I don't know what they put in the coffee, but this place has me committed to (and even enjoying?!) working out. I was one of those kids who produced a sick note three times a week during high school to avoid PE, so this is a damn impressive feat.

I absolutely love coming here. I always get concerned when joining a gym that I will just become another number, but Svet has kept me accountable for my attendance and he's provided me with motivation and positive feedback. I also love that I can walk in, grab a coffee and enjoy the atmosphere before I get into my workout. Best gym in Brisbane!

I found ZAR Athletica one sunny afternoon a few months ago and since then my life has definitely changed for the better. I used to be a member of a large variety of commercial gyms before, starting from Moscow (Russia), then in Sydney, in Melbourne and finally in Brisbane, but I was always missing ‘a personal touch’. Here, at ZAR Athletica, everyone makes you feel special and at home with a smile, positive energy, attention to your situation, years of experience together with modern equipment, great music, couching & motivation and a great coffee :). I would definitely recommend it for everyone who is tired of commercial gyms and want to have a personalised approach to their health and well-being.

ZAR Athletica is the best place that I have ever trained. I started training with serious back and neck pain and had been unable to train properly for 2 years. From my first meeting with Svet to understand my goals through my EP appointments with Areif I have been able to go from strength to strength. My pain is decreasing and my abaility to train has been steadily increasing each week. If you are looking for a welcoming and safe environment to develop confidence and competence in your physical training to acheive your personal goals ZAR Athletica is the place to train.

Very impressed with ZAR thus far. The service given by Svet and the team has been very personalised and thorough, especially with my initial consult. The staff are actively checking in with everyone and their progress. This sort of accountability is exactly what I needed 😄👍 Keen for my body transformation

The entire staff is very attentive, helpful and friendly. Concerned with the development of exercises and correct posture. It makes me want to train when I remember that I will be in a pleasant environment. I am very satisfied! The workouts are very dynamic and the coffee is wonderful!

Sanitary and organised gym. Service with a big smile that goes above and beyond with a lovely outdoor cafe setting.

ZAR has been so welcoming! I’ve never really stepped foot into a gym before, so I was pretty nervous before coming in. I couldn’t have felt more supported and comfortable! Great coaches, and great community of people! I’m excited to head back there everyday!

Excellent experience! Something really different than normal gyms! Svet and his team are very professional and knowledgeable. Thank you

ZAR Athletica is an extremely professional & welcoming establishment regardless of experience and fitness level. The team there is friendly and seriously committed to helping you achieve your goals. They offer a range of classes over scheduled through the entire day - I would highly recommend for everyone.

I did the ZAR trial this week and it was amazing. Everyone was very friendly and welcoming. The classes are personalised and the PTs pay great attention to detail and focus on techniques. I only did strength classes and pilates and i found it very enjoyable as the intensity was not too extreme. Great place to workout :)

The team at ZAR have been fantastic. I’ve been pretty inactive the last few years thanks to a couple of young kids and a couple of blown discs in my back, but Svet, Arief and the team have made getting moving again really enjoyable. Been feeling great and I’m chipping away at the dad bod. Good coffee too. Good job gents.

Absolutely wonderful and helpful team! I’ve been looking for ages to find a great gym with trainers who are interested in helping me achieve my fitness goals. I found it! Five stars!

Have joined ZAR recently and I'm loving it in all aspects. Trainers are extremely helpful, providing me within the training/experience I needed. The members are also a great bunch of people creating a community vibe!

So much more than a gym. This is a top-tier facility where you will receive expert coaching on technique and execution to achieve the results you want. Svet and the team are warm, welcoming and highly professional. Could not recommend Zar Athletica more!

ZAR Athletica offers a variety of classes and an amazing environment to train in. Smaller, intimate groups allows the coaches to assist you where needed. You never feel like you didn’t have a good training session when you leave. Additional plus - everyone is so welcoming and friendly :).

