Meet the Coaches: The Experts Helping Women Get Stronger at The Evolved Gym

Meet the Coaches: The Experts Helping Women Get Stronger at The Evolved Gym

Mar 11, 2025

Megan Brown (owner/head trainer) & Leisa Smith (trainer) posing for a photo at The Evolved All Female Gym West End Brisbane

Get to Know Our Strength Coaches: Their Stories & Training Philosophies


Megan Brown (Head Trainer) spotting her Pregnant 1:1 Personal Training Client on Bench Press

Megan Brown – Strength Coach & Head Trainer at The Evolved


"Strength isn’t just about lifting weights—it’s about building a body that keeps up with your life, your ambitions, and the people who rely on you."


As a mum, business owner, and former dancer, I’ve experienced firsthand how injuries, fatigue, and life’s demands can make training feel overwhelming. I know what it’s like to push through pain, to feel like there’s never enough time, and to juggle everything while still wanting to prioritise my body.


That’s why my coaching focuses on training smarter—not harder. With certifications in personal training, metabolic nutrition, and body transformation, I specialise in strength training for body composition and injury prevention—helping women feel strong, confident, and in control of their bodies.


My Approach to Strength Training


Strength Training for Real Life

  • I’ve gone through pregnancy, postnatal recovery, and returning to exercise twice—and I’ve coached hundreds of women through the same journey. I know that time is scarce, energy fluctuates, and pain can hold you back. That’s why I ensure every rep counts, so you train efficiently and safely while seeing real results.

How I Learned to Train Smarter, Not Harder

  • After suffering from chronic fatigue following my second baby, I had to rethink everything I knew about training. I learned that pushing harder isn’t always better—sometimes, the real progress happens in the balance between effort and recovery. I now help women train in a way that works with their bodies, not against them.

Overcoming Injury & Pain with Strength

  • I suffered a severe back injury at 18 that flared up after having kids. I had to figure out how to get out of pain quickly, minimise setbacks, and rebuild strength safely. Now, I help women train through injuries, regain mobility, and prevent flare-ups—without stopping movement completely.

The Importance of Muscle for Women

  • If there’s one thing I wish every woman understood, it’s this: Muscle mass is everything. It dictates how well you age, how you move, how you feel, and how resilient your body is. The sooner you start prioritising strength, the better your body will serve you for life.


Winning Female Transformation Trainer of the Year


Receiving Female Transformation Trainer of the Year, awarded by Dr. Paul Cribb, PhD, CSCS, FTAS & Natural Miss Olympia Shar Sault, was a huge honor—not just for me, but as an example to my clients. It showed that even as a busy mum and businesswoman, transformation is possible with the right training, consistency, and belief in yourself.


One of My Most Meaningful Client Transformations


One of the most rewarding transformations I’ve been a part of is Ruth’s journey—a testament to the power of rethinking training, recovery, and self-care.


After having her second child, Ruth felt like her body had changed in a way she couldn’t control. Like many women, she turned to intense exercise, pushing herself through multiple group classes per day, five days a week in an effort to feel strong again. While she loved the endorphins, her constant training left her exhausted, prone to illness, and stuck in a cycle of stress relief through exercise.


When she came to The Evolved, we changed her approach—reducing her weekly training from 9+ hours to just 2 focused, intentional sessions. This shift gave her body time to recover, breaking the burnout cycle and improving both her physical and mental health.


At first, stepping away from her high-volume routine was a mental battle. She had used exercise as an escape, and slowing down felt uncomfortable. But as she built confidence in her new strength-based training program, she saw incredible results:


  • Increased strength and energy, without the constant exhaustion
  • A complete mindset shift—from chasing more exercise to prioritising quality movement and recovery
  • A stronger body composition, with 4cm lost from her waist
  • No illnesses for the first time in years
  • An improved relationship with food—letting go of perfectionism and learning to enjoy balance


What I love most about Ruth’s transformation is that it wasn’t just about training—it was about learning to trust her body, let go of guilt, and redefine what strength means.


She went from feeling out of control and burnt out to feeling strong, empowered, and in charge of her health. And to me, that’s what real transformation is about.


Why The Evolved?


At The Evolved, we create a space where women feel safe, supported, and strong—without ego, without intimidation, and without judgement. I love being here because it’s not just about training—it’s about empowering women to show up for themselves, build confidence, and never feel lost in a gym again.


If you’re ready to start building strength that lasts a lifetime, I’d love to help.



Leisa Smith – Strength & Performance Coach at The Evolved


Strength isn’t just about what you lift—it’s about what you overcome.


I specialise in working with beginners and women returning to exercise after injury, helping them build confidence, strength, and resilience. With years of experience in power lifting, bodybuilding, and endurance training, I know how intimidating strength training can feel at first. But I also know the power it has to transform your body, your mindset, and your life.


At The Evolved, I’ve found a space that feels like home—where every woman is welcome, supported, and encouraged to show up for herself. There are no stigmas, no egos—just a community of women learning to push past limits, trust their bodies, and embrace strength as a lifelong pursuit.


My Approach to Strength Training


Breaking Barriers & Finding Confidence

  • Many women doubt what they’re capable of. My job is to help you discover your strength, overcome mental barriers, and believe in yourself. Strength training isn’t just about lifting weights—it’s about learning how to move, understanding your body, and knowing how to train safely and effectively.

The Importance of Recovery & Long-Term Progress

  • The biggest lesson I’ve learned from competing? Pushing hard all the time isn’t the answer. Progress comes from balancing intensity with recovery, managing stress, and following a structured plan that works with your body—not against it.

Why Strength Training is the Best Investment in Yourself

  • The one thing I wish every woman understood? Being strong and building muscle is the foundation for feeling your best. It’s not just about body composition or metabolism—it’s holistic. Strength training impacts everything, including your confidence, energy, and even your spirit.

Making Small Wins Feel Big

  • Whether it’s your first workout after an injury or your first time picking up a barbell, every win matters. I help women celebrate their progress, no matter how small, and build trust in themselves without fear or doubt.


One of My Most Meaningful Client Transformations


One of my most rewarding coaching experiences was helping a client return to exercise after cancer treatment. After multiple invasive surgeries and chemotherapy, she started unable to sit on a stool—but she kept showing up.


Now, she squats with full range at 30kg, deadlifts 45kg, and bench presses 25kg.


More than the physical transformation, the shift in her mindset and confidence has been life-changing—going from feeling broken to feeling empowered.


Strength training isn’t just about what happens in the gym—it’s about how you move, live, and show up in the rest of your life.


If you're ready to start building strength in a way that feels safe, empowering, and sustainable, I’d love to help.


  • Why Our Trainers Specialise in Women’s Strength & Functional Fitness
  • How Our Coaches Customise Training for Every Age & Fitness Level
  • From Beginners to Athletes: How Our Team Supports Women’s Goals


How Our Coaches Help Women Train for Strength at Every Stage of Life


  • The Science Behind Women’s Strength Training: Our Coaches’ Approach
  • How We Train Women in Their 20s vs. Women Over 50
  • What to Expect from a Strength Session at The Evolved Gym
  • How Our Coaching Style Helps Women Build Strength & Confidence


Why Women Deserve Strength Coaches Who Understand Their Bodies


  • Why Women Need a Different Approach to Strength Training Than Men
  • The Role of Strength Training in Women’s Hormonal Health & Longevity
  • How Our Coaches Help Women Overcome Gym Anxiety & Fear of Lifting
  • Why Every Woman Deserves a Coach Who Understands Her Unique Needs