Approached a guy at the gym. Thoughts?

Hi all,

Looking for perspective on this situation.

I’m a 41/F who loves going to the gym and taking care of body and have been going 3-5 times a week over the last 8 months following an ACL surgery recovery. There is a guy at the gym who I’ve noticed, noticing me during this time. We’re both regulars there. A month ago I was at a machine when I noticed him and his friend hovering around me I think trying to get my attention but nothing was said and I was annoyed because I thought they were looking to use the machine. When I looked at the guy (who I’m also physically attracted to) he looked white as a ghost and total fear on his face. I was confused in the moment and just kept going about my workout. A few days later I saw them again and I could tell they were talking about me but again I think because I blew them off nothing was said to me directly.

I started a new workout program which involves the bench press as one of the exercises but I don’t feel comfortable doing it on my own. So I decided one day the following week when I was doing arms that if I could catch him at the right time in between his workout I would ask him for help to spot me. I figured this would be a way so he knows my name and give him the opportunity to move things forward. I’ve never approached a man like this before that I’ve been interested in so I was nervous but decided to get the courage and go for it. He was confused at first but said absolutely that he would spot me, asked for my name and introduced himself. We had a great interaction. He was patient, supportive, asked me questions on my workout routine, encouraged me to grow and keep trying it. At the end we were both smiling, I thanked him and he goes “I’ll see you around” I just smirked and said yes and turned around to go finish my workout.

The following week I saw him, he was giddy and smiling when he saw me. Showing off in the gym in front of me, running on the treadmill, doing pushups(hot af) and of course he was checking me out while I was working out too. We didn’t really engage though until I was leaving and we walked by each other when he had a big smile and I smiled back and said hey.

It was about 2 weeks until we had another interaction where I was working out and I noticed him come workout closer to me. Not sure if this was a coincidence or not but I could tell he was watching so when I was done with that area I decided to walk in front of him and we both said hey.

What are y’all’s thoughts on this? I love when a man takes initiative but he hasn’t yet. There’s clearly interest on both sides. I can tell he is shy but would love any perspective on this. My plan is just to continue to focus on my workout and say hey but ultimately would love to learn more about him and go out.