I’ve been looking for a good training community and most importantly a skilled and dedicated trainer that is very attentive to my needs and goals and I feel like I’ve found that at ZAR. In only 1 week I already feel great and have noticed a change. I’m looking forward to more great results to come! I also love the flexibility with lots of training sessions available and having access to free Yoga and Pilates is a bonus. Great coffee too 👌🏼

ZAR Athletica is an exceptional gym with a strong focus on technique and results. The classes and training programs are top quality and carefully curated. The exercise physiologists have great attention to detail and are very friendly and supportive. Could not recommend this gym more - the gold standard for strength and conditioning training.

Have recently signed up to ZAR best experience I’ve had to date becoming part of a new community. Am pretty excited for what’s to come thanks Team 🙌

Arief Hunter is the best exercise physiotherapist ive ever worked with! I once struggled to walk and now im back lifting! My quality of life has never been better. Arief hunter is the CURE for lumbar spondylosis ;)

Zar Athletica is a first rate experience. Svet Borojevic and the team have created an environment that is highly professional but also lively, fun and inclusive. It’s the sort of place you can’t wait to come back to… It has a great community vibe! Both Svet and coach Arief Hunter have been overseeing my personalised rehabilitation and fitness programme for some time and it has been game changing in treating multiple sclerosis. I feel incredibly lucky to have these guys in my corner.

I find that I can trust the professional guidance of my personal trainer Arief Hunter, and I have benefited by being able to move and feel more confident.

I have been going to ZAR Athletica since it opened in Leopold Street. My very dodgy knees are now in better shape than they have ever been. I’ve been attending Arief Hunter’s small group training sessions for a year now and I like the whole body exercise physiology/physiology approach used to prepare my program. I also like that Arief is very vigilant, he doesn’t let you develop bad technique. Highly recommended.

In all likelihood the best gym in Brisbane. .. with experienced real world lifting pros who are also very qualified. The Coaches genuinely care about your health and fitness journey - you will find it is a very different experience to “commercial gyms”. ZAR has a focus on strength training and also provides superb prehab and rehab services. There is a holistic approach to health, along with an incredible breadth and depth to the knowledge of the coaches. The team offer ongoing expert guidance emphasising critical training fundamentals of technique and safe lifting. The training plan is a periodised system with programmed recovery and progression. Classes include personalised attention and feedback - so with dedication the probability of significant improvements in your strength and general health is high. The gym culture is relentlessly positive, inclusive, welcoming and supportive - this is championed by the coaches and also upheld by the members. Young or old… if you are a beginner, or an experienced athlete you can benefit greatly from the small classes, one on one training, or rehab at ZAR. Best single thing I ever did for my physical and mental health was to become a member.

Went to Zar Atheltica to do some Exercise Physiology rehab with Arief for my ACL rupture. Facility and staff are fantastic. Arief helped me smash my goals to get back on the field as soon as possible. Could recommend higher!

I found Zar through one of my clients Chris. Fantastic fitness services. All trainers are friendly, knowledgeable, supportive and make you feel welcome. I would highly recommend this gym to everyone. Thank you for great services Svet.

I can't express enough how grateful I am for the exceptional services I received at Zar. The expertise and personalized care provided by Arief was outstanding. Arief guided me through a challenging knee injury, the exercises and support provided were critical in my recovery, helping me regain strength and confidence. The professionalism and genuine concern for my well-being were evident in every session. I highly recommend this place!

Such welcoming staff who really know their stuff. Love the layout of the gym. Some very fancy equipment just for powerlifting but commercial use too its got everything you need.

I have trained at Zar since injuring my shoulder skiing at Xmas, my wife was already a client of Ariefs’, so I started with him and he has been exceptional! He’s exercise physiology skills are first class, is so very thorough and knowledgeable, and he has taken the upmost care to make sure I progressed through my rehab without set backs. He has set me up to where I am now at the point I have ’graduated’ from one on one training to being able to join the group classes… Classes are small and friendly, also the same care and attention is evident here as well with the other trainers. I have to say this flows down from the top, Zar owner Svet, is fantastic, he is so welcoming and he has genuine concern for his clients without any over the top ‘gym’ nonsense.. I highly recommend Zar as a place to get into weight based training….

