Gyms are a great place to pick up girls? I must disagree

I have read, in numerous reputable periodicals, that the gym is a great place to meet/pick up members of the opposite sex. While I must concede that a gym has a higher percentage of attractive, in-shape people than say, a Wal-Mart, I would argue it is one of the most awkward, uncomfortable places to even talk to another human being.

After observing my local Planet Fitness for the past month, here are my top five reasons why this is the case:

5) It is nearly impossible to judge age outside of any indicating context (non-gym attire, etc.). Women are all over the board on this one- it doesn't help that my only chances lie within the 18-22 age range.
4) Everyone is on a different schedule: you're not going to interrupt someone half way into their stairmaster routine are you? Mid crunch? No. If the stars align and you end up leaving the gym at the same time as another person, that is basically your only shot.
3) The guy next to you is lifting twice as much. A real confidence booster.
2) Starting a conversation inevitably comes across as creepy. I mean the only thing you have in common at that moment is that you are working out. Don't even think about mentioning how long the woman has been on the treadmill, calories burned, weight loss goals, etc. And I've heard form advice is a no-no.
1) People generally look like shit when they are sweating, grunting, or generally exerting themselves in any way. Definitely not conducive to attraction, at least in my book.

However, there is hope: Whole Foods. That store is full of attractive, (seemingly) single women. Also, there is so much more you can talk about at a grocery store than at a gym. Unfortunately, the women I saw there were mainly between 28 and 40, so I'll save that one for the future.