- Share This Post
- submit
- 1
-
Sparkle (0)
If I’m meeting a guy for a first date, I’ve never once suggested that we go to a gym and lift weights together, or run a few miles, or hit some balls at a batting cage. I like to pay attention to what they’re saying, and if I’m doing something strenuous I tend to focus on that instead. But these activities -- otherwise known as fitness dates -- are popular with a lot of people.
I think first dates are made for sitting (over coffee, dinner, or drinks) or for walking. If we’re sitting, it shouldn’t be in an environment so loud that I can’t hear what the other person is saying. Walking is good, too. That’s the advantage of living in a walkable neighborhood that’s nice to look at, with parks and a waterfront and good places to eat. I’m happy to slow down my normal power-walking gait in that situation.
Another reason I don't want to do a fitness date right away is vanity. If I’m going to take the time to fix myself up, I don’t want to ruin my look by getting sweaty. At least in the beginning, I want to be seen as presentable and put-together. We both know that the other person doesn’t always look like that -- and you have to get sweaty at some point in order to look good in your clothes -- but I like to make a good first impression.
Now, I can certainly see why some people wouldn’t agree with me on this. You could be an on-the-go type person who hates to sit. Maybe you know in advance that both of you have a common interest, like rock climbing or horseback riding, and you capitalize on that. Maybe you even met in the first place by doing a physical activity, like a co-ed softball team or Ultimate Frisbee.
(Or you could have met at a gym, although this has never worked for me. It seems that most male gym-goers are of the “look, but never say anything” persuasion. It’s nice not to be bothered at certain times, but other times you’re kind of like, “Hey, you, Mr. Buff. Over here.” I mean, if someone strikes up a conversation with you while they're sweaty, and you’re sweaty, too, then obviously they think you’ll look even better later.)
I would, however, be willing to work up a sweat with someone without worrying (too much) about how I looked...once we’d been on a number of dates. If a person enjoys being active, you’re bound to appreciate it if your guy has the same inclination. I used to go to the gym regularly with a then-boyfriend (often that was first thing in the morning, sans makeup). And several guys I’ve dated have offered to teach me how to swim, although I’ve never taken any of them up on it. It would also be nice to try a new activity together that neither of us had ever done before.
Fitness dates are awesome and I wholeheartedly agree with them. I just think I’ll wait a while to make the suggestion.
Related Reading:
Ozzie Jacobs at Examiner.com talks about the advantages of having a fitness date in a pool.
Your Tango: Fun And Free: The Exercise Date
Vitamin G (a blog affiliated with Glamour magazine) has three good reasons why a fitness date is good for your relationship.
FitSugar suggests going on a fitness date to the batting cages.
(Contributing editor Zandria blogs at Zandria.us.)
