LIT Strength Machine Review, Tested by Fitness Experts

While the LIT Strength Machine is one of the best rowing machines we’ve tested, its versatile design also functions as a Pilates reformer and strength trainer. With attachments like resistance bands, strength training bars, and other add-ons, you can expand your training beyond the low-impact workouts afforded by this rower. The LIT app offers a robust selection of live and on-demand classes, and tracks your stats to provide insights into your performance. 

Several BarBend team members checked out the unique design of this three-in-one machine — and they were not disappointed. We think it’s a great option for athletes looking to build muscle, increase mobility, and improve their cardio performance, but don’t have the space for multiple pieces of equipment. Check out the rest of our LIT Strength Machine review to see what our certified testing pros had to say about their time with this overachieving rowing machine.

Main Takeaways

• This profile’s innovative design and additional attachments allow it to function as a rower, Pilates reformer, and strength trainer. 
• While there is no touchscreen, this rower includes a secure device holder, allowing you to stream classes on the LIT app or any of the best rowing apps.
• Hardcore rowers may be disappointed by the limited rowing-centric classes and metrics tracking available on the app.

LIT Strength Machine Video Review

BarBend’s lead video reviewer, Jake Herod, NASM-CNC, set up the LIT Strength Machine in our garage gym and spent some quality time getting to know this versatile piece of equipment. From storage and portability to the unique water resistance and LIT app, check out what stood out — good and bad — in his video review below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JTauHhxERYI

LIT Strength Machine Highlights

For anyone who wants to feel what it’s like to row on water from the comfort of their own home while improving their strength and balance, the LIT Strength Machine fits the bill. It’s a rowing machine, Pilates reformer, and strength trainer all in one. Through the LIT app — which costs $24.99 per month or $240 annually — you receive access to thousands of virtual classes. 

The app’s classes include strength training, bodyweight, mobility, and rowing workouts, which our expert reviewer, Amanda Capritto, recommends for firing up muscles throughout the whole body. “Rowing is a fantastic full-body workout,” she says. “I particularly like rowing because it engages the majority of the body’s muscles and can develop power and explosiveness in the glutes and hamstrings in addition to improving cardiovascular endurance.”

This machine requires no electricity, and BarBend expert product tester Jake Herod enjoyed not being tethered to an outlet. “There are no cords whatsoever,” he said. “I can take this bad boy outside on a pretty day and do my workouts, which you can’t always do with cardio equipment.”

While adjustable resistance is rare even among the best water rowing machines, this model utilizes a unique dual-tank design that lets you cycle through 10, 20, 30, and 40 pounds of resistance. 

When you finish a class, you can lift this LIT Method profile upright to store it vertically. When Herod did so, though, he noticed a few drops on our gym floor. “I haven’t been able to store it vertically — well, I’ve tried,” he said, while noting it may not be a common issue. “That might not be the case with everybody, but it’s something I’ve run into.”

You’ll also be able to clip the included resistance bands to anchor points around the base to unlock its functionality as a Pilates reformer and strength machine. Once the bands are hooked up, you can beef up your training with movements like squats, twists, and rows. 

The sliding rowing seat also doubles as a traditional Pilates reformer. Users can utilize the handles and ankle cuffs to engage core and leg muscles, along with your glutes.

Training With the LIT Strength Machine

BarBend’s team includes collegiate rowers, certified personal trainers, and CrossFit coaches. We’ve tested more than 20 of the market’s best rowers, scoring each — including the LIT Strength Machine — on a scale of 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest) across 13 categories, including customizations, dynamic programming, portability, and more. 

To learn more about how we test products, check out the BarBend Equipment Testing Methodology.

All-In-One Strength Machine

This unique piece of home gym equipment stands out for pulling triple duty as a rower, a strength-training machine, and Pilates reformer. Unlike standard rowers, you can clip the included resistance bands to the front, middle, or back of the frame, unlocking off-rower movements, like overhead presses, oblique twists, and rows. The anchored bands are also useful for Pilates, where you can use the sliding seat like you would a typical reformer. 

