I forgot my headphones when I went to the gym. It led to a great conversation with a stranger.

"At one point, I was resting on a hip thrust machine, letting my mind wander without auditory stimuli beaming directly into my brain - kind of nice, actually - when a woman called, "Hey, do you have a second?" and asked for advice on using the belt squat machine. I was happy to help, and we chatted for a bit before exchanging friendly goodbyes."

"I've long been an advocate for the gym as a place to make friends. I wrote an article in 2024 about how group fitness classes, in particular (which I taught for several years), are especially conducive to friendship-making because they foster the proximity, frequency, and shared interest necessary to connect with others. From teaching and attending classes myself, I've established new friendships that persist to this day."

"I was tempted to throw my car into reverse, tear out of the parking garage, and zip back home to get them (or just throw in the towel on the workout entirely that day). But I trudged in, resigned to the fact that I'd have to listen to the gym's often terrible soundtrack and go without my trusty amp-up playlist."

I forgot my headphones at the gym and almost went home, but stayed and endured the gym's soundtrack. Without music, I rested and let my mind wander, when a woman asked for help with the belt squat machine. I assisted and we chatted, exchanged friendly goodbyes, and left the possibility of future greetings. I have long advocated for the gym as a place to make friends, and group fitness classes promote proximity, frequency, and shared interest that build friendships. In contrast, wearing large headphones on the open gym floor reduces social interaction.

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