Valentine’s Day has come and gone and if you are one of those people who has found true love elusive, you will breathe a sigh of relief when Cupid hangs up his bow and arrow for another year!
However, the good news is that the gym is actually one of the best places to find love because the gym environment is typically a laid-back vibe that attracts like-minded and health-conscious people.
Research reveals that matchmaking potential is high in health clubs with statistics indicating that one in four health club members feel it is a great place to meet someone special, while one in five members has met. your partner in the gym.
A friend of mine once joined a gym just before she went abroad to live permanently. He wanted to be in his best physical shape before starting his journey and then settling down in London. However, in the run-up to her departure, every night at the gym, a very cute boy caught her eye. Smiles would be exchanged, as well as subtle “greetings”, but she didn’t think about that as she thought he was completely out of her league and focused on going abroad. Then one night, he blatantly rolled a weight in her direction, almost tripping over her (children will be children, after all!). It broke the ice which allowed them to talk so they went out to dinner and these days they are happily married and still love going to the same gym where they met.
So, what are you waiting for? True love could be watching you from across the gym floor right now!
Tips for men
Do you want to know how to approach someone who attracts you in the gym? Let me share a few secrets that will allow you to break the ice without looking like a stalker. Remember, while the health club is a great place to meet that special someone, it’s not as appropriate for flirting as you would at a nightclub, but it may require an equally thoughtful and detailed approach.
Behind:
o Be fun, relaxed and playful.
o The biggest obstacle to socializing would have to be the iPod. If your person of interest is trapped in your iPod universe, you will need to be smart and use solid, non-intrusive eye contact. Be polite, smile, and seek a positive response. Be patient and slowly wear down the barriers. If you get negative feedback, it’s time to move on and respect your space.
o Be prepared, pay attention to your exercise regimen (without getting creepy about it!), otherwise your person of interest may appear out of nowhere, which could leave you stuttering and missing the opportunity to interact. Have an icebreaker ready ahead of time, congratulate him (again without looking creepy), and once you know his name, use it!
o Spin class is a great way to break the ice, the lights are off, the music is loud, everyone is relaxed and playful. A good time to talk is before or after class. Just remember to keep it relaxed, light, and smile!
o Be friendly and fun! Good relationships often start with friendships. Challenge them to a race on the treadmill, see who can make the most curls or hold the longest board! It could leave you both in stitches (in a good way, not in the medical way).
Not to do:
o Flex in the mirror, growl, or act like Mr. I’m too sexy.
o Overspray your cologne, deep breathing requires fresh air, a pleasant mild deodorant and a fragrance is sufficient.
o Continually staring like a bully or disrespecting personal space.
Advice for women
The gym is a great place to find a partner who cares about your body and your health. But how do you approach the guy you’re interested in, since he’s there to exercise, not to socialize? The last thing you want is a public rejection and you have to come back day after day. However, there is a way to make this a win-win situation, read on to learn more.
Behind:
o Be warm, open and smile, oozing mystery and charisma. Men (and women!) Love a cheerful and fun lady. It will appear cool, calm, ensuring that they will come back for more.
o Make friends with staff and other members; the more networks you have, the closer you will be to them.
o Ask around and see who might know them. To get started, find out if they are single. Keep it casual and you’ll probably find out that you were showing interest, which may motivate them to break the ice first.
o Ask them for help, for example, to lift a heavy weight on or off a machine. Then see if you are happy to please him, and if so, try to start a conversation. Of course, if you feel / seem like you’re taking your precious time and that homework is more of a hassle than a privilege, then you know that making a move will probably not be welcomed.
o Of course, if he is starting to pay more attention to you and his gaze becomes more intense, ask him out! Seriously, girls can do it! Just keep it casual and cheerful. If you have all the signs, ask them casually if they’d like to join you for a drink. Short and relaxed is the key.
Not to do:
o Avoid using overpowering perfumes.
o Don’t dress like you’re in a bar. Avoid heavy makeup and instead go for a new gym outfit, smell fresh and keep your look natural.
o Do not use headphones, as this can make it appear inaccessible. To make things easier for him, invite him in with your smile, eye contact, and an icebreaker compliment.
Meeting someone special at the gym can be fun, so take a deep breath, be brave, and say “hi.” After all, what is the worst that can happen?
Happy Dating and go out and meet someone like-minded!