As BarBend expert product tester Jake Herod noted, this machine’s versatility is its calling card. “Five pairs of anchor points on the machine let you do different workouts with your resistance bands,” he noted, rating its customizations 5 out of 5. With the ability to take on cardio, Pilates, and strength training on this one piece of equipment, this machine could function as your entire home gym, which can be useful for those with limited space. 

BarBend Reviews Writer Rosie Borchert also took the LIT Strength Machine for a spin when a studio opened in her neighborhood. “This was where the live classes would be streamed from, which was really cool to witness,” she said. 

She rated her overall workout experience 4 out of 5, noting that some of the strength-training classes she took could use a boost. “The rowing machine workouts were always intense,” she said. “But any time we’d use the bands attached to the front of the machine, it felt like I was getting some time to rest because I wasn’t being challenged.” 

The LIT App

The app is packed with more than 3,000 LIT on-demand classes that you can take on or off the machine. The classes range from Pilates and barre to strength training and, of course, rowing. “The classes themselves I’ve found to be really helpful,” Herod said, rating the app’s dynamic programming 5 out of 5. He especially enjoyed the engaging instructors. “They’re really high-energy and make it seem as if you’re right in the room with them.”

Each class runs between 10 and 40 minutes, starting with a warmup and ending with a cooldown. “It’s also really cool that everything is broken down into beginner, intermediate, and expert classes,” Herod said. “That way you don’t wind up joining a class that’s too difficult… or joining one on accident that doesn’t push you enough.”

The LIT app connects to the machine via Bluetooth, then records and stores all of your workout data — including total volume, repetitions, distance, calories burned, and more — and sends you a daily progress report. If you need to keep tabs on your heart rate, it’s also compatible with many of the best heart rate monitors. However, the app doesn’t track stats such as strokes per minute, split times, or watts — important metrics that rowing aficionados may miss.

While all this content doesn’t come cheap — $24.99 per month or $240 annually — Herod appreciated the one-month free trial that accompanies your purchase. “You’re really able to get a sense for how the whole app works, the workout classes… and see some results before [deciding] whether you want to pay for the membership.” 

LIT AXIS Smart System

The LIT Starter Pack includes a set of 20-pound resistance bands and two handles. If you opt for the Plus Pack or Pro Pack (more on those options later), you’ll get the complete LIT Axis system, which costs $200 on its own. This set of smart resistance bands includes handles and a set of ankle and wrist cuffs, but can also track your reps, pounds, and muscle activation during your workouts. 

Here’s a quick breakdown of what is included in the LIT Axis system.

• Pair of AXIS Smart Sensors (connects with any device via Bluetooth and hold up to 200lbs)
• Pair of adjustable LIT bands (0lbs to 60lbs)
• Pair of adjustable LIT bands (30lbs to 100lbs)
• Pair of handles
• Pair of ankle cuffs
• Universal anchor for multiple attachment points
• Lightweight protective carrying case

Unique Water Resistance 

Another unique feature of the LIT Strength Machine is its resistance system. At first glance, its drum looks like any other water rower, but it actually utilizes a dual-tank system, which allows you to use a small dial to adjust the resistance like you would on one of the best magnetic rowing machines. 

Typically, water rowers change their resistance based on how hard you pull or require you to siphon water to adjust it. On this machine, whenever you adjust the dial, one tank will draw the amount of water needed to match that resistance level. 

With four levels of resistance, the LIT Strength Machine earned a 5 out of 5 for adjustability. Herod also thought it gave him greater control of the intensity. “You have four different levels, depending on how lit you want to be,” he said. “Each level corresponds to 10 pounds of resistance.”

BYOS (Bring Your Own Screen)

While there’s no screen on the LIT Strength Machine, you can secure your phone or tablet in the device holder. This could be both a pro and a con. 

You don’t have the hassle of having to plug the machine in to use the monitor, nor do you need the larger amount of space you typically need to accommodate machines with a big screen. However, it may be harder to see the screen during virtual classes if you are using a small handheld device. And you’ll have to ensure your device always has enough charge to get you through each class.

