All work and no play makes you, blah, blah boring. The same applies to working out and fraternizing with the other fine babes and buff guys. Once you put aside the loud clanking equipment, bad B.O., and those annoying grunting guys, the gym’s a great place to be social, flirt and possibly meet your significant other.

Others might disagree that flirting while exercising creates a “meat market” atmosphere, shows the offending member isn’t there for the gym’s intended use and is also a distraction to the non-initiating member, etc. The truth, the naysayer is blah, blah boring.

The gym is another public place for people to be social and intermingle. It’s perfect. The gym’s similar to an evening out except there’s never a cover charge, men and women are more revealing, members are hot and sweaty and you instantly have something in common.

Don’t be a dumbbell.

Initiate contact and stimulate interest with finesse. There is gym etiquette: Be courteous and respectful to members who are solely there to accomplish their workouts and don’t want to be bothered. Once you’ve determined who they are, keep moving. Eventually you’ll interact with other members who are friendly and who’ll welcome conversation and maybe more.

Use the familiar surroundings to your advantage.

After a period of time, the comfort level of gym goers increases creating a natural environment that encourages flirting between interested parties. At the gym, the mirrors provide ample opportunity to send out that perfect glimpse to send out the “come hither” look. Remember, be cool and don’t be obvious by staring and scaring; just a glance or two.

Send the right signals.

Leave your flirt switch on. Avoid wearing earphones, whether it’s a walkman or cell phone. Don’t dip it low, your hat, that is. If your hat is below the eyes, others can’t make eye contact and are unable to catch your attention. These examples inhibit people from approaching you. You must appear accessible to a member of the opposite sex so they don’t feel they’re disturbing you by initiating contact.

Never let them see you sweat.

Well, that might be impossible at the gym, but more importantly, don’t let them smell it. When you’re ready to strike up a conversation, don’t torpedo your efforts with bad B.O. You’ve been physical and, as a result, sweating occurs; can’t stop that. Use a fragrant and effective deodorant so they’ll want to remain in conversation longer just to keep smelling that powder fresh scent.

You’ve got the goods; display them.

Flex those muscles and work that body to attract admiring looks. If you’ve been told how shapely your butt is, use those assets to your advantage. At the same time, don’t be too obvious, display just enough to tease and titillate without being vulgar.

Seize the moment.

Keep a watchful eye for any opportunity to seize the moment. If he/she is having trouble adjusting equipment or you have a suggestion to help his/her form, seize that chance and be of assistance. It’s the ideal opening to break the ice and engage him/her in conversation.

Focus and intensity.

You should always be focused and intense when exercising. Otherwise, you make it apparent that you like to train your eyes harder than your body; especially when you’re caught in the act making eyes at every woman in a two-mile radius. You may create the impression that you’re at the gym to date rather than work out. If you look intensely earnest about your workout, the results show. Women will find that elusive quality very appealing.

Be direct.

When you approach someone you like, be prepared with what you’re going to say. Don’t use lines that you’d use at a bar. Cheesy lines will make the one you’re flirting with feel like you do this for a living. Ask a genuine question that shows interest. During their routine, you can ask something like, “I’ve never seen that exercise done before. It looks tough. How long have you been training?” Men, hopefully she won’t reply, “Thanks, it is a new one, my 350-lb. boyfriend taught me.” That’s a good sign you might want to move along.

After a handful of conversations, good vibes and some probing you determine that he/she’s available, ask them out, plan a workout together, a healthy lunch, tennis match, a rollerblade around the park, etc. Good luck and have fun!