Strength isn't just built.
It's learned.
Evidence-based strength coaching for women who want to build muscle, confidence and long-term health.
Strength Studio Marina provides personalised coaching for women who want to become stronger, move with confidence and build a body that supports them throughout life.
Through evidence-based strength training, you'll learn how to train safely, understand why you're training, and develop strength that extends beyond the gym.
Private coaching is available in Rijeka and the surrounding area, at your home, and online.
Training with purpose—not just exercise.
Many women begin exercising with the goal of losing weight or changing the way they look. Those goals are perfectly valid—but lasting progress rarely comes from chasing appearance alone.
At Strength Studio Marina, strength is the method, not the final goal.
Learning how to move well, becoming physically capable, building muscle, improving long-term health and understanding your own body are investments that continue to benefit you long after individual training sessions are over.
My role is not simply to tell you what exercises to perform. It is to help you understand the process, build confidence in your abilities and develop training habits you can sustain for years.
Choose the coaching format that fits your life.
Private coaching
Individual in-person coaching focused on learning technique, building strength and progressing safely with a programme designed specifically for you.
Online strength coaching
Structured programming, regular communication and personalised guidance wherever you live.
At-home coaching
Personal training in the comfort of your own home for clients in Rijeka and the surrounding area.
There is no single programme that works equally well for every woman.
Your training should take into account your current abilities, previous experience, available equipment, lifestyle, goals and the amount of time you can realistically dedicate to it.
That is why my coaching is built around the individual.
Expert consultations
Individual guidance for women who want an experienced perspective on their training, technique, programming or next steps. Bring a specific question or challenge, and we'll work through it together.
Meet Marina
I'm Marina Tkalčić, founder of Strength Studio Marina and a strength and fitness coach based in Rijeka, Croatia.
Before becoming a fitness coach, I studied people.
My academic background is in Ethnology and Cultural Anthropology, where I explored how culture, beliefs and everyday habits shape the way we live. Today, I bring that same curiosity into coaching.
I believe successful training isn't built only on good exercises. It's built on understanding the individual standing in front of you.
As a StrongFirst Elite Instructor, I combine evidence-based strength training with thoughtful coaching, helping women build not only stronger bodies but also greater confidence in what those bodies can do.
What you can expect
Individual approach
Your programme is designed around your goals, experience and lifestyle—not copied from a template.
Education
You'll understand why you're doing each exercise, not simply follow instructions.
Evidence-informed coaching
Training decisions are guided by current evidence, practical coaching experience and continuous professional education.
Technique first
Learning to move well comes before lifting more weight.
Long-term thinking
The goal is sustainable progress that supports your health for years—not quick fixes.
Questions, adjustments and feedback are part of the coaching process, because progress rarely happens in a straight line.
Ongoing support
Strength in their own words
“Marina is incredibly dedicated to her work and her clients, and her knowledge, experience, and patience are invaluable. What I appreciate most is her personalized approach – every session is tailored to how I feel and what I need that day. She always makes sure I feel supported and motivated, and the results I’ve achieved under her guidance have been remarkable. Training with Marina is the best part of my day, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything!”
— Sara Gudelj
“For over five years, I tried to motivate myself to exercise, but every attempt was unsuccessful. A year ago, I met Marina and started training with her. Her positive energy, clear demonstration of every exercise, and close attention to my movements have made working out an enjoyable experience. Moreover, her extensive theoretical knowledge has helped alleviate the back issues that initially led me to start training. Marina is a rare example of a coach with whom it’s truly a pleasure to spend time.”
— Magda Tomljanovic
“I absolutely love working out with Marina! She listens attentively and tailors each session to the client’s mental and physical needs. Every training is filled with laughter, positivity, and fantastic new exercises. Her creative approach keeps me from focusing on how challenging something might be, and I can truly feel that I’m doing what’s best for my body. Marina’s expertise and patience inspire immense trust, and I always look forward to every session with great excitement!”
— Tanja Darabos
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Training, education and thoughts on strength, health and building a capable body.
