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Bluetooth (BLE) Device Connections

Connect your Garmin watches, WHOOP straps, and Polar devices directly to GymLive via Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) for real-time heart rate and calorie tracking during live workout classes. Unlike Apple Watch and Wear OS, these devices don’t require a companion app - they connect directly via BLE pairing.
BLE connection provides real-time heart rate and calories during workouts. For full data sync (sleep, recovery, etc.), set up the respective platform integrations.

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Compatible Devices

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Garmin Devices

Watches with Broadcasting:
  • Fenix 7/6/5 series
  • Forerunner 965/955/945/935/265/255/245
  • Epix Gen 2
  • Enduro series
  • Venu 3/2/Sq series
  • Vivoactive 4/3
  • Instinct 2/Solar series
Chest Straps:
  • HRM-Pro Plus
  • HRM-Pro
  • HRM-Dual
  • HRM-Tri/Swim

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WHOOP Devices

  • WHOOP 4.0 strap
  • WHOOP 3.0 strap
  • WHOOP Body (clothing line)

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Polar Devices

Watches:
  • Vantage V3/V2/V
  • Vantage M3/M2/M
  • Grit X/X Pro
  • Pacer Pro/Pacer
  • Ignite 3/2
Heart Rate Sensors:
  • H10 chest strap
  • H9 chest strap
  • Verity Sense optical armband
  • OH1 optical sensor

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Connecting During Live Classes

1

Enable Broadcasting on Device

First, enable heart rate broadcasting on your device:
For watches:
  1. From watch face, hold MENU
  2. Select Settings > Sensors & Accessories
  3. Select Heart Rate or Wrist Heart Rate
  4. Select Broadcast Heart Rate
  5. Select On or During Activity
For chest straps: They broadcast automatically when worn
Garmin Users: If your device is currently paired with Garmin Connect on your phone, you must unpair it first before connecting to GymLive. Garmin devices only allow one channel streaming at a time.To unpair:
  1. Open Garmin Connect app
  2. Go to device settings
  3. Unpair/remove the device
2

Join or Host a Live Workout Class

Start by joining or hosting any live workout class:
  1. Open GymLive on your phone
  2. Join an existing class, or
  3. Host your own live workout class
You can be either a participant or a coach - both work the same way.
3

Select Device and Pair

Before the class starts, you’ll be asked to pair your watch:
  1. Look for the device list options
  2. Select your device type (Garmin, WHOOP, or Polar)
  3. The app will automatically scan for BLE devices
  4. Your device name will appear in the list
  5. Tap your device to Pair
  6. You’ll see a confirmation if the connection is successful
Device must be in broadcast mode and within 10 meters of your phone.
4

Start Workout or Join Class

If you’re the coach:
  1. Press Start Workout when ready
  2. Your heart rate and calories will begin updating once the class begins
If you’re a participant:
  1. Simply Join Class and wait for it to begin
  2. Once the coach starts the class, your heart rate and calories will automatically start updating
Make sure your device is properly positioned (chest strap should be wet, watch should be snug) for accurate heart rate readings.

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How It Works

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BLE Pairing

When you select your device type from the device list:
  • GymLive automatically scans for nearby BLE devices in broadcast mode
  • Your device name appears in the list
  • Tapping your device initiates the pairing process
  • Connection success is confirmed before the class begins

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Real-Time Data

Once the class begins:
  • Heart Rate: Updates continuously from your device sensor
  • Calories: Calculated based on your heart rate and activity
  • Live Display: Your coach and other participants can see your metrics in real-time
Data only starts streaming when the class actually begins, not when you pair.

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Troubleshooting

  1. Verify broadcast mode enabled:
    • Check device-specific steps above
    • Look for broadcast icon on device
  2. Garmin-specific:
    • Unpair from Garmin Connect first (if currently connected)
    • Garmin devices only allow one streaming channel
    • Must disconnect from Garmin Connect before GymLive can connect
  3. Bluetooth issues:
    • Turn phone Bluetooth off/on
    • Ensure device is within 10 meters
    • Restart both devices
  4. Interference:
    • Move away from other Bluetooth devices
    • Avoid microwaves, WiFi routers
    • Try in different location
  1. Make sure device is in broadcast mode
  2. Check device battery is above 20%
  3. Move device closer to phone (within 3 meters)
  4. Try unpairing and pairing again
  5. For Garmin: Ensure unpaired from Garmin Connect
  1. Ensure device is properly positioned:
    • Chest straps: Wet electrodes, positioned correctly
    • Watches: Snug fit, clean sensor
  2. Make sure the class has actually started (data only streams during active classes)
  3. Check that pairing was successful
  4. Verify device battery is sufficient
  1. Keep device charged above 30%
  2. Stay within 5 meters of phone
  3. Minimize obstacles between device and phone
  4. Turn off unused Bluetooth devices nearby
  5. For WHOOP: Keep WHOOP app open and phone screen on

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Best Practices

Enable Broadcast First

Enable broadcasting on your device before joining/hosting class

Proper Positioning

Chest straps: wet and snug. Watches: clean sensor, proper fit

Garmin Users

Unpair from Garmin Connect before connecting to GymLive

Stay Close

Keep device within 5 meters of phone for stable connection

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Privacy & Security

  • BLE is short-range only (typically 10 meters)
  • No data stored during broadcast
  • Connection encrypted
  • No personal info transmitted
  • Only HR and calorie data shared during active workouts
  • Connection ends when broadcast stops