Gyms are the best place to be hit on, more than clubs, bars and the work place, according to 66% of Brits. According to the survey carried out by Illicit Encounters, a large percentage of us would be flattered, interested and open to a conversation if someone hit on them whilst working out.
The second best place apparently is a dog walking park – those frisky doggers!
The top ten places were:
- 1) The gym
- 2) A dog-walking park
- 3) The pub
- 4) Online
- 5) An interest class, like a writing course, hiking club or art class
- 6) The market/supermarket
- 7) Church
- 8) On holidays
- 9) House parties/dinner parties
- 10) Museums/art exhibitions
69% of men were likely to respond positively to being hit on at the gym, although I think 31% of the men surveyed are lying. The top three reasons were 1) Women are attracted to strength which I can demonstrate at the gym 2) I look my best when I’m working out 3) I feel great at the gym
In comparison, 64% of women were likely to respond positively to being hit on at the gym.
The 36% of women who said they wouldn’t respond positively to flirting at the gym said the top three reasons were 1) I look red and sweaty at the gym 2) I’m not wearing make-up at the gym or if I am wearing make-up it slides off with sweat 3) I don’t want any distractions at the gym.
“The top reasons people want or don’t want to be hit on at the gym are mostly vanity-based,” psychologist Lucy Redford said, “People can flirt anywhere, but there are some places that are better to flirt than others. At the gym or a fitness class it’s not like a first date with the pressure of trying to find something in common, you’ve already got fitness in common. Your body releases happy hormones like endorphins when you work out but your brain also releases a protein called BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor) which has a proactive and reparative element to your memory neurons and acts as a reset factor. That’s why we often feel at ease and like things seem better after exercising.”
The obvious places to hook up with someone, such as clubs or work, didn’t even make it into the top 10. So what are you waiting for? Get to the gym!!! No actually, don’t. Don’t be that guy or girl. Just don’t.
