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How to Listen to a TV at the Gym?

While the popularity of smartphones and tablets has eclipsed the need to watch, and listen, to television shows while at the gym, many times it can simply be easier to watch whatever is on while completing a cardiovascular or muscular exercise.

However, many times, gyms will have their mounted televisions muted.  This is done to not distract other members and individuals at the gym, who may not be interested in what is currently playing on the tv.  So, how can you listen to a tv at the gym, especially one that is muted?

Tuning to a TV at the Gym

Most gyms have tv’s setup throughout the cardio and wight rooms.  However, as a convenience to other members, these tv’s are muted.  Although the tv’s are muted, there are usually signs directly beneath the tv’s which indicate what FM frequency to set your radio or phone to, to listen to the sound. 

In order to listen to the sound on the tv, you will need to bring along a compatible FM tuner.  These tuners can reach different FM frequencies.  To do so, you will simply need to tune that device to the correct frequency, indicated below the tv at the gym, and begin listening to the sound.

For example, if there is a tv at the gym which has an FM frequency of 99.5, then simply tune your smartphone or radio to 99.5 on the screen and enjoy listening!

Listen to a TV at the Gym on Your Phone

One of the best, and definitely easiest, ways to listen to the tv while at the gym is by doing so on your phone.  Whether you have an iOS or Android device, there are a number of apps available which will allow you to tune to the correct FM frequency.

Listening to a tv mounted at the gym is, by far, easiest done via your smartphone.  However, as a consideration to other members you should always utilize personal headphones to listen through your smartphone.  We’ll provide some excellent recommendations for personal headphones to use at the gym to listen to the tv below.

Radio App – perhaps our favorite FM radio tuner for iOS devices is simply called, Radio App – A Simple Radio.  And although the app itself is simple, it packs a plethora of features and easy-to-use functionalities, all in one sleek design.  With a unique, analog-like FM and AM tuner, you simply control the slider to tune in to different radio frequencies.  Supported across multiple countries, you will also be able to see the name of the song playing and be able to favorite multiple stations to easily go back to them.

Simple Radio – another great radio app for iOS and Android devices is Simple Radio – Live AM/FM Radio (iOS and Android).  Personally, we found the above-mentioned Radio App to have a sleeker design, but this app was also very easy to use and offered a ton of great features.  You can play 50,000 worldwide radio stations, save your favorite stations, and search for trending music.  In addition, we found Simple Radio to be extremely reliable and noticed little to no drops during our listening sessions.

TuneIn – TuneIn is another great radio app made for both iOS and Android devices.  However, what differentiates TuneIn from other radio apps is the simple fact that it is really, honestly jam-packed with features and added functionalities.  From listening to live radio, to sports and news, to podcasts, you can listen to just about anything with the TuneIn app.

Tunity – as an honorable mention, we also really enjoyed using the Tunity app, which is available for both iOS and Android devices.  Tunity is different than other radio apps, in that it allows you to tune in to a muted, live TV and get the audio streamed directly to your smartphone device.  To use, simply scan any live television broadcast in the app.  The app will intelligently identify the channel and stream a synchronized audio directly through your device.  Tunity is perfect for listening to muted tv’s and can be used at the gym, a waiting room, the airport, or even in the comfort of your own home.

Portable Radio to Listen to a TV at the Gym

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As an alternative to using your smartphone, there are a number of portable radios which can also tune in to tv’s at the gym.  Although not as sleek, portable, or convenient as a smartphone, some users may find portable radios to be a great alternative.

Personally, we recommend the NOAA Weather Radio.  This is an emergency NOAA radio which alerts you to severe weather in your area, including hurricanes, tornados, flash-flood warnings, and other severe storm events.

However, in addition to providing severe weather alerts, this radio can tune to both FM and AM frequencies.  With 2 AA batteries, this portable radio is great for emergency use and for personal use as well.  Hand-held, portable, and able to last for days, it is our personal recommendation for a portable radio.

Best Headphones to Listen to a Television at the Gym

Once you have properly tuned your smartphone or portable radio to the correct FM frequency of the tv at the gym, you will want to start listening.  However, in an effort to be more considerate to your fellow gym members, you should always utilize a pair of headphones or earbuds when listening to the tv at the gym. 

Below are our personal recommendations for best headphones to listen to a television while at the gym:

Apple AirPods Pro – if you have an iPhone or an iOS device, you really can’t go wrong with a pair of Apple AirPods Pro.  Even without an iPhone, these earbuds work fantastically and are the headphones we use both at the gym and for our own outdoor activities.

The AirPods Pro line come with active noise cancellation, meaning you’ll be immersed in the sounds coming from your headphones and nothing else.  This is particularly useful for when you don’t want to be distracted by the loud grunts and slamming of weights while at the gym.

In addition, the AirPods Pro come with three sizes of silicone tips for maximum comfort.  Vents on the tips keep pressure equalized between both sides of the earbuds.  And a custom speaker driver, with high dynamic range amplifier help to produce superior sound quality every time you wear them.

Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro – as an alternative to Apple’s AirPods Pro line, Samsung has introduced the Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro.  With a slightly similar design aesthetic, these earbuds provide nearly crystal-clear sound with an unprecedented level of control, making them perfect for use at the gym and during normal, routine activities.

In addition, the Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro earbuds use an intelligent active noise cancelling technology, allowing you to escape into the music, or the sound of the tv, even in noisy environments.  With a water-resistance level rated to IPX7, you can submerge these earbuds in up to 1-meter of fresh water for up to 30-minutes, making them great for working out with or for swimming in.

And with intelligent touch controls, you can skip songs, launch music, and answer calls seamlessly and without ever having to reach for your phone again.