Gym dating: 30 polite tips

The gym is a place where people come first and foremost to train, but sometimes you find yourself interested in someone there. Here are 30 tips on how to stay polite, read the situation and avoid ruining someone else’s workout.

Why does the gym call for good judgment?

Everyone has their own rhythm in training. Some people work through their program with headphones on and don’t want to talk at all. Others rest between sets, look around and are more open. The difference is small, but it matters.

Honestly, the question isn’t how to “talk someone into” anything. It’s whether you can be a normal person. If you can, a conversation may happen. If you can’t, you’ll simply come across as annoying.

Gym: 10 signs to look for before starting a conversation

1. Assess the situation before you act. See whether the person is focused, in a hurry or resting calmly.
2. Check whether they are wearing a wedding ring. If not, don’t draw big conclusions from that just yet.
3. Notice whether you’ve had some natural eye contact now and then.
4. Try to figure out whether they are shy, talkative, flirtatious or simply polite.
5. See whether they are reading about training or nutrition. That can give you something to talk about if the moment is right.
6. Notice when they come to train and when they leave, but don’t start stalking anyone.
7. Watch how they interact with other people in the gym.
8. Judge whether they are a beginner or an advanced lifter. Offer help only if it’s really needed.
9. Take note of their training, their drink and how they interact, but don’t turn it into a research project.
10. Show your interest through calm body language and a glance, not pushy staring.

How do you start a conversation?

A simple truth: the best conversation starts when it doesn’t interrupt the workout. Don’t ask anything during a set. A rest break, a machine switch or a small practical moment is much better.

1. Approach when they genuinely need help with a heavy exercise, not when you just want to make an impression.
2. When they finish the leg press or squatting, you can politely ask whether the machine is going to be free.
3. If they go off to stretch, don’t follow right away. Give them space.
4. If they drop or forget something, hand it back and keep it simple.
5. You can do your cardio on a machine nearby, but don’t pick the one right next to them when other spots are free.
6. A post-workout shake may seem like a fun idea, but an anonymous gift can come across as weird. Ask first.
7. Don’t start your workout on their machine by mistake if they’ve just gone to get water. Ask whether they’re still using it.
8. If they look tired or unwell, briefly ask whether everything is okay.
9. During a rest break, it’s fine to start with a simple question, such as whether they’ll be using that bench soon.
10. Be honest: if the conversation flows, you can say you’d like to grab a coffee sometime. “No” is a perfectly sufficient answer.

Gym and etiquette: 10 rules

A bad impression is hard to take back. Clean workout clothes, deodorant and basic courtesy do more than any clever trick.

1. Don’t occupy the cardio equipment for long during peak hours when others are waiting.
2. Don’t gawk. Eye contact is one thing, staring is another.
3. Put away your weights and equipment after yourself.
4. Don’t block the mirrors when someone is doing a set.
5. Use a workout towel and wipe down the bench or machine after use.
6. Don’t disturb them during a set. Questions can wait.
7. Don’t make obnoxious noises while training or turn the whole gym into your own stage.
8. Don’t yak constantly on your cell phone, especially while sitting on a machine.
9. Don’t wander around aimlessly. Train according to your program and be present.
10. Don’t give advice if you don’t know what you’re talking about. Wrong advice can be dangerous and awkward.

FAQ: gym and dating

Is it even appropriate to meet people at the gym?

It is, if the moment is natural and the other person is open. If they avoid eye contact, wear headphones or move on quickly, let them train in peace.

When is a bad time to go and talk to someone?

A bad time is during a set, in the middle of a heavy exercise, while stretching, or when the person is clearly concentrating. Wait for a break or skip it altogether.

What should you do if the answer is no?

Politely say you understand and go back to your workout. That’s the whole story.

Author: Maria Kang, translated by Aktivist

Source:Turg.Fitness.ee

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