Your local or college gym has lots of attractive women in various stages glistening with sweat with little clothes on. The catch. The gym babes -tight abs, slender thighs- are focused on one thing: working out without interruptions. Catch her eye while she’s getting busy with a piece of equipment, OK. But come at her with a line and she will either be insulted or kick your butt with moves she perfected in kickboxing class.

Don’t despair. Meeting a woman at the gym is a skill. It takes practice. Here are ten rules to follow.

1. It’s all about timing. Don’t approach a girl when she is panting on the Stair Master. Wait until she takes a break.
2. Forget the one-liners. Instead of saying, "what’s your name?", say something about the exercise she’s doing.
3. Work into the exercise she is doing. If she’s doing multiple sets on a machine, ask if you can switch off. Don’t forget to put the settings back to the ones she used and be sure to wipe up any sweat you’ve left behind. Even better, ask her to spot you.
4. Don’t go overboard trying to be macho, lifting more than you can handle. Women aren’t impressed.
5. Don’t flaunt your package/unit. Gold’s Gym poseur outfits with the suspenders are horrible. Your unit doesn’t look good in tiny shorts, it’s functional, not meant to be admired.
6. Don’t mention that she has a great figure. It makes girls self-conscious.
7. Don’t stare. But that doesn’t mean you can’t use mirrors to sneak a peek at her. This is sometimes a fun game to play especially if she knows you are looking.
8. Take a class, cardio, kickboxing, step, spin, etc.... This is a great way to get noticed since most guys don’t take part in these.
9. Become a regular. You’ll get a chilly reception if you start chatting up the women immediately upon joining a new club. But once your face is familiar, regulars-females included-will begin to notice you. At that point it’s natural to introduce yourself.
10. You’re ready to ask that special someone you have had your eye on to a party, dinner, whatever on a Friday night. Best of luck.