you learn fast!
you could also try sticking the bar in rude places.
seriously, the best way to talk to her is after/outside of the gym.
most people when in the gym just want to get their work done and don't want to be interrupted.
even if a hot girl came up to me in the gym and wanted to talk, I'd still be thinking about how I needed to get back to my workout.
even worse on the cardio equip.
but outside in the parking lot, or in the lobby or whatever, just say hi, see how she reacts and then go from there.
"hey baby, want to dance?"
"fuck off loser"
"what?! oh, I'm sorry, I think you must have misheard me - I was just saying you look fat in those pants."