Just some observations but I have seen this multiple times in my group of friends. They were good looking but on the skinny side, single, did not really work out and a bit frustrated on the dating market. Most of my friends seriously work out so I think there's a bit of an incentive in my group of friends to try going to the gym and work out (I think this is important, a few years ago I didn't really know anyone working out and it didn't really cross my mind to do it). They took it seriously, after half a year really made progress and either are no longer single or have more dates than they used to.
I never really worked out but due to my friends I also started to take my body more seriously. Progress is not that hard, it just takes patience. It's also really increased my quality of life, it's a good way to release stress and a good balance to sitting in front of the computer. Also it's great to just stay in shape, you can do physically demanding things just for fun. In the past I wanted to not be superficial because I thought it was stupid to care too much about looks but working out is really more than gaining more muscles, you really take care of yourself and your body.
The main incentive for me to work out was getting my body into a better shape to improve my confidence and enlarge my dating pool. However, after I experienced the plethora of its other benefits, I can safely say it's no more about the former goal, but more for the other benefits that come with it such as stress release, more happiness, more energy, drive and focus, much much better sleep, more libido, etc.
I can relate to this: there's been numerous times where I've resisted keeping a regular exercise regimen because it sends my libido through the roof and I didn't want to deal with the headache of going out/socializing to restock my harem.
I never really worked out but due to my friends I also started to take my body more seriously. Progress is not that hard, it just takes patience. It's also really increased my quality of life, it's a good way to release stress and a good balance to sitting in front of the computer. Also it's great to just stay in shape, you can do physically demanding things just for fun. In the past I wanted to not be superficial because I thought it was stupid to care too much about looks but working out is really more than gaining more muscles, you really take care of yourself and your body.