Flirting in the gym

Gyms have become popular places to pick up a date. With busy schedules, people often turn to gyms or fitness centers to stay in shape, and this has led to a significant increase in attendance. However, finding a date at a gym is a little more difficult than at a cooking class or woodworking workshop.

Why? Simply because people often come alone, focused on their goals and physical work, without necessarily looking to socialize. Moreover, they don’t always look their best, sweaty and dressed in sportswear, without makeup or other artifice to enhance their appearance. Finally, asking your neighbor on a treadmill why he or she likes it is less credible than asking a cooking classmate if their love of basil comes from their Italian origins.

In short, the task is not simple but certainly not impossible.

First, avoid practicing in a gym you go to all the time. If your target saw you perform your routine the week before with someone else, and the week before that with someone else, your credibility will plummet.

So choose a neutral gym, but one that’s familiar to you, without having to greet every instructor and staff member every time you go in and out. Appearing sociable is a real plus, but appearing to be “the famous guy” at the gym is less so.

Next, your outfit. Wear sportswear, of course, but keep it classy. No sloppy or ripped clothes, and definitely not kitschy pink leggings. Be understated and classy, even when working out.

To approach her, keep it simple. Don’t disturb her in the middle of her workout, which can be embarrassing for her. Choose a time when she’s resting or between exercises. If she has her headphones in, don’t talk to her because you’re starting with the wrong foot, she can’t hear you, and you’re disturbing her. Look at her carefully as you walk toward her and signal her to discreetly remove her headphones before going to talk to her, with a small gesture.

There are two main options for approaching this: encouragement, if you’re a serious athlete yourself (because coming from a pot-bellied guy with little stamina, it can be a bit annoying), or humor.

If you see her doing an exercise you’re familiar with, you can encourage her and tell her she’s doing a great job starting the conversation. Or ask her for advice on an exercise you’re less familiar with. Don’t try to be completely flirtatious, of course, but be genuinely interested in the topic you’re discussing. Also, make sure you’re not dripping with sweat; dry yourself off properly before any contact.

Humor, as in all contexts, can really make you attractive if you feel confident. For example, if she’s not doing an exercise very well, a teasing remark could be: “You’re working a muscle that doesn’t exist, I think.” It’s a bit corny, but there are ways to make her smile. Keep it light and subtle.

Or even while she’s resting: “I’ve noticed since the beginning of the session that you don’t neglect your rest periods,” with a big, teasing smile of course, so it doesn’t sound like a reproach. And you have to choose the right girl to say this to, because if it’s someone who seems to be having difficulty with the exercises, it can be demeaning.

In short, the key is to identify at least the person you are addressing, and of course, with feeling, to take the approach with which you seem most comfortable.

Go!