It's game, set and match(maker) for fitness clubs
| Published: 2nd February 2008 10:09 |
It's game, set and match(maker) for fitness clubs
Some of the most popular places to meet new friends and partners are workplaces and down the pub, but it would seem that your local gym could offer just as much match-making potential. As well as providing an opportunity to meet new friends or a new lover, you'll also get fit at the same time.
The latest exclusive consumer research from consumer and product research group Mintel shows that as many as one in five (19 per cent) private health club members have met good friends or a partner at their gym. One in four members (26 per cent) also view their club as a good place to meet like-minded people.
The gym - good for toning up your muscles and spicing up your love life.
Fitness and health centres have become far more than a place to work out over the years. Fitness centres usually have a bar and/or restaurant for members' use and around one in five (19 per cent) use these areas to socialise after a workout. Many clubs also organise social events for members, which around 17 per cent of those questioned like to attend.
Mark Brechin, senior leisure analyst at Mintel"Health and fitness clubs are now so much more than just somewhere to exercise and get fit, as many members clearly see their gym as a place to meet friends and socialise," says
"Clubs could look to organise more networking and evening socials for their members, while major dating agencies might like to consider acquiring a strategic stake in health and fitness clubs as a base for their activities."
If you do use the gym as a meeting ground, there is definitely right and wrong ways to approach someone, says celebrity personal trainer, Wini Linguvic, author of Lean, Long & Strong: "I've seen it all and, trust me, going up to someone in the middle of a heavy bench press is not the time."
Try the following tactics:
*Use the mirrors: There are usually mirrors everywhere in a gym, so if someone takes your fancy, wait for eye contact and respond with a smile. If they respond, find a way for your paths to cross and strike up a conversation.
*Try a little class: If you are looking for friends rather than a lover, enrol in a class and attend regularly. Group exercise can be a bonding experience and there will be plenty of opportunities to make small talk before and after the class. Don't rule out meeting a lover at a class though as they are often mixed so don't throw on a horrible baggy T-shirt and joggers, just in case.
*Dress the part: There's no need to head to the gym wearing hotpants and a skimpy bra top to grab attention, unless you want to grab the wrong kind of man. However, if love is on your mind, pay attention to what you wear and how you look when you are jigging everywhere. Sports bras and dedicated sportswear are highly supportive and will keep you looking your best even when you are working up a sweat. That sweaty look, by the way, is something that appeals to both men and women, as long as it doesn't come along with a nasty smell. Yes, antiperspirant deodorant is a must-have.
*Join in: Find out if your gym organises parties or gatherings for its members. Don't be put off if you don't know anyone at your gym. The whole idea of these events is to meet new people, but you can usually take along a friend if you would feel more comfortable.
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