Decoding the behavior of the gender you’re attracted to is a tradition as old as time. It starts in elementary school when you sneak a Valentine’s card into the desk of your beloved, then watch his or her face for the tell-tale signs of disgust or joy. Even as grown men and women, we’re still trying to figure out who potential mates are, based on their actions. For the gym rats out there, a sneak-peek into what women think when studying your gym behavior. Happy lifting.
The Grunter
In all likelihood, we hear this guy before we see him. He’s next to the free weights doing reverse flys and it’s getting intense. Hopefully, he’s just maxing out and it’s not his typical gym behavior. As long as this isn’t what we see him do every single time he’s at the gym, we’ll give him a free pass. If this describes you once in a while, take note. We may find you a little intimidating when you’re doing your best imitation of a gorilla (nsfwish), so don’t ask us out on your most intense workout day.
I don’t know Ahnold, of course…but I have to imagine he’s a grunter.
The Treadmill Runner
This guy is a winter-time staple at the gym. Clearly someone who logs many miles each week, and would rather be doing so outside, but the cold temperatures prevent it. Guess what? Women like this kind of guy. He seems safe, normal, even zen from all those endorphins we assume are coursing through his body. He has as good a chance as anyone at meeting someone at the gym. So if this describes you, and you see a woman you’re interested in getting to know better, go for it.
The Creeper
I suspect (and sincerely hope) that no one reading right now is this guy. You would probably recognize him, though–every gym seems to have one. He only uses machines that are next to the ones women are using, and he spends his reps staring and smiling creepily, which he must think is charming and sexy. Women don’t forget this, nor do we forgive it.
Do. Not. Even.
The Chatter
Occasionally, there’s a resident Chatty Charlie at a gym. This dude spends a good two hours a day there but most of it is spent in conversation with other guys. We rarely see him lift a weight or raise his heart rate. Do we judge him for that? Honestly, yeah, a little. We wonder why he has so much time to spend at the gym while appearing to not actually work out at all.
The Yogi
This type shows up in the mostly-female yoga classes. We aren’t quite sure what makes him tick, but we’re definitely intrigued. Is he really passionate about yoga? Is it a ploy to meet women? Whether it’s the former or the latter, this type is smart to take advantage of the fact that he’s usually one of the few males in the class. If this is you, try attending the same classes every week so that you get to know the other regulars. With some casual friendly banter before class starts, you’ll easily make friends with the ladies in the class.
Getting into this difficult position for yoga will get you into an easy position for meeting women.
The Regular
This is the guy who we notice every time we’re at the gym. We seem to keep a similar workout schedule, whether that means hitting the gym first thing in the morning before work, or attending the 6pm spinning class afterwards. Perhaps it’s just on the weekends that we nervously make eye contact and then look away. If you’ve noticed a certain lady watching you from afar after many weeks or months, take a chance. Strike up a conversation and see what happens.
About the Author: If you’ve got a question that needs the female treatment, chances are you’re not the only one who wants to ask it. Beth is our source for the answers. From opinions on men’s style to decoding the sometimes mysterious ways of women, she’ll take on a different question every Thursday. She also might provide an answer without waiting to be asked. That happens from time to time too. Click here to get to know Beth, then get in touch with her by sending your question to: askawoman@dappered.com.