[argaba]

as an example, I met one of my good friends there. It started with smiling and nodding, and one day I asked him about an exercise I didn't do and asked why he does it. Asked him to watch my form while I did it.

From there it was just getting his name, and whenever i saw him at the gym he and I made small talk (I made an effort to do this). Asking about how someones day to how their weekend goes a long way (it's very normal for people to do this in general).

I also sympathise with the OP, as I had problems forging relationships. But I just kept at speaking with people, and showed general interest in the things they do and soon enough they start asking about me.

When they start asking things like: got much planned for the weekend etc, it will usually lead to "want to come out with us". I am not sure about your environment at the gym, but we have a very friendly group of people.

It doesn't have to be gym, it could be anything from pottery classes, to painting or in my example the gym. Just have to get out there, and do things with people :)