Flirting at the Gym

Many people make the mistake of going to the gym in baggy, shapeless, unflattering clothing.  They’re just going to sweat in it, after all.  You never know when you’re going to meet someone at the gym that you’ll want to impress.  It can be a great place to flirt and get to know people who are as interested in keeping fit as you are.

Before you leave for the gym, make sure you’re dressed properly.  You don’t work hard on that body for nothing, so show it off.  Wear tighter, more fashionable workout gear.  You don’t have to show off too much skin or wear something that makes you feel uncomfortable, but don’t look frumpy.  Being perceived as attractive by others has a lot to do with how confident you are in your appearance.  If you are a lady who feels comfortable without makeup, rock the au naturel look.  If wearing it makes you feel better, work it.  There’s no one rule.  Also, and this should go without saying, always wear deodorant.  You’ll have a lot more flirting success if you smell good.

When trying to decide whether or not to approach someone you find attractive, avoid people wearing earphones.  Tapping them on the shoulder can scare them and it’s hard to look cool while miming “take out your ear buds”.  If you interrupt her like that, you’d better have something pretty important to tell her.  Don’t worry, there are still some people who aren’t permanently hooked into their iPods.

When you’ve spotted an earphone-less hottie, you need to get her attention.  Eye contact is usually the most effective way.  Thankfully, many gyms have tonnes of full-length mirrors.  They’re handy for checking out people working out behind you or in your peripheral vision if you don’t want to turn your head and be too obvious.  It’s also a less direct way of getting someone’s attention via eye contact, even if she’s facing the same direction as you.  Once you can tell she’s seen you checking her out, shoot her a smile.  Keep an eye out for when she’s finished her workout.  Don’t interrupt. 

If the person you’ve made eye contact with has either yet to begin or has finished her workout, say hello and introduce yourself.  If she seems to know what she’s doing, you can ask for advice on some aspect of your workout.  In the same vein, if you see that someone of any age or gender is struggling, offer your help.  A reputation as a friendly person can only aid in your flirting quest.  Plus, you never know when someone good-looking is watching you be a Good Samaritan. 

If you’re lucky enough to be given a bit of someone’s time, don’t waste it.  Talk about something relevant, then let her get back to her workout or head home.  People tend to stick to the same gym, so you’ll probably have an opportunity to talk to her again.  If you talk to her again and feel like it went well, ask her out.  Show that you respect her time by saying you don’t want to take up her gym time, so would she like to continue your conversation elsewhere at a different time?  If she said yes, good job!  If not, there are plenty of other fit, attractive people at the gym.  Don’t ignore her when you see her, but don’t bother her either.  A quick smile or wave is all that’s required.