According to a recent Pew Research study, 55% of lesbian, gay and bisexual folks use online dating sites and apps. Only 28% of their straight counterparts said the same. And while online dating certainly gives the impression of faster results, sometimes sticking to real world experiences can be just as successful. The gym, among gay men, is one of the best places to meet for those that like to workout. But how do you get hit on at the gym?
The gym is a gay man’s playground. It’s where we focus on ourselves our beauty and inner beauty. In gyms, testosterone runs rampant and thousands of calories are burned each and every day. It’s a place where hormones rage, our hearts beat powerfully, and we try not to stare too long; most of the time.
But for those of us who want to leave our hearts in the weight room, there are countless ways to flirt while working out and for most of us, it’s common sense. So tie up the sneakers and pay attention. Here’s how you do it:
1. Take out the earbuds
Earbuds are our greatest ally — I don’t know where I’d be without mine. But keep them in only when you’re doing cardio; don’t be afraid to exist in the real world the rest of the time. Plugging your ears also eliminates the noise, which means you won’t pay any attention to anyone.
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Seeing someone with earbuds in makes us believe they don’t want to chat. Even a simple “Are you using this machine?” feels awkward. Open yourself up! Toss the buds.
2. Go where the men roam
It’s fine if you like doing soul cycle, body pump classes, or if you like to hang by machines without ever going into a weight room. But trust me when I say the weight room is where it’s AT.
Don’t be intimidated by the weights or the attractive men lifting them. Even if you’re in there for a couple minutes, lift something or do a set. If you’re not sure, ask for help. Bottomline, be seen! The important thing is for guys to get a look at you, for them to know you’re there.
3. Mirrors work both ways
When we work out in front of mirrors, it’s never about us. Half the time we look at our technique to be sure everything is aligned right, but there are serious amounts of time when we pay attention to our neighbors lifting next to us. It’s a lot more entertaining.
Don’t be afraid to use the mirror to your advantage. It can be used both ways. Show yourself off of course, but also make him aware that you see him too. Work out like normal in the meantime.
4. Wear basketball shorts
Why are they so sexy? They are not only super masculine and make us think of athletic hotties jumping for a basket, but they also make our assets look GOOD. I mean, really good.
I have running shorts and basketball shorts, and trust me, I get way more looks when I wear basketball shorts — and I’ve never played basketball in my life. It doesn’t matter what you do in them. Just wear them. The rest will work in your favor.
5. Be consistent with time/location
If you see a really hot guy you want to know, take note of when you were there and at what location (if your gym has more than one). Chances are, he’s shaped his gym time around his work schedule and so have you.
6. Wipe that bead of sweat from your lip
Oh, is that a bead of sweat on your upper lip? No worries. Grab the bottom of your shirt and wipe it off, in front of a mirror. Be sure you show off your stomach as well (best to do it after an ab workout so the muscles are beating). Trust me, when anyone lifts their shirt, gay eyeballs never fail to sneak a peek at the goods.
7. Be cautious of the wet sauna
Of course, the wet sauna will be full of guys waiting for you to take your towel off. That’s fine, but you already know how it turns out. If the guy you have a crush on beckons you towards the steam room, you have a decision: Instant gratification or play the long game?
If you want someone to get to know you outside the gym, don’t drop the towel. Leave something to the imagination. The second you go beyond flirting at the gym, the less likely it will go further than that.
And if you’re in Los Angeles, chances are he’ll always be at Body Factory across the street getting a smoothy anyway. Meet him there instead!
God, I miss Body Factory ….
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