How to Meet People in a Gym

Whether you’re looking for casual friendships or romantic relationships, meeting new people can be a challenging task. If you’ve had it with online dating sites and would rather steer clear of the club scene, a great alternative is your local gym. Not only will you meet people who are interested in staying healthy, but also those who share interests similar to your own.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Scope out the scene. Most people wear athletic outfits while exercising. Because these clothes are typically close-fitting or revealing, gauging a person’s physical attractiveness at the gym should be no problem. Although it may seem shallow to look only at a person’s physique, human beings are instinctively drawn to physical beauty. This is one advantage the gym has over the internet or other forms of “blind dates.”

2. Remember that you’re not the only one looking. Many people go to the gym to meet new people and to search for romantic interests. If you’re in decent shape, don’t hide your body beneath a baggy gray sweat suit. For women, a sport cotton camisole works well. For men, muscle shirts and workout shorts are great ideas. Choose bright colors that catch the eye and compliment your skin tone. However, if you know your body could use some work, or if you choose excessively risqué clothes, showcasing your physique might work against you. Tasteful discretion is the rule.

3. Pump some iron. If you’re not in shape, a gym is the perfect place to focus on an exercise routine. In time, the people exercising around you will notice your progress, giving you the confidence needed to ditch your dingy sweat suit. Also, when people see that you are serious about your fitness goals, your enthusiasm is likely to attract them. Who knows? Workout partners usually chat during the routine, and communication is the cornerstone of any solid relationship.

4. Pick a gym with a co-ed recreation facility. After a hard workout, most people enjoy relaxing in a sauna, steam bath or whirlpool. Fortunately, it’s easy to strike up a conversation with a person when both of you are kicking back and enjoying your downtime. Be friendly and ask questions without being intrusive. Share a joke, tell them about the great deal you found on athletic clothes or offer to help them with their exercise routine. After knowing someone for a while, people begin to feel more comfortable with the relationship and are usually willing to share intimate details about themselves. If you notice a spark of chemistry or if you realize that you share similar interests with your new acquaintance, take the initiative and ask them if they would like to spend time with you outside the gym. Should they agree, then you’ve accomplished your goal. However, if you’re turned down, stay friendly and vent your frustration by working out. Remember that meeting people and building relationships take time.

Tips & Warnings

• It’s usually a mistake to rush into any new relationship. Never leave the gym with a person or group of people you’ve just met. Get to know them first. If you do decide to meet with someone outside the gym, bring along a friend or go to a public place you feel is safe. Be patient and allow the relationship to unfold naturally before making rash decisions you might regret. As with any form of dating, meeting people at the gym demands that you balance spontaneity with caution.

Resources

• public domain photos