If I'm being honest, I've always hated the term "picking up women." The mentality that girls are something that should be "picked up" always seemed a bit off to me. Even worse is all the different methods out there that have been tried and tested by the many different types of douche bags in bars and clubs across the nation. Nothing is more insufferable than someone who thinks they have the magic words or special routine that supposedly works for every girl that they meet. That said if not done properly, picking up women can be quite damaging to both parties. So, I've written this quick guide on how to safely and successfully pick up women (or men, for that matter)
The first thing you're going to want to do is break the ice. If you go straight into it without doing so, the whole situation could become awkward very fast. Break the ice by making some simple small talk, asking them about themselves, maybe subtly complimenting them, etc. until the situation starts to feel more natural and you start to feel more confident. After all, confidence is key.
Now that the conversation has been flowing, you can start the "pick up" phase. Remember that the initial set-up is key and will set the tone for the rest of the process. You're going to want to be facing each other, and your feet should be a little wider than shoulder width. Start squatting down, and remember to bend at the knees and hips, while keeping your back straight. Next, wrap your arms around her waist. Remember that communication is very important, so warn her before you start picking her up. Finally, straighten your legs to lift, while keeping her close to your body for stability.
Keep in mind that it is not recommend to lift someone above shoulder height, especially if you are indoors, as she could bump her head on low ceilings. It is also important not to twist or turn your body, as this could lead to injury. If you ever find yourself with back pain or soreness, take a few days off and make sure you're doing it right. It's very beneficial to practice on your own beforehand in front of a mirror to perfect your form. If the pain persists after one to two weeks, see a doctor. This probably goes against everything you've learned at CrossFit, and that is because CrossFit is wrong. Honestly, quit doing that. Your back will thank you.
Disclaimer: Actually using this method on strangers is highly discouraged and likely to end in you getting pepper sprayed. It is, however, quite effective if you literally need to pick up a girl, guy, big dog, large box, car, etc. My point at the beginning of this article holds true; girls are not things that should be "picked up" and having that mentality will rarely get you anywhere. If there's a girl (or guy) you like, just talk to her and don't act like an asshole. You'll be fine.
