Making new friends in the gym

k.green

Classes are probably the best way to get to know people. I've joined a few gyms in the past and have made a few friends through them but it often takes a long time, plus most of the gyms I've been to have been clique with many members already being friends outside of the gym. My advice would be to go to regular classes that you enjoy, be friendly with everyone but don't expect to become friends straight away and even if you don't make friends at least you have somewhere to go in the evenings and at the weekend.

loskie

team sports would be a far better way

ska_lover

Local net ball team?

bouicca21

I've found it very difficult to make new friends at the gym. Even in classes there seem to be well established groups. So I'd suggest joining something like meet up.

NeilCr

One of the things I found with classes is to try and stand in the same place/sit on the same bike. People like routine and I had the same folks around me quite often. Then you get chatting over the weeks especially if you've got there early to bag your place.

I moved down here from London a number of years back and, apart my best friend and her family, didn't know anyone. So I joined a few places (including the gym) and started volunteering. Apart from my meeting my OH at the volunteering (!) I've made more good friends through the gym classes then anywhere else,

bella_m

Going regularly is key and try to hit the same time of the day each time. You are more likely to see the same people that way whether it is a class, a sport at the gym, weights etc. Just do whatever you are into and like minded people will surround you. Good luck.

parking_question_chap

I agree with the above post in terms of like minded people will surround you. But that doesnt mean they want to chat, I generally train at the same time of the day and so see the same faces. Though I dont think any of them would be best pleased if I engaged them in idle chit chat. In fact one of the reasons I wear headphones is so people will not speak to me.

I would say its fine to chat in classes either before or after, not so much in the gym unless you know the person.

Tallaght

I have found taking the various mixed fitness classes helps to meet new people.

Baozhai

Yea that's good as you get to know more about different people and learn from their experiences. Adds new flavor to one's personality.

chucknorris

Gym classes are a great way to meet people, I started body pump classes, and shortly afterwards I also started weight training with a few guys from the class a couple of evenings a week.