An innovative gym with nothing but top tier coaching lead by Svet and the team. The community at ZAR is accommodating and I would recommend it to anyone, no matter what stage of your fitness journey you are in.

ZAR Athletica is a fun and supportive place to train. The coaches are super knowledgeable and you learn correct technique to maximise results without injury. The staff and members are friendly and welcoming and they even have a cute little cafe within the gym.

Absolutely love this gym and the community around it! I’ve always struggled to maintain a fitness routine mostly because im not confident at the gym and unsure how to make progress. Since joining ZAR i’ve been consistently going 5-6 times a week and always look forward to it. The coaches are extremely knowledgable, friendly and made me feel welcome from day one. Their system makes tracking progress easy and keeps you motivated to improve week on week. 100% recommend for anyone looking for a results-and community-oriented gym!!!

Working with Coach Arief at ZAR is the best thing I’ve done for my training. My lifts have significantly improved with his guidance, as well as my mentality in the gym. My sessions are infinitely more enjoyable with him on my team. I would recommend Arief without hesitation, for new or experienced lifters. Thank you Coach!! ⚡️

I have always found that independent gyms are a step above but when my doctor suggested seeing an exercise physiologist and I met Svet and the team at ZAR I was blown away by the difference their vast knowledge and collegiate environment provide. The trainers know your specific goals and any health challenges you might have and do a great job of respecting your journey while also pushing you to be better than you thought possible. I began training here in 2020 and after a recent brief hiatus (doctor advised) I couldn't wait to get back into this gym - it's like I never left and I feel grateful to be working with this team again!

I just want to say that I was blown away by the service ZAR Athletica provides. I am so impressed because I've never felt that going to the gym feels good and fulfilling. Svet and the whole team are very welcoming. I was given an introduction and a free trial for the week. It is not unlike your usual trial. You will get a chance to really think about why you are going to the gym and what your purpose is. It will help you realize the value of what you are doing and aiming for. This is my first time actually committing as I am always hesitant to go to the gym because I always feel lost on what to do. I love the community here as they are supportive and during the group trainings, you cheer and motivate each other. Here at ZAR, they will guide you all the way but still be responsible of your own goal. The place is also easy to get to plus did I mention that they have a lovely cafe (for coffee lovers like me!)

I signed up with ZAR after looking for a gym that could help me train with taking consideration to my injuries. What ZAR offers is great for my case as it focuses on target training with clear progression plans. Great as well for one-to-one time with the coaches. The gym offers a diverse set of training exercises and equipment. two things that really makes it stand out: - No booking required for the classes, so there is no fear of missing out on some sessions. Very flexible - Fits in different types of goals and individual targets. No one size fits all. Highly recommend it especially as it offers a 7 day trial for free.

After being off from the gym for a little while ZAR has motivated me to get my fitness back. Great classes focusing on strength and great support.

So thankful my GP referred me to Zar, this is by far the best place to train if your looking to recover from a injury. I started training one on one with Arief and couldn't belive how quickly I was making progress. After a few weeks I transitioned into the group classes and with the help of Svet, Wendy and Mitch I'm stronger and more confident in my form and ability than I have ever been.

I’ve been training at ZAR for over a year and this is one of the hands down best gym experiences I’ve ever had. The community is amazing and I’m easily the fittest I’ve ever been in my life despite being a uni athlete. I’ve never felt more supported through injuries, travel and all the other stuff that makes consistency hard. Don’t get me wrong, they don’t lift the weight for you, but they make every other part so easy that no matter what other busy stuff you’ve got going on, you can still get your gym time in. The programs are great but the coaches all have amazing advice on modifications if you need them. And the staff is regularly helping you with technique so you’re never alone, helping you get to the next level safely and confidently. Truly worth the five star rating for me!

Best gym in Brisbane! Svet and the other trainers are dedicated to your progress and approach exercise in a holistic way. It’s not cheap but the education and progress I received was worth every cent. Iv never been to a gym that comes close to ZAR.

