I go to the gym quite often, and every now and then I see a cute girl I want to approach. Has anyone had any success at the gym, or is it more or less a lost cause to try anything there? I am just afraid that if I got shot down, I would run into her again. And again. And again.

Thoughts? Also, if it makes a difference, I am in pretty good shape, not a competitive body builder or anything, but better than the average guy.

when opening at the gym i have found that you want to look for a good opportunity TO talk. So it the girl doesn't think you are directly hitting on her, though I guess that would depend on if you are direct/indirect approach.

For example in my case I see a lot of girls do not know how to turn on the cardio machines (you have to start going a bit before the machine turns on). So i ask if they are having problems, show them how to do it and see if they are open to chat for a second maybe throw in a joke.

I tend to do my routine then pass by them eventually, toss a joke if they can "work the machine?" as the obvious neg get a laugh talk for a second and keep going. Since at a gym they tend to come back on a somewhat regular basis it only takes a day or two to # close (pending how often you see them).

i'm sure guys who use direct approach will say just to put it out all out there "i'm interested" or "we should talk, give me your number". But there is this one poor sap at my local gym who I get see shot down on a regular basis. Not a bad looking guy seems in shape has muscles and what have you. But he approaches EVERY girl at the gym talks to them and they just give that nervous smile and walk away. Or they just one word answer him and go about their routine.

I've come to the realization that it being a gym there are bunch of alpha males lurking about and i have no qualms that I am not better looking than them. BUT a lot of them seem to rely on them looking good just standing by a machine gawking at girls to get them dates... that just doesn't seem to work. YES a girl will look at them and might give them a time of day but relying solely on that it is not a sound tactic.

As far as your intended targets, women go to the gym because they perceive that they do not look good. Even if they are average to good looking girls obviously they think they need more self improvement. You can use that to your advantage both negging and complimenting when you deem it appropriate.