Folks, there’s a new reason to hit the gym
Move over dating apps and matchmaking portals — gyms are taking over as the hippest space to find love. Experts explain why
The fitness bug has hit Indians in a big way, at least in the cities. Besides getting people to work out and helping the fitness industry make a lot of money, there has been an unexpected byproduct of the trend: gyms have, over the years, turned into a great place to find love. The trend is evident internationally as well.
According to a recent survey conducted in the USA by MyProtein, dating apps account for 20% of committed relationships, whereas gyms accounts for 27%.
GYM BUDDIES
But what exactly motivates people to look for love as they exercise? Shahnawaz Khan, head trainer at Zion Fitness, Mumbai, says, “People have become fitness freaks these days. They often spend 90-120 minutes at least four to five times a week in the gym. So, they are bound to socialise with others. Finding a date in the gym is also easier than dating apps, because you see someone in person rather than just a photo of them.”
However, simple socialisation may just be one of the factors in play. Consultant psychiatrist Dr Ambrish Dharmadhikari says, “The gym is a place of strenuous exercise, and exercise induces symptoms of physiological arousal — palpitations, sweat, racing pulse, and shortness of breath. In many ways, these symptoms mirror the thrill of romance.
Our mind can easily mistake cues of physiological arousal as denoting romantic thrill. This helps form bonds among exercising couples. Additionally, physical body characteristics and stamina contributes to the process of attraction.”
THE CHEMISTRY
Endorphins, the feel-good chemicals that our body releases after exercise, may also play a role in bringing people together. Khan says, “Endorphins make you happy. According to a study, men take less than nine seconds to be attracted to women when they are happy, whereas women take about 19 seconds. So, the possibility of people falling in love at the gym is much higher than with a dating app.”
Dharmadhikari adds, “Endorphins are responsible for relaxation, pleasure, and pain relief. Studies show that endorphins account for the pleasurable feelings of being in love. When two people fall in love, the body will release a plethora of endorphins, making them feel pleasure when they are together. Exercise does the same things as love does with endorphins. Hence, people who hit the gym together are more likely to fall for each other.”
THE OTHER SIDE
However, the gym may also be a fertile ground for extramarital affairs. Relationship expert Riddhish K Maru recently counselled someone who bore the brunt of this issue. He says, “Other than building your muscles, gyms are also building extramarital affairs these days. So, in a way, gyms are helping burn away your fat as well as your mental peace.”
IN THE US, DATING APPS ACCOUNT FOR 20% OF COMMITTED RELATIONSHIPS, WHEREAS GYMS ACCOUNTS FOR 27%