Sveto and the entire Zar team, thank you for motivating me to get up every day and train 5 days per week which I never thought I would do. Especially in a group environment! I feel so much stronger from all the effort we have put into my training sessions together. You and your team are patient, encouraging, knowledgeable about your profession, and very helpful throughout the entire process making every session worth while! I have never looked and felt better. 💪💪💪💪💪

Before I started at ZAR I hadn't performed compound lifts for a couple of years due to a disc prolapse, sciatica and patella tendonitis. I was in daily pain and found it hard to even play with my kids on most days. The neurosurgeons had recommended surgery but I was keen to avoid this at all costs. I was recommended ZAR by a friend and they have been amazing. Arief has helped me so much. He's an absolute legend. I've only been training here for 2 months but my pain and function are both miles better. I'm back to doing deadlifts, squats etc and I've learned heaps of new exercises that are helping me get back to my old self. I'm just honestly really happy to be back doing what I love and it's all thanks to Arief, Wendy, Svet and the rest of the team at ZAR. Can't recommend them enough!

AWESOME GYM. And even better to be training with highly educated exercise physiologists that push me harder than I could ever push myself. I now feel so confident to take my training to the next level. Highly recommend these guys!!!

I am so happy to have joined Zar Athletica. Initially I was reluctant to walk into a gym. Right from the start, I was welcomed and the friendly, supportive environment helped me to feel comfortable and confident. Great facilities and really excellent knowledgeable advice from accredited Exercise Physiologists. Svet, and the team are passionate about exercise and support and celebrate every success.

You won't be disappointed. Top tier equipment, friendly atmosphere, great coffee and excellent service. Svet and his team are the best!

These cats are the best! I'm 55 and was recently told I'd just crossed the line with Diabetes type 2. They say it's a lifestyle disease...more like a sugar junky, lard arse disease. Anyway I was sent there by my doctor. Never set foot in a gym in my life so was rather uncomfortable at the thought. I got the trainer named Darko. Darko is a legendary chap. Kind hearted, honest, entertaining, gentlemanly and truly interested in working out a plan for me that fits in with my very busy, hectic and all over the place work/life schedule. He worked on a plan tailor made for me which was developed particularly to address my issues. The best part was that the plan was created so I could do the necessary workout in my own time at home away from the gym. With regular text correspondence I am always on track and supported. I feel the difference already after about 2 months. Coupled with a sensible eating plan ZAR Athletica has helped me see the light. God forbid...i actually look forward to how the exercises make me!! Thanks Svet and Darko for believing in me.

Training at ZAR Athletica is an experience that everyone can enjoy & benefit from. The team are professional, friendly & have a wealth of knowledge in all aspects of training & movement. Darko has helped to progress my training by leaps & bounds & I would not be where I am in my program without his support & guidance.

An open warehouse style gym, with a small cafe out the front.

Love this place. I’ve got a few injuries, so its amazing to work out with intelligent exercise physiologists that push me to get great results safely. They’re now part of my daily routine. Coffees great too.

My friend referred me to Darko & Svet, to help me deal with ongoing chronic pain from a gym injury. After having countless treatments, 4 surgeries and taking prescription pain killers over the past 6 years - I am finally making positive inroads under their guidance (without medication or surgery). I have learnt heaps, and am finally on the road to recovery. The community at the gym is super friendly. Thanks guys.

Svet and the rest of the team are so welcoming and ready to help any way they can! Not to mention a great cup of coffee to finish too 🤩

Very professional team with excellent vibe and welcoming atmosphere

A great venue with solid one on one and small group training

Fantastic place to train and be guided with rehabilitation from injuries. Despite multiple injuries and pain in various regions in the past, the team at ZAR have me at a point where I've never felt better. The atmosphere is great and really friendly! Would recommend in a heartbeat.

Svet and his team were welcoming and engaged from the start. Facilities are clean, neat and tidy with everything you need to take charge of your fitness goals and dreams available. You can even get great coffee from the attached coffee nook.

