Like the others said, it doesn’t hurt to smile and say hi. You’re not going to be able to determine whether she is interested or not just by observing her. I’m sure that I’ve had people at the gym mistake me for ogling them when I’m just trying to read their shirt or think they have a weird haircut, or I’m just bored on the elliptical. Even if I found someone attractive, I also may not have expected or intended on having a conversation with them either.

I hate being hit on the gym too. That’s why I just put on my cancelling noise headphones and don’t talk to anyone.

I never get hit on at the gym. I can understand why it’d be annoying, but I’m feeling a little left out here since it seems so common. Haha.

I don’t think the line between being approached in an annoying way or not is drawn at whether the person brings them roses. I think starting a conversation and then seeing what she does next is a good idea. The issue is that a lot of people just keep going. They either keep talking too long in that one instant or they keep approaching the person, and the person is forced to either change their routine or tell a stranger to stop talking to him. A LOT of people can’t determine boundaries on their own, so that’s why folks are suggesting caution.

Since she spoke with you already, then it shouldn’t be too weird if you speak to her. But there are a million scenarios. It could be she’s interested. Or she’s just a concerned person. Or she’s just an extrovert who likes talking to strangers. Or she is looking at you because you look at her. Or you look like her brother and she finds it fascinating. Maybe she’s interested, but was busy the day you approached her. Or she finds you attractive, but not enough to pay attention to every move that you make. Or she hoped that you’d strike up a conversation about the towel and you didn’t. Nobody can tell you what she is thinking, so that’s why everyone is suggesting that you speak to her and see what happens.