Housing in Dubrovnik is tight, and so is space of every kind. So when a gym here feels roomy, you notice. I have been training at Strong Station for a few weeks now, and this is how it looks from the inside.
Three sections, one membership
The gym is split into three areas, and the layout is what sold me.
The main floor is for classic bodybuilding and cardio. Machines, free weights and everything from the treadmills onward. If you want to lift heavy and follow a split, this is your zone.
The second area is built around dumbbells and mats. It is where the lighter work happens, and it is also where the trainers do their sessions. If you want one on one coaching, or you prefer group training, this is the corner you will end up in.
The third area is for functional work. Kettlebells, pull up stations and space for deadlifts. It is the part that makes the gym feel complete, because you do not have to fight for a rack or a bar to do basic movements.
Air, space and people
The first thing I noticed was the ventilation. It is well ventilated, which matters more than people admit, especially when you are three sets deep in a summer afternoon. The second thing was the people. Everyone is friendly. It is a place where you can show up, do your work and be yourself without anyone watching.
The space is big enough to move around but not huge. In a city where square metres are gold, that is not a complaint. It is just honest. It can get crowded, and you feel it when it does.
When to go
I train around eight in the morning and it is rarely busy. I have seen it fill up early some days, but that is the exception. From what I hear, the afternoon is the rush, when people finish work and head straight in. If you hate waiting for equipment, go early.
What it costs
Prices in Dubrovnik run high across the board, and gyms are no different. What you pay depends on what you want.
My first time there I paid 78 euros for unlimited access without group training. Group training costs more. These days I pay 60 euros for 12 sessions, which works out to three visits a week. That plan suits me because it keeps me consistent without paying for days I will not use.
Check the current rates with the gym before you sign up, since prices and plans can change.
The verdict
Strong Station gives you range. Heavy lifting, light work, coaching and cardio all under one roof, with clean air and a friendly crowd. It is not cheap, but little is here. If you live in Dubrovnik and want a gym that does not feel like a compromise, it is worth a visit.
