Darwin gym Evolve to be replaced by Palmerston gym ARC Fitness

Gym owner Matt Cowling is closing the doors of Evolve after eight years, but Ange Liddicoat of popular Palmerston hub ARC has a new vision for the space.

Ange Liddicoat of ARC Fitness is opening a new branch in Darwin City. Picture: Matthew Johnson

Long-time gym owner Matt Cowling is packing up house and family after 13 years in the Top End and handing over the keys to his Darwin City gym, Evolve.

Established eight years ago, Mr Cowling started Evolve from “a little shed”, which expanded into a booming business, eventually relocating to Carey Street.

Evolve gym owner Matt Cowling is leaving Darwin after 13 years. Picture: Supplied

Now the 37-year-old is handing over the equipment and space to Ange Liddicoat – the current owner of ARC Fitness in Yarrawonga.

The 40-year-old is set to re-open the doors of the space on Monday under ARC Fitness.

It will be a second location for the existing gym, a popular Palmerston hub with an adjoining cafe called ARC Energise.

ARC Fitness owner Ange Liddicoat also runs an adjoining cafe. She will be taking over the Evolve space. (Maizee Liddicoat, Amy Noble) Picture: Honeylens Photography

“We’re bringing ARC to the city because a lot of people drive from the city to come to us and they’ve been asking, ‘when are you going to open a gym in the city?’”

For Mr Cowling, closing the gym has been bittersweet.

Originally from the UK, Mr Cowling was a RAW Marine Commando before becoming a trainer and brought his expertise in high-level strength training to the fitness industry.

“That was Evolve’s mission – to educate and not to dictate,” he said.

“For years we put out free content, hundreds of videos – we were always looking to educate.

“At the time, HIIT (high-intensity interval) style training wasn’t popular back then.”

Mr Cowling and his Darwin-born wife Sienna managed to build a sizeable community of members in the past decade, receiving hundreds of thank you messages and emails from members after announcing their move.

Mr Cowling has his sights set on the Sunshine Coast – a big change for the couple and their four children, who were born and raised in the Territory.

Matt Cowling and wife Sienna have run Evolve gym for 8 years. Picture: Supplied

Evolve trainer Jacob Phillips will continue working at the gym under it’s new name.

“I will be the main point of contact for this gym and the main trainer,” the 29-year-old said.

“My role will pretty much be the same and I’ll be running most of the classes.

“Working with Matt was awesome but now I’m excited for the potential that is there – anytime there is a new start, there’s always potential for growth and fresh ideas.”