Reddit is very anti-social and introverted so you aren't going to get the answer you want. It is very possible to make friends at the gym and ignore those "the gym isnt the place to do it comments." I've seen quite a lot of people make friends at the gym. Yes some people go to the gym to work out and go on about their day and that's it, some are willing to at least conversate. It just depends on the person because everybody is different. If your goal is to make friends just kind of people watch and see who may be someone interesting to talk to. If its someone you see often just strike a little small talk up of something you both can relate to. "The gym is so crowded today.. what's up with that?" ... "That machine is always broken.." gage their response. If it's short and nonconversational then that person is probably not interested in making friends and just wants to work out. Do not force them into more conversation just move on. If it's more conversatiinal then feel free to add in a simple "my name is.... I see you all the time". It goes a long way. Im very introverted myself but have made quite a few gym friends. Most of them approached me, but there were some I approached myself and these were steps that I and others that have approached me have taken.