Spring is in the air! We’ve thawed out after our two-week winter and it seems like all things have turned to love. Could be all those pink hearts and cupids that have exploded all over the stores. Now, if you don’t have a Valentine, don’t fret – there’s still plenty of time to meet a sweetheart before Feb 14. Where to start looking? I say the gym. Having that health thing in common is a relationship biggie… and think of all the fit things you can do together…
But, before you go introducing yourself to Mr. or Miss Fit, there are a few dos and don’ts you need to keep in mind to not only avoid rejection, but total gym embarrassment. I’m going to assume you know the basics of flirting (eye contact is good, creepy glaring is bad), now let’s get to the nitty gritty stuff…
*DON’T use a cheesy pickup line. That means a big fat no to the following:
“Your daddy must have been a baker, because you’ve got a sweet set of buns.”
“You look like a cool glass of refreshing water, and I am the thirstiest man in the world.”
“Do you take the karate class here? ‘Cause your body’s really kickin’.”
A simple “hi” works wonders in comparison. The name of the game here is to break the ice, not come across as some gym stalker or a total cheese ball.
*Guys, DON’T approach a women who’s dripping in sweat or huffing and puffing on the treadmill. As a rule, women don’t get gussied up to go to the gym, but still, we’d rather be looking our best (not our sweaty worst) when you approach. So at least wait until we touch up our sweat.
*Gals, DON’T plaster on the makeup. Yes, it’s tempting to treat the gym like a night club when you’re crushing, but show restraint. The gym is not a place for heavy makeup and false eyelashes… no fishnets or high heels either!
*DON’T make your move in class. Picture it: you’re standing around waiting for class to start, you spot a hot looking lady or hunky guy, and you somehow muster up enough courage to ask them out. Big mistake. If they decline, you’re stuck spending the next 60 awkward minutes with them.
*DON’T strike up a conversation in yoga class. It’s not cool to talk in the studio… and it’s definitely not cool to whisper sweet nothings during class. Wait until after class to make your move.
*DON’T grunt to get her attention. Ditto for weight-clanking. Major turnoffs.
*DON’T brag. Listing off your fit accolades (quoting how much you can bench press or dropping your marathon time) screams ego. Modesty goes a long way.
*DO skip the iPod. If you’re open to meeting someone at the gym, ditch the earphones. Nothing screams I’M NOT AVAILABLE like having the volume turned up.
*DON’T offer up unsolicited advice. Yes, it’s tempting to want to correct someone’s form or give them lifting tips, but this can come across as know-it-all-y, not the first impression you’re going for.
*DO take a chance. You miss 100% of the opportunities you don’t take.
