What do you look like when you work out at the gym? There are different types of people, and I've found that they can often be categorized by the "look" they go for when working out. Some people wear more makeup to the gym than they do to a gala event (or more hair gel than they wore to the prom), while others (namely, myself) regard the trip to the gym as a necessary evil -- and one whose benefits will be maximized if I pay the least amount of attention to my physical appearance while there. (Therefore, my post-workout, post-shower self will be such a marked improvement, which I will attribute to the workout itself, and will thus be encouraged to work out again.)

Sometimes when I work out, I like to observe those fellow gym rats who "dress up" for the occasion, and I've noticed that they are oftentimes the ones who are either approached or ogled by members of the opposite sex. A-ha1x Perhaps they are not "dressed up" for themselves, but are actually scheming to meet new people at the gym1x Once again, while going about my daily business, I had stumbled upon a dating hub1x

So does this method of meeting people warrant your consideration? Sure, it could, but it depends on a number of things: the type of person you are, the type of person to whom you're attracted, your level of desperation, what you look like in spandex. . . I mean, absurd as this idea seems, it actually has some foundation. After all, the people you date should share your interests -- and if you're interested enough in working out that you would wear make-up (or lots of hair gel) for the occasion, don't you deserve someone who shares your passion?

Seriously, though, I did see what could amount to be a number of pretty couples in my (admittedly only half-hour) stint at the local gym. What struck me, though, was how pretty they were. In other words, my snide little "what you look like in spandex" comment has more relevance than would appear at first glance. You see, just like when you meet someone at a bar, or at the grocery store, or on the street (we'll explore this in further detail some other time) - when you meet someone at the gym, it's going to be based on one thing: what you look like (or how much you can bench, but that's not exactly a profound measure of your character, is it?). In and of itself, this isn't the worst thing ever, and considering the lack of alternative places to meet people, it may not seem so bad at all. It's just something to keep in mind -- a reality check. Sort of like that amalgam of mascara, blush, concealer and sweat that has accumulated on your padded sports bra, or the sticky hair gel that's running down your face.