As a consumer tech product tester with over 10 years of experience, I‘ve evaluated everything from smartphones to robot vacuums. When home gym equipment started gaining smart features, it naturally grabbed my attention. I‘ve now tested over two dozen top brands to compare the experience and results. Most focus solely on high intensity training, which doesn‘t work well for my needs. After a knee injury last year, I‘ve searched for lower impact alternatives to regain mobility. That quest led me to discover the new player Lit Method and its unique, recovery-focused offerings.
Over the past four months, I performed extensive hands-on testing of the total Lit Method system. Today I‘ll share my insights as an average yet tech-savvy user navigating injury recovery. I‘ll cover everything from the build quality to workout efficacy to their customer support. While no product is flawless, Lit Method delivered far more positives than negatives for my personal fitness journey.
My Initial Impressions Testing Out Lit Method
I first heard of Lit Method last year when researching the best rowing machines. As a long-time casual rower, the smooth hydraulic resistance and vertical storage immediately caught my eye. However, the $1,750 price tag gave me serious sticker shock. But once I understood the full system with accessories, classes, and recovery focus, value became more apparent.
Living with mobility limitations myself, I connected with the origin story from husband and wife co-founders Taylor and Justin. Both struggled through physical rehabilitation after accidents, which spawned the company. Everything centers around low-impact workouts ideal for injury recovery. From the doctor-approved exercise programs to the zero-strain rowing machine, their offerings aligned perfectly with my needs.
While testing Peloton and Tonal devices in recent years, I missed having immersive classes with my solitary rower. So Lit Method‘s 500+ on-demand workouts and live classes also intrigued me as a long-time app fitness fan. When the company offered me a sponsored trial of their rower and membership, I jumped at the unique opportunity.
Over four months, I tested the complete Lit Method experience from equipment durability to workout efficacy. Here are the comprehensive insights from an average yet discerning user.
Testing Highlights: Equipment, Accessories, Classes
The Rower Itself: Smooth and Virtually Silent
I have to start with the excellently designed rowing machine, since it‘s Lit Method‘s cornerstone. Out of the box, assembly took under 30 minutes by tightly screwing together solid steel pieces. Despite the hefty construction, I easily move the upright unit thanks to built-in caster wheels. Standing at 96" tall x 23" wide, it occupies a slim footprint in my home gym area.
Lit Method chose a water hydraulic piston for resistance rather than noisy chains or air fans. As a result, each rowing motion feels smooth as butter with no clicks, clacks or whirs. I can watch TV easily without cranking the volume because it‘s practically silent. The 16 levels of adjustable resistance prevent intensity plateaus via a simple lever pull. Compared to the Concept 2 I‘ve used for years, Lit Method‘s rower imitates actual on water rowing flawlessly.
Must-Have Accessories to Enhance Each Session
While a killer cardio and strength machine already, the included attachments elevate workouts further. The set contains two 15 lb resistance bands, dual ankle cuffs, foam roller, and tablet mount. By combining accessories like bands with the rowing motions, I activate all major muscle groups for crazy effective full-body training.
The tube-like bands conveniently clip onto rear pegs and carabiners on machine arms for biceps, shoulders and back moves. Meanwhile, the padded ankle cuffs connect to slide cradles near the center to annihilate quads, glutes and hamstrings while rowing. The textured foam roller stretches my back and legs pre and post-session.
I secure my iPad onto the device itself with the Mountz swivel tablet holder for tracking stats on my Apple Watch. It adjusts to any angle and fits most any smartphone or tablet. For under $2,000 altogether, the Lit Method bundle offers exceptional value versus purchasing standalone rowers plus accessories.
App Classes: Hundreds of Motivating Low-Impact Options
However, the element bringing my Lit Method workouts to the next level is the hundreds of on-demand and live streaming classes. Available workouts span from 5 to 45 minutes targeting strength, pilates, HIIT, yoga, cardio, and physical therapy. The expert coaches demonstrate proper form as they guide you through each energizing yet joint-safe routine.
I filter selections by preferred coach, difficulty, duration, and muscle focus to match my ever-changing needs. The simple app tracked my steadfast participation, milestones, and progress to keep motivation high. While I don‘t always attend live, personalized classes, I never tire of the vast on-demand library.
Compared to rowing alone, the training programs provide much-needed structure and accountability. Classes accommodate all skill levels with plenty of low-impact modifications shown. Lit Method workouts leave me feeling stronger yet balanced unlike grueling Peloton strength training that aggravated my injury.
Evaluating Lit Method‘s Value Against the Competition
Before investing in any premium home gym equipment, I naturally like to compare competitor offerings. As a tech product tester, I focus heavily on aspects like price, tech/software integration, overall quality and warranty. In all areas, Lit Method either meets or exceeds quality standards from top brands specifically for low-impact workouts.
