Guy copying me at gym
I was having a pretty cruisy day and decided to have an easy jog on the treadmill at the gym.
It was the middle of the day and there was just a scattering of people working out.
I was running on the treadmill and a dude jumped on one and started jogging as well.
After a short while I slowed to a walk. Then he did too. I realized that our footsteps started to sync up. I had my headphones on and was very much keeping to myself, but I changed up my step because I didn't want him to think I was trying to sync with him on purpose lol
When I was done I jumped off to get a wet wipe to clean the sweat off the treadmill. As soon as I did, he got off too and intercepted me at the wipes bin. He fist bumped me and said "GOOD STUFF 😃😃😃" then immediately left.
I'm in Australia where people in public usually keep to themselves and I've never been approached at the gym by a stranger ever before.
I thought it was amusing, actually. I'm glad someone's spreading positivity, but it caught me off guard and so I didn't respond with a lot of enthusiasm in the moment. I just responded "yeah" but I felt my expression was pretty blank. Again, people in Australia don't typically approach each other if they're strangers in public. Anyway, he seemed happy.
I don't know if he was copying my treadmill activities because he had an intellectual disability or was bored or maybe he was trying to flirt.
If it happens again I'll be more enthusiastic and return the positivity. I think it's great to encourage people. However, I don't want them to think I'm flirting. I have a boyfriend who I deeply love. In hindsight maybe this guy was intentionally syncing up our steps on the treadmill.. I don't know.
What do you think the possibilities are? Why would someone mimic others at the gym?