iGone are the days when you roll out of bed half-asleep and into a workout class with your hair looking messy and an outfit that doesn’t fit because after all, you could be next to your soul mate.
With runs all over the world where participants are asked to wear a certain color if they are single, it seems that gyms are becoming a hot spot to meet the love of your life.
Don’t believe us? Just ask the dating coach Blaine Andersonwho met her husband while working a day at Barry’s in San Francisco in 2019.
“My husband came up to me after class one day and said he saw me there often and wanted to introduce himself,” Anderson says. Muscles & Fitness. “My tone was friendly, but I literally asked him, ‘Oh, do you work here?’ Later she said she felt really embarrassed, but in the moment she played it off as a big deal.”
“He said he didn’t work there but wanted to say hello. We had a short and friendly chat and moved on, and from that point on when we saw each other at Barry’s a few times a week we had a friendly chat. After a few conversations, he asked me out.”
Little did Anderson know how much this move would change her life forever. She and her now-husband ended up dating for two years before getting engaged and then tied the knot in June 2022.
Her personal experience has now prompted her to create a step-by-step guide on what to do if you want to strike up a conversation with your potential gym soulmate. She gives tips and tricks for her own personal journey, like when to finally make your move.”
“A training setting is a ‘safe space’ for many people, so instead of going straight for the question, focus on getting to know the other person and building trust through a few conversations,” she says. “By doing this, you may be able to eliminate them as a romantic prospect before asking them out.”
Be Outgoing—Extremely Aggressive—to find your soulmate at the gym
Anderson adds that it’s important to be direct, but not too bold about finding your potential gym soulmate.
“If, after a few solid conversations, things are going well, be direct and ask them out,” she adds. “If the answer is anything but an enthusiastic yes, it’s no and you shouldn’t ask again.”
However, if you’re not sure whether or not your crush is single because he’s not wearing a ring on that finger, don’t let that deter you.
“Whether someone wears a ring or not is out of their control, so don’t overthink it,” advises Anderson. “Just strike up a friendly conversation to get to know them. Asking questions like “Do you have anything fun to do this weekend?” you’ll give them the opportunity to refer a partner.”
Even though life is so busy, timing is everything. If you’re serious about finding love with someone from an app and in real life, take a little extra time to talk to someone and use the gym’s social spaces to strike up a conversation or even have an impromptu first date.
“People are tired of relying on dating apps to meet dates, and someone who goes to your gym probably shares a similar lifestyle, schedule and values,” Anderson says. “For example, if someone is also at the gym in the morning, you can assume they weren’t out partying late the night before.”
“Trying to start a conversation in the middle of class can be difficult unless there’s an obvious break. Instead, focus on arriving a few minutes early to chat with people before class or hang out afterwards.”
“[Some] Studios with smoothie bars are perfect for socializing after class. You can always use the conversation starter, “What did you think of the lesson?” to get the ball rolling!
Because the gym is the ideal place to find your partner
Gyms see the return of their clients who also meet in real life and strive to help clients get out of the classroom with more than just a six pack.
“We have a community of people who all come together for a common interest and common ground,” says Vicki Land, SVP of Brand and Comms at Barry’s. “These environments are a great way to be social and make connections without being in a bar or nightlife.”
Now that she has officially found her love at the gym, Anderson is moving on to her next chapter and paying it forward.
“We’re expecting our first baby in February,” she says, adding that she also offers VIP matchmaking and dating to people as part of her business of finding her clients the perfect soulmate.
“I’m so thankful I found my husband at the gym. It’s something that changed the trajectory of my life in all the best ways, so I love being able to encourage people through my work to give love to the gym!”
