evolve, so if you ever feel like joining in one of my classes you are welcomed with open arms. I promise I won’t be too mean in the classes!
I love being active and staying fit myself. I am a highland dancer and qualified dance teacher, as well as playing netball at a high level.
Teaching and instructing, is such a rewarding experience because I am able to help people progress through their achievements and reach their goals.
While I’m finishing my last year studying, I am also on the front desk at Evolve on a casual basis so come in and see me and I can show you around.
An awesome quote:
“Life is not a competition it’s a journey. Life is about helping and inspiring others so we can reach our potential.”
Peter Honeyman
Cleaner
Gary Twomey
Cleaner
what should I wear?
Comfortable clothing is recommended, like a T-shirt with shorts and training/sports shoes.
What else should I bring?
A towel and drink bottle. When you exercise, you will need to keep yourself hydrated. Also, to be a respectful member of the gym, you will use the towel when you do your exercises. We have both towels and drink bottles for sale if you do not have either of these.
Should I eat or drink beforehand?
If it has been some time before you have eaten properly (4+ hours,) then a light snack is a smart idea. All you need is something like a piece of fruit or a muesli bar.
When should I train?
Train when it is most convenient for you. Our gym can be accessed 24 hours a day, so we can match your schedule. Try and train when you will not be disturbed or held back by distractions and other commitments.
How often should I train??
This depends on your lifestyle and your goals, but when you are just starting out, 2 – 3 times per week is a good start, and your health and energy levels will benefit. But, the more often you can train, the quicker things will start to happen.
What will I feel after training?
Newcomers to exercise report higher levels of energy, increased positive feelings and less stress. At times you may feel hungry after training. This is when your body needs some good quality protein and carbohydrates. Protein and carbohydrates will help the muscles repair and replenish energy sources.
Want to find out more
Contact Us
Staffed Gym H0urs
Monday-Friday: 6am - 7.30pm
Saturday: 8.45am - 1pm
24/7 Access for Members