Stay focused.

I've had the same experience at my gym. I go 4-5 times a week around the same time, so I tend to run into the same people. When someone wants to chat, I politely tell them I'd love to; but working out is 'me time' or I have 'limited time'. Then I hand them my business card and suggest we get together another time. Networking opportunity!

HA HA HA - Not like you charming and curious engagement with any member of the wait staff in any restaurant. :0)

Networking! Start a Gotham group! Make them run it!!

I have spent most of my adult life as a gym rat . I feel uniquely qualified to discuss the phenomenon known as the gym psyche. Beginning back with the cult film “ Pumping Iron “ a classic . Schwarzenegger, Ferrigno, Frank Zane et al. The gym is a psychological study of egos. Super egos and frail egos and the myriad of in between egos . To the two times a week crowd like you Derf breaking into the lifer crowd can be challenging. Unless you understand a few things . Nobody gives a rat’s ass about you or what you are doing or how much you can lift .Everybody in there is deep into their own world .Yeah sure they’ll chat you up but they could care less if they ever see you again . So you can let that go . Sure ...there are exceptions . Throw the football buddies . Lay out by the pool buddies . Maybe somebody you can ask for a spot .The super ego bunch are in reality very frail . They have no friends and would be thrilled to engage . Few social skills abound . You can easily “ be the man “ if you chose to . Oh yeah ... Rule #1 . Nobody you meet at the gym should come to your house . These are gym rats . Not bosom buddies . You don’t need the hot beef injection they might provide . Just remember . Nobody is looking at you . Nobody cares .

Hollander Sends

Even if you win the rat race, you're still a rat.

I'm surprised that you're not recruiting them. . .

Guess you are a popular guy....

Only time I face a long chat is when a friend with whom I play ball, and with whom I became friends with before that, is on way out with me on way in or vice-versa. I chat in the Sauna or Jacuzzi but not when "on the move."

I must have neon signs that say, “Don’t even think of invading my space.” Like sitting next to a chatterbox in an airplane.” I must be a gym cat.

I gave up the gym years ago partly due to that phenomenon. I was getting too caught up in conversations and less working out. No good...