It might sound like the biggest cliché to pick someone up during their workout, but with one in five Happn users saying they'd rather go for a spontaneous run or walk to get to know someone than the traditional cinema, dinner or drink options, it's clear that people are still willing to take a stab at finding romance on the treadmill.
Relationships on Female First
There's a lot to be said for meeting someone at the gym - if you're both there, you clearly already share one thing in common and it's likely you live similar lifestyles with a focus on health and fitness. It's also a good sign if someone's still interested in chatting when you're not looking your best and breaking a sweat.
But it's got to be done in the right way - with anti-social headphones keeping people plugged in left, right and centre, and some intense routines that are not to be messed with, you should approach with caution.
Here to give us her top tips is Marie Cosnard, Head of Trends at dating app Happn:
1) Become a regular
Setting up a regular schedule for when you go to the gym, and perhaps even what classes you take, will help lay the groundwork for natural conversation starters as you start to bump into the same people again and again. It would almost be rude not to acknowledge them after all!
It's not the same as meeting someone in a bar, where conversations might quickly turn to talk of romance, but it could ultimately lead to a great connection built on a solid foundation.
2) Make yourself approachable
That said, do make sure to mix up your routine and explore other areas of the gym. If you're always lifting weights or hitting the cross-trainer, you could miss out on great people working on something else, or cut yourself off from those who would otherwise approach you.
3) Don't overdo it
Pretending you've done 100 press ups after five, attempting to lift free weights that are twice as heavy as you are, or 'dressing up' for the occasion are all big no nos. People can sense those trying too hard to impress from a mile off and it's not a good look.
Stick to your limits and be natural, but dedicated - the more determined you appear, and comfortable you seem in your own skin, the more you'll exude confidence. And that's attractive.
4) Share knowledge but don't correct
Exchange tips and ask for advice - perhaps there's a machine you've never used or you simply want to know where the best place for a protein shake is. But do not offer unsolicited critique on someone's form. Offending your crush generally doesn't bode well for the beginning of a budding relationship…
5) Be friendly and sincere
It really is as simple as that. A big warm smile, the occasional flirtatious glance and sincere compliments (but not on looks - or watch their guard go up and up). And if you're going to make your move, perhaps a little self-awareness - it is cliché to approach someone in the gym, but if you put the disclaimer out there from the offset, you immediately get rid of all pretences and can start an honest conversation.
tagged in Gym