Is it possible to make friends/dates at the gym? (dating, married)

[Joei]

I have been going to the gym now for exactly 1 year now (1 of them just closed, but I go to another location for the past 2 months) and have yet to meet a friend out of it! People always say, "join a club to meet friends/singles" and yet everytime I go they are either wearing headphones or too into their workout to have a conversation. And if a conversation does take place its barely small talk, and they hop onto the next piece of equipment.

Now, I did not join the gym to meet guys...but many times I see cute guys there and want to say something. And sometimes I do, but it just seems to go nowhere except for, "are you using that?". And then what is there really to talk about? I cant seem to think of anything to say to someone who happens to be near me at the gym. What am I supposed to say, "I like your body, you look good?" And like I said, 99.9% of the people at gyms have headphones on and cant hear if you do say something.

Im starting to think I should just continue going to the gym wearing my headphones too and 'zoning out' even though cute (and probably married) guys walk past me all the time. Have you met anyone at the gym?

[ncsualum2004]

I think I've been asked on more dates at the gym than anywhere else. Usually men take the wrong approach and just straight up ask me out with out any real conversation so I usually say no.

On the cardio machines very little talking going on but in the free weight area (or by the water fountain) which is mostly men they can be talkative between sets.

One guy who I had seen in there for for several days came up to me one days as I was leaving and said, "leaving already?" (I was leaving earlier than normal) made some small talk and over the next few days it just grew from there.

[Currency Pair Crocodile]

Try the group sessions. That's how you make friends and everything else. You get to meet the same folks more than once.

Spinning, bodypump, zone training etc.

While working out alone, with headphones on, the max it can get to is repetitive eye contact and smiling, and a little talking. But many of the people, even of the same sex, are not very conversant, the girls are shy, the strong ones are intimidating and the people who become instant friends are those over 35.

[ChessieMom]

I've been a regular at the gym for probably more years than many here have been alive. I've made many friends, and had a few guys ask me out, but dated only one (which didn't work out).

So...sure, you can make friends, and get dates. But it's certainly not on my top 5 list. And I sure wouldn't let that be my reason for being there.

[mr&mrssunshine]

we met at the gym 14 years ago -longest workout I have ever had :-) (mind you i did own it which helped !!!!!!)

[the minx]

The gym is the one place I do not like to be approached.

What part of - I am out of breath, sweating profusely, have ear phones on, and possibly a book in front of me trying to tune everyone out - screams PLEASE COME HIT ON ME?

At least wait until I'm done.

[thatguy1]

I like to be left alone at the gym as well.

[Interpol76]

I third this... When I'm at the gym working out or jogging I dont want anybody talking to me.

[ChessieMom]

Originally Posted by spinx

The gym is the one place I do not like to be approached.

Originally Posted by That-Guy

I like to be left alone at the gym as well.

Originally Posted by Interpol76

I third this... When I'm at the gym working out or jogging I dont want anybody talking to me.

Exactly.

[DennyCrane]

I work out at home, but when I did have a gym membership, I never went there with the intention of meeting anyone. When I workout, I want to be able to focus all my energy on my workout. The gym certainly has no shortage of eye candy. But in a way, that's a bad thing because it distracts you from getting a good workout. Plus, it's no different than going to a bar. You see an attractive person, you knowing nothing else about them, and you think that's a good way to meet someone? Maybe if you're just looking for a date or a hook-up. But it seems like a big long-shot if your goal is something more serious.