Why are you so fixated on how people you probably don't want to date view you? It's a numbers game, keep trying until you find someone who actually respects you.
By check your watch do you mean light up a smart watch? If so you you're an idiot. Same rules that apply to phones apply to smart watches in the theater. It's called etiquette.
I read the post when it was originally posted. The entire gym was empty and there were a ton of other ellipticals. It is creepy to use the one right next to another person when the entire gym is empty. That's just common sense.
This shits insane, its their problem if they are that paranoid that any man is going to rape/assault them. Just continue on with your life, and let them deal with their world of paranoia.