There's a few awesome things about that man. The first being that she was into you. Usually when a girl opens you up you can take a little more liberty with your actions because she gave you the approach invitation which is basically like an IOI from the onset. Props on the DHVs as well. As you both connected on physical fitness and you conveyed that you were the leader of men to a large degree which is even better.
I personally think you could have asked for her number right there she was obviously interested in you. Timing however it is entirely situationally dependent and as I was not there I can't tell you 100% you could have number closed. The one thing I will say is this girl gave you all the signals and is the last girl I'd be beating myself up over.
For a situation like yours a simple number close just trust your gut - our instincts tend to be right on par with most situations. As for a closer, something simple should do such as, "I have to get going, but what steps can we take to continue this conversation?" and hand her your cell.
Something as simple as that should do but any number of things could happen. For example, a while ago I took a trip to the gym so I could work my abs and arms. After about 20 minutes after I had finished on the bench and moved to work on my abs, I met and had an awesome conversation with a college cheerleader. Eventually I left to work on my abs.
After I went over to a mirror some random conversation happened. After about a minute and a half I told her I needed to get back to excercising to display my willingness to walk away. Later on we talked a little more. I left again to work out...we talked again later. After I was done we sat for about 30 minutes talking and teasing each other.
Then I left to do some cardio and to my surprise she came with me. After that I was getting ready to leave and we continued to talk all the way to my car. From there I just said let’s go see a movie and she got in my car - it was an instant date.
Let me know how it goes.