Not only is the facility incredible in both atmosphere, equipment and layout but the coaches are some of the best in the biz. I would recommend Svet and the team in a heartbeat. It's clear they care so much for their community and the evident upskilling of their coaches is what sets ZAR Athletica above others.

An energetic team of top shelf professionals that know their stuff - friendly and engaging, highly recommended!

So friendly, engaging and motivating. Love it here 🥳

Can't speak highly enough of Mitch and Svet at Zar Athletica - extremely professional, knowledgeable, welcoming and friendly - HIGHLY recommend for all your fitness and rehab needs. These guys are the real deal !

I have been training with Darko 1:1 now for 6 months at ZAR Athletica. During this time I've gotten to know Svet and his dad, Peter, the awesome barista at the front of the gym, and I'm officially kicking off my membership with them in January 2021. I like that these guys are qualified practitioners, the gym is kitted out with brand new Pilates reformer machines and it has a really nice community vibe. I'm a bit of a girly girl and can attest that this gym is a welcoming environment to all.

I discovered Zar Training one day in December last year as I sheltered from the rain. Svet one of the owners and trainers starting chatting to me and within 10 minutes I thought this guy is the real deal. Lovely guy with so much time to spend explaining the philosophy behind the training program offered by himself and co-owner Darko. Both awesome guys. Father (of Svet) Pete runs the coffee shop out front and like his son and Darko, had a passion for keeping the body and mind strong. i’m only 3 weeks in and already I can feel and see the progress and as important i feel like i’ve made a great bunch of new friends with a great mindset and welcoming nature. thanks guys and i’m in for the long game! Jamie 😊💜

I would like to encourage anyone who is looking for an experienced exercise physiologist to go and see ZAR Athletica. Just prior to my 21st birthday I was involved in a car accident where I had injuries to my neck and back. After much mis-management from GP’s, Physio’s, Chiro’s etc, and millions of $$ in medicines, I was at the point where I had migraines every second or third day, couldn’t do any sport or exercise, and was so weak and had lost all muscle strength. Coming into another Christmas and accident anniversary period in November 2020, I was so desperate for help and sought recommendations for a local Exercise Physiologist who could help me to be able to do some stretching, exercise or strength training without aggravating my neck and bringing on a migraine attack. Darko has been so patient with me and guided me through every move so that I could minimise harm and maximise improvement. He has been understanding and sympathetic but at the same time pushed me gain courage to move again. This week, (after only a month of one-on-one sessions) Darko has taken me from zero, to now spending my 41st birthday last week attending my first group Pilates class, and smashing it out! I feel so much better than I did 20 years ago, and can’t thank ZAR Athletica enough for giving me a life again. I look forward to every session and can’t wait to see what the future holds for me with my training and goals. If you’ve ever been injured or just wish to increase your fitness with professionals, do yourself and your body a favour and get to ZAR Athletica 👍👍

Flaunting pandemic restrictions. Negligent and shameful

Top team of professional coaches with the right knowledge and experience to help anyone looking for improvement in all aspects of training. Highly recommend!

My experience at ZAR Athletica, as recommended by my GP, has been phenomenal! Under the professional guidance & support of ARIEF HUNTER, I have continuously enjoyed & looked forward to attending ZAR 3x week for the past 18 months. I also really appreciate the support received from all other team members at ZAR.

Great place for workout, coffee and very positive environment highly recommended.

I have trained with Svet and Darko for a couple of years now and always found them extremely knowledgeable, professional and so motivating. Their new space is great , fantastic equipment and variety of times for classes to suit everyone.

Best gym in Newstead, if not Australia! Love the trainers, love the energy, wouldn't go anywhere else. Thanks for everything guys ❤️

If you are looking for a gym in Newstead with experienced professionals to guide you on your health and fitness journey or recovery from injury, then look no further, ZAR Athletica is definitely the place for you! Never thought I would ever say this, but I enjoy working out with these guys (except for the HIIT, no one will ever convince me that's enjoyable, not even you Svet...😜)

Svet is an amazing EP! Helps me keep my body strong and safe for work. The new gym is lovely and has a beautiful coffee shop attached!

