Connecting Safely: Tips for Engaging with others

At WeWorkout, we believe that building strong connections, just like building a strong body, requires effort, awareness, and a commitment to safety. Meeting new people through a shared passion for fitness, whether for friendship, workout partners, or romantic connections, can be incredibly rewarding. However, it’s crucial to prioritize your well-being every step of the way. Use your best judgment and put your safety first, whether you’re exchanging initial messages or meeting in person for a workout or coffee. While you can’t control the actions of others, there are things you can do to help you stay safe while connecting on WeWorkout.

Online Safety: Protecting Yourself Digitally

Your online interactions are the first step in getting to know someone. Make sure they’re safe and positive.

• Never Share Financial Information or Send Money: WeWorkout is for building connections through fitness, not for financial transactions. Never send money, especially via wire transfer, even if someone claims an emergency. Wiring money is like sending cash—it's nearly impossible to reverse or trace. Also, never share information that could be used to access your financial accounts. If another user asks you for money, please report it to us immediately. For tips on avoiding imposter scams, you can watch this video from the Federal Trade Commission: Online Romance Imposter Scams.
• Protect Your Personal Details: Avoid sharing sensitive personal information with people you don’t know well. This includes your social security number, home or work address, or specific details about your daily routine (e.g., "I always run at [specific park] at 6 AM every day"). If you're a parent, be cautious about sharing details about your children, such as their names, ages, or the schools they attend.
• Keep Conversations on the WeWorkout Platform: While you're getting to know someone, it's best to keep your conversations within the WeWorkout app. This helps ensure that our safety features, like message filters, can work effectively. Users with bad intentions often try to move conversations to personal text, email, or other messaging apps right away to avoid detection.
• Be Wary of Unusual Requests or Circumstances: Watch out for users who claim to be from your country but are currently "stuck" somewhere else, or those who ask for financial help. Be cautious of anyone who avoids meeting in person or having a video call—they might not be who they say they are. If someone is avoiding your questions, pushing for an intense connection without genuinely getting to know you first, or seems too good to be true, these are significant red flags.
• Report Suspicious or Offensive Behavior: You know when someone has crossed a line. When they do, we want to know about it. Please block and report anyone who violates our terms. Examples of violations include:
  • Requests for money or donations
  • Underage users
  • Harassment, threats, or offensive messages
  • Inappropriate or harmful behavior during or after meeting in person
  • Fraudulent profiles
  • Spam or solicitation (including links to commercial websites or attempts to sell products or services)
  You can report any concerns about suspicious behavior directly from a user's profile page or within your message window with them. For more details, please review our Community Guidelines.

Meeting in Person: Working Out Safely

When you decide to take your connection offline, especially for a workout, follow these guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

• Don’t Be in a Rush: Take your time to get to know the other person before agreeing to meet in person or moving conversations off WeWorkout. Don’t hesitate to ask questions to identify any red flags or dealbreakers. A phone or video call can be a helpful screening tool before meeting face-to-face.
• Meet in Public and Stay in Public: For your first few in-person meetings, choose a populated, public place, like a busy gym, a well-trafficked park, or a coffee shop. Never agree to meet at your home, the other person's home, or any other private location. If they pressure you to go to a private location, end the meeting immediately.
• Tell Friends or Family Your Plans: Always inform a trusted friend or family member of your plans, including when and where you're going. Make sure your cell phone is fully charged and with you at all times.
• Control Your Transportation: Ensure you have control over how you get to and from your meeting so you can leave whenever you want. If you're driving, have a backup plan, like a ride-share app or a friend who can pick you up. If you're meeting at a gym, consider driving yourself or using a reliable ride-share service.
• Know Your Limits (Especially with Substance Use): Be aware of how alcohol or other substances affect you personally—they can impair your judgment and alertness. If the person tries to pressure you to use substances or drink more than you're comfortable with, firmly decline and end the meeting.
• Protect Your Belongings: Never leave your drink or personal items unattended. Only accept drinks poured or served directly by a bartender or server. Many substances used to facilitate assault are odorless, colorless, and tasteless. Keep your phone, purse, wallet, and anything containing personal information on you at all times, even during a workout.
• If You Feel Uncomfortable, Leave: It is always okay to end a meeting early if you’re feeling uncomfortable or unsafe. Trust your instincts. If something feels off, or you feel unsafe at a gym or public venue, don’t hesitate to ask staff (like a gym attendant or server) for help.

Sexual Health & Consent: If Your Connection Becomes Intimate

If a friendship or connection evolves into a romantic or sexually intimate relationship, these are vital aspects of healthy interactions. Open communication is key.

• Protect Yourself: If you engage in physical intimacy, correctly and consistently using barrier methods like condoms can significantly reduce the risk of contracting and transmitting STIs like HIV. Be aware that some STIs, such as herpes or HPV, can be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact. Vaccination can also reduce the risk of certain STIs.
• Know Your Status: Not all STIs present symptoms, and you don’t want to be unaware of your status. Stay on top of your health and prevent the spread of STIs by getting tested regularly.
• Talk About It: Communication is crucial. Before engaging in physical intimacy, discuss sexual health and STI testing with your partner. In some places, knowingly transmitting an STI is a crime.
• Consent is Non-Negotiable: All sexual activity must begin with clear, enthusiastic consent and include ongoing check-ins with your partner. Verbal communication helps ensure you both respect each other’s boundaries. Consent can be withdrawn at any time. Sex is never owed to anyone. Do not proceed if your partner seems uncomfortable, unsure, or is unable to consent due to the effects of drugs or alcohol.