how proximity and exposure increase the chance of attraction, and also how misplaced arousal can make it more likely to feel attraction while at the gym with the same people frequently.

It's not that Person X can't have friends of both sexes ... but as a whole, in general, statistically ... yes, gym romances are a very real thing. The jokes and warnings are not misplaced in that regard. Baron can do with it what he will.

As a side note ... Strava is replacing dating apps as one of the best ways to meet people if you're single. https://www.thetribune.ca/sports/strava-the-new-dating-app-10092024/#:~:text=However%2C%20unlike%20other%20forms%20of,and%20potentially%20creating%20new%20relationships.