My friend owns the famous Peloton bike package which I‘ve tried, while another has Tempo‘s strength mirror. I also demoed Tonal‘s smart home gym device this year after admiring their innovative digital weights. While all deliver great instructor-led workouts via subscription, none center solely on joint-safe routines for injury and pain.
Here is how Lit Method stacks up against today‘s most popular options when considering price, tech specs and other purchasing factors:
| Machine | Lit Method | Peloton | Tonal | Tempo |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,750 | $1,445 | $2,995 | $1,995 |
| Accessories* | $245 value | $125 value | n/a | $50 value |
| App Membership | $29/mo | $44/mo | $49/mo | $39/mo |
| Programs | 500+ | 11k+ | 200+ | 1k+ |
| Equipment Weight | 117 lbs | 135 lbs | 90 lbs | 400 lbs |
| Footprint | 23" x 96" | 24" x 48" | 17" x 22" | 72" x 26" |
| Screen | Bring your own | Embedded | Embedded | Yes, 24" HD Touch |
| Tablet Monitor Mount | Yes | Cage | No | No |
| Unique Selling Point | Doctor-developed recovery programs | Immersive cycling | Digital weights | Advanced 3D sensors for form feedback |
*Included handle bands, ankle straps, foam roller, etc.
Based on both my firsthand testing and expert secondary input, no brand offers Lit Method‘s specialty. Their doctor-approved, low-impact workouts specifically help users strengthen while protecting joints. This allows for faster and safer post-op rehab or managing conditions like arthritis or chronic pain.
Meanwhile their equipment costs less on average than competitors while working just as smoothly. By using your own device on the mount versus embedded tablets, I save hugely on potential replacement costs too. While Peloton features clip-in spinning shoes, the rest require bare feet or normal sneakers ideal for my needs.
Considering lower joint impact along with superior workout variance, I rate Lit Method as today‘s top option around $2,000. That said, the lack of quantitative performance tracking could be a dealbreaker for hardcore data-driven athletes. But for injury recoverees like myself, their user experience has no rival.
The Pros and Cons of Lit Method I Discovered
Based on months of hands-on testing and research, I break down the biggest advantages and drawbacks of investing in Lit Method below:
Lit Method Pros
- Doctor-approved, low-impact workouts easier on joints
- Whisper-quiet, smooth hydraulic rowing machine
- 500+ programs accommodate all fitness levels
- Engaging live and on-demand class content
- Motivating metrics and progress tracking
- $200 less than comparable Peloton package
- Space-saving upright storage with transport wheels
- Luxurious build quality on par with commercial grade
- Mindful accessories like bootie band and foam roller
- Financing available; 10% military and healthcare discount
Lit Method Cons
- Expensive for the average household budget
- Must pay return shipping on rower if unsatisfied
- No performance stats on machine itself without syncing wearable
- Limited workout data compared to encoded spin bikes
- Fairly new brand still building its community
The biggest advantages lie in their specialized low-impact workouts and top-tier production values. I achieve fantastic strengthening results without compromising my injury or flexibility. Meanwhile, the machine withstands my frequent sweat sessions thanks to industrial steel parts and aluminum rails.
On the flip side, costs run exceptionally high for the average family to afford. Members also can‘t quantify progress through built-in sensors on the rower itself. However alongside my Apple Watch, I still track heart rate intensity and total calorie burn through the partner app.
For those recovering from surgery or managing chronic conditions, no competitor product lines up. The doctor-designed programs delivered noticeable pain reduction alongside visible muscle tone.
Final Verdict: Who Can Benefit Most from Lit Method
To conclude my comprehensive evaluation, I recommend Lit Method specifically for:
- Those recovering from injury or managing chronic pain conditions
- Seniors looking to maintain strength with minimal joint strain
- People with flexibility limitations that restrict movement
- Anyone needing guided expert workouts for accountability
- Rowing enthusiasts wanting to take training up a notch
- Reasonably tech-savvy consumers willing to sync own wearables
- Home gym owners with around $2,000 total to spend
Bottom Line
While extremely expensive for most buyers, Lit Method justifies costs for specialized low-impact training difficult to find elsewhere. Their smart rower exceeds all quality expectations with best-in-class design. Meanwhile the doctor-approved exercise programs target joint mobility and pain reduction inaccessible through regular high intensity classes.
For athletes like myself needing to carefully balance strength and recovery, I confidently vouch for Lit Method. Their bundle facilitated my fastest rehab timelines through engagement and personalization. If your current workouts aggravate rather than heal injury, it‘s worth consulting your physician about incorporating this progressively kinder fitness program.
