If you never meet attractive guys who are your type, maybe you're looking for love in all the wrong places. Try flexing your flirting muscles next time you hit the gym. “Men who go to health clubs share your interest in fitness,” says Cynthia, a stockbroker. "You're also more likely to meet guys who don't smoke or drink at the gym."

Another plus: You can check out the merchandise. "It's not I need to meet someone who looks like Arnold Schwarzenegger," says Deborah, a consultant. "But I also don't want someone who is flabby or has smaller muscles than I do. Workout clothes leave no room for secrets."

Try these tips to see how sexy sweat can be.

1. No sweats
   "Shorts are cuter than sweats," says David, a financial planner. "And sports bras are a turn-on if a girl has a flat stomach."

   But don't reveal too much, or you'll attract the wrong kind of attention. "Guys make fun of girls who are overly done up or dressed like they're going out dancing," David warns. So limit makeup to a dab of mascara, and wear attractive outfits that are designed for working out.

    

2. Hit happy hour
   Mike, a handsome executive, estimates that he's dated at least eight women from the gym. "I work out seven days a week," he says. "Since I'm there routinely, I'm able to develop friendships with women over time."

   Most men hit the gym from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., but whenever you work out, stick to a consistent schedule. You'll soon start recognizing familiar faces.

   "You win on all counts," says Anne, a magazine editor. "The more often you go, the better you look and feel. You're getting into shape while you're running into guys you want to meet."

    

3. Men are from weights, women are from yoga
   "You and the guys can be in the same gym, but if you don't get off the treadmill, you might as well be on different planets," Anne says. "And you won't have contact with a single man in your salsa, yoga or spiritual dance classes."

   Her suggestion: "Do guy stuff. You'll make friends with men, which is how dating begins."

   Anne has become buddies with several guys she met through boxing. "And there's nothing but guys in the free weight area," she points out. The weight room offers an additional bonus: You can move around and chat — not possible in an aerobics class or on a treadmill.

    

4. Find a mellow moment
   You've spotted a hunk lifting weights from across the room. But if he's huffing and puffing and wearing headphones, don't make your move just yet.

   "Guys are so intense when they work out," Anne says. "Don't approach when he's grunting and snorting. Wait for him to take a break between sets or fill his water bottle."

   Deborah suggests that you start a conversation before or after his kickboxing class. Or try hanging out at the snack bar. "While you're having a latte, you may run into the cute guy you were staring at," she says. "Then just be friendly and open."

If sweat’s not sexy to you or your gym just isn’t jumping, use a quick search to find singles near you!

Maryann Hammers, Match.com

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Writer's bio: After researching this article, Maryann Hammers, a Westlake Village, Calif. writer, plans to hit the gym a lot more often.