As queer men, we have our reasons for going to the gym. Maybe you go for your health. Maybe you go in a futile attempt to achieve an unrealistic body type perpetuated by LGBTQ media. Maybe you go to the gym because physical exercise helps mitigate symptoms of anxiety or depression.

While any of these reasons (or others) may be the primary reason you go to the gym, let’s be real for a second. There’s always a little part of you that goes, hoping to meet another cute, single gay/bi guy. There’s no shame in that, and God knows we’ve all heard of queer men who’ve met their boyfriend at the gym. If you’re like me, you’ve probably thought to yourself, “HOW?!?” How do these guys manage to strike up conversations at the gym in a way that’s not painfully awkward? Well recently, I figured out the secret.

So here’s an 8-step guide to help you pick up that cute guy at the gym!