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- Google searches for "flirt at the gym" have skyrocketed.
- According to a new survey, a significant number of people go to the gym to flirt.
- Here are 10 top tips for flirting at the gym from a dating expert.
It used to be that people hit the gym to lift weights and reach their fitness goals. These days – according to a new survey of 2,000 adults by fitness trainer app Zing Coach, people go there to flirt.
The survey found that 51% of people enjoy flirting at the gym, while 1 in 4 have dated someone they met there.
More than half of the study's participants work out with their partners — and some 8 in 10 find watching their partner get fit pretty hot.
Google searches for "flirt at the gym" have also skyrocketed as more people try to get in on the action.
Thinking about joining the numbers but not sure how to go about it? There’s no need to break a sweat (but since you're in the gym, you might as well).
Here are 10 top tips from Fitini dating expert Anastasiya Pochotna:
1. Make eye contact and smile
"Before striking up a conversation, establish eye contact and flash a friendly smile. These non-verbal cues set the right mood and are a great way to judge whether they share your attraction," Anastasiya recommends.
2. Keep it casual
"If they seem interested, it's time to make your move — but keep it light and casual at first. Once they've finished their set, comment on their workout, ask for advice on an exercise, or comment positively about your surroundings. The key is to make them feel comfortable and engage them in the conversation," Anastasiya explains.
3. Find common ground
But physical attraction and a shared love for exercise aren't enough. To build a relationship, you need to find common interests outside of the gym. Anastasiya says: "Perhaps you both enjoy a similar genre of music, have a favourite hiking spot, or share a passion for cooking healthy meals. Building a connection outside of the gym is crucial if you want to take things further."
4. Offer your expertise
Offering help is a great way to get the conversation going, according to Anastasiya: "If you notice they're struggling with a particular exercise or their form is slightly off, offer some friendly advice. Providing a helping hand will show your expertise and kind nature while providing an opportunity to interact without seeming intrusive—but avoid being overly critical or pointing out issues that aren’t there."
READ MORE | Low body counts, 'cuter than smart', and other lies women tell to get a second date
5. Don’t forget to compliment
"Ask about their fitness goals and offer encouragement on their journey. Offer plenty of compliments, too, but make sure they’re appropriate—There's a fine line between 'kind words' and 'kinda creepy'. Once the relationship gets going, take an interest in their progress and be the first to celebrate when they hit a milestone," Anastasiya says.
6. Invite them to group classes
"Another way to get the relationship moving is to invite them to a group class," Anastasiya explains. "You get to spend time together, but it isn't as intimidating as immediately inviting them out on a date. Plus, all those endorphins are fuel for romance."
7. Create healthy competition
"If the conversation goes well, creating healthy competition should be your next step," Anastasiya recommends. "Playfully challenging your crush—whether it’s who can hold a plank longer or complete the most reps—is a fun way to bond over your shared competitive spirit without coming on too strong."
8. Follow up appropriately
When a conversation is going well, don't hesitate to take it further, Anastasiya insists: "If you feel a connection, consider exchanging contact information or asking what they’re up to after their workout. Maybe they're down for a weekend hike or post-workout snack."
9. Be mindful of others
"Not everyone is at the gym looking for love," Anastasiya says. "Don't assume that just because your heart's racing, they will feel the same way. Be mindful of their personal space, maintain a comfortable distance, and pay close attention to their body language. If they seem disinterested or uncomfortable, it’s time to make your exit."
10. Don’t put on an act
"You want to find someone that you genuinely connect with, so authenticity is key. Leave the cheesy pickup lines and rehearsed conversations in the locker room, and instead focus on being yourself and showing sincere interest in the person you’re chatting with," Anastasiya suggests.
