T: A lot of my single friends spend more time hitting on girls at their gyms than they do at bars.  When I was in college, I “wasted” countless hours in the gym talking to girls in the gym.  But, I do like to think that it helped me once or twice.

After all, when my fiance and I were first dating we used to meet up at the gym to get ready for our respective college sports seasons (I know, I’m a total meathead).  I guess what I’m trying to say is if you plan on impressing girls at the gym, you need to at least try to look good.  Even if you’re sweaty.  Here are a few do’s and dont’s for the gym.

Don’t

1. Wear basketball shorts that are too big.  They make you look like a skinny 12 year old who listens to Drake.  Shorts should fall above your knee. 

2. Small shorts are also inexcusable. No one wants to see your business.

3. It doesn’t matter how jacked you are, your shirt must have sleeves. 

4. Don’t wear your high school football t-shirt.  This is only acceptable if you are still in high school.  As far as your college sports team t-shirt, that’s more acceptable but there is a time when you have to let that go as well.  Thankfully, I haven’t reached that point yet. 

5. Anything you see here.

Do

1. Wear compression shorts under your gym shorts.  They keep things in place and there will be no less chaffing.

2. Bring your gear in a bag that isn’t your work bag.  You don’t want to put your sweaty clothes on your computer and important papers. 

3. Wear a waterproof watch.  You can see how much time you spent prentending not to look at the TV playing Dancing With the Stars between sets.  It’s also helpful for timing how long you can hold a front plank (like I said, I’m a meathead).  Also, it’s nice to know the time.

4.  Buy running shoes.  Running shoes are for the gym.  Chucks are for the bar.  Make sure they do not overlap.  Don’t worry about what they look like (within reason).  Between us, Andrew and I have 5 knee surgeries/rehabs.  Trust us, the fit of the shoe is way more important than how they look. 

Also, depending on how much you run, replace your running shoes every 6-18 months.  After a while the cushioning starts to run out and you can develop problems.  Again, you have to trust me on this one. 

5. Bring your own water.  It’s cheaper than buying bottled (and better for the earth, brah!) and you won’t have to wait in line for the water fountain.

6. Bring track pants.  You don’t want to be the guy who has to put his work pants back on because he doesn’t want to walk home in shorts during winter. 

Finally, whatever you do, don’t break the bank on any gym related expense.  You are just going to get the clothes sweaty anyway.