I have been going to this Newstead gym recovering from a very serious, now permanent left knee injury on my weight bearing surface since they opened. At the start I had very little muscle left in my leg and doing a simple moment like hip hinging was near impossible to do. I was seeing Arief Hunter an exercise physiologist. At the start I just thought an exercise physiologist was just a glorified personal trainer but they are so much more. The knowledge, support, understanding and comfort not just from my EP Arief, from everyone, from Svet and Darko who are also EP’s at the gym. I never had them as my trainer but that didn’t matter you could always go up to them and either ask for help or guidance and they would always assist. My knee recovery has been a long and painful one and going to see them every week has been awesome. I still have my off days with my knee and I don’t have all the muscle and strength back yet but the progression I have had with mobility, stability, muscle and strength is phenomenal. Depending on how my knee is on the day I can do dead lifts and sumo lifts!! I never thought I would have been able to do them ever again. You never really understand it yourself until you’ve had a bad knee injury but going from not being able to hip hinge to sumo lifts of (personal best atm) 45kg still blows my mind. Not to mention how they helped massively with my mental health. They probably don’t even know it but without them I probably would have become very depressed especially now that I have been terminated from work because of my injury. If I’m in the worst mood ever no matter what it is, I go to their gym, start off all mopey and slow then I leave smiling and positive. 5 stars ⭐️ is not enough for the quality of service they provide 100/10 would recommend.

I was surprised after I started doing a few sessions with the trainers at Zar with the difference between them and regular gyms. The skillset and knowledge the boys have is a game changer when it comes to getting results. It's an education session for me on my body and why certain muscles are tight etc and I have already seen results in such a short period of time. Things make sense because they are qualified professionals and explain why they choose each exercise for you. Even the group sessions feel like an individual PT session. The pilates is fantastic and you actually feel incredibly strong and more able after the sessions. They are so passionate about their craft, so 100% recommend doing a free trial and see for yourself. Plus i live next door so huge bonus :)

I have been going to ZAR for 4 months and can thoroughly recommend this gym. Arief my exercise physiologist is very experienced and his knowledge has considerably helped me with all aspects of my training and injury recovery.

Great facilities and a great leader in svet, highly recommend

Svet is the best. He is super knowledgable and great value. Always look forward to training at ZAR Athletica.

I’ve always had problems with my knee and I was desperately looking for something that could help me; so my friend suggested me this fabulous place. The gym is located in Newstead, full furnished, AMAZING team (they definitely follow you step by step, they find the best program for you, encourage you to give your best, they really care about you and they also are fun!). There is also a cafe connected and trust me, the coffee is also really, really good. Beautiful environment, going to the gym is a pleasure now! Here a picture of my favourite team ever! :)

Thank you ZAR Athletica Newstead for helping me recover after my football injury. I recommend exercise physiologist Svet and his team to my friends and family. The gym is clean, well equipped and the coffee is excellent.

I recommend this Newstead gym. I have been a member of ZAR Athletica for 3 months now and I have seen more results than I have in over year at my previous commercial gym which was also in the area. The group training sessions are enjoyable! Thank you.

Joining ZAR Athletica Newstead gym has been an excellent experience. The boys go above and beyond for every member. Thank you for the support and results

I have been working with Svet Borojevic and his team for three years. The exercise physiologists create training programs that suit their clients' individual needs, for use at home, or if preferred, at their own gym. Follow up questions are welcomed and the results excellent. Highly recommend.

Absolutely loving training at Zar! The training sessions are very structured and well put together. I’ve never trained somewhere where the attention to detail in correct form from the trainers is so spot on every session. It’s amazing to and know and feel like you’re doing the exercises correctly and it doesn’t take long to see your body start to change and get results from the training!

Excellent facilities, very clean, great vibe. And the staff are always very kind and welcoming!