Footprint and Portability

The LIT Strength Machine’s 7-foot length is just about average when it comes to rowers, but Herod reminded us that, unlike some of the best compact rowing machines we’ve tested, vertical storage is your only option if you want to clear up floor space. “Just remember that if you’re able to store yours vertically, it’s going to be 7 feet tall,” he said. 

Its lightweight design helped it earn a 4 out of 5 from Herod for footprint and portability. There is no handle on the back, but since it’s only 90 pounds with the drum full, most users should easily be able to lift it by grabbing the back of the rail and using the built-in wheels to move it around. 

Storage Options

The rower doesn’t fold, but you can store it vertically. When stored vertically, it only takes up 2 feet by 2 feet of space. However, Herod’s biggest issue with the rower is the leaking he experienced when lifting it upright. “I personally have not been able to store it vertically — well, I’ve tried. The water starts leaking out of the drum,” he said. “That might not be the case with everybody, but it’s something I’ve run into.”

He also noted a rookie mistake he made during a recent cold spell in his hometown. “If you’re like me and have all your gear stashed in your garage, you have to think about whether the water will freeze on you,” he said, emphasizing that water rowers are best suited for climate-controlled settings. “It’s been cold here lately and the other day when I came out, my water was completely frozen.”

What to Consider Before Buying the LIT Strength Machine

As you shop for a new rower, consider whether the rowing workouts it supports can meet your training needs. With the added functionality of a Pilates reformer and strength trainer, this rower operates as a versatile three-in-one machine. Check to see if it will fit in your space, as well as your budget before bringing this versatile rowing machine home.

Training Needs

According to BarBend expert reviewer Amanda Capritto, one of the biggest benefits of rowing machines is their versatility “You can use them for high-intensity interval training and steady-state cardio exercise,” she says. “They can also be used for some strength-training exercises, like pikes, for added versatility.” 

The LIT Strength Machine takes that versatility to the next level by incorporating resistance bands and utilizing the sliding rail as a Pilates reformer. Before investing in it, though, consider whether this type of training is appealing to you. If you’re not going to take advantage of its strength capabilities, you’re better off with a dedicated rowing machine. There are plenty of solid options available for less than the $2,000 cost of this LIT profile. 

Noise

While air rowers tend to be the loudest, water rowing machines are a close second. “If you have any roommates, definitely keep [the noise] in mind, especially if you’re working out early in the morning or late at night,” says BarBend tester Jake Herod. 

“It had some noise, but it wasn’t like an air rower where you can hardly hear your own thoughts,” added BarBend editorial member Rosie Borchert. 

Available Space

According to Capritto, “Size, weight, and portability are important, as you’ll need to ensure the machine will fit in your space and it’s relatively easy to move if you won’t be able to leave it stationary.” 

Since the LIT Strength Machine operates as more than just a rower, make sure you can dedicate enough floor space to your new three-in-one machine. The resistance bands will require more space around the machine than typical rowers, so factor that in when you measure out where you’ll park it. 

Price 

You won’t find the LIT Strength Machine on our list of the best budget rowing machines. It starts at $2,000, and there are three bundles available. See the different options below.  

The AXIS system that comes with the Plus and Pro packs costs $199 when purchased separately. The machine mat and weighted bar cost around $90 each if you buy them individually. The Plus and Pro packs are the more cost-effective options if you want these accessories, so we recommend opting for one of these bundles if you have the budget.

Assembly

Ordering this machine is a straightforward process, and it appears all three options are eligible for free shipping. As an experienced assembler of both bulky and compact fitness equipment, Herod was relieved when the LIT Strength Machine arrived at our gym. “About 85 percent of this rower was already assembled,” he said, rating the LIT Method rower assembly a 4.5 out of 5. “It only took about 10 to 15 minutes to do the rest myself, which is nice for obvious reasons.”

The LIT Strength Machine Vs. The Competition

When you’re looking for a new rowing machine or a versatile three-in-one option, it can be disorienting to keep track of all the details. Here are the LIT Method Rower’s specs lined up against three other rowing machines that we like.

	LIT Strength Machine	Ergatta Rower	CITYROW Max Rower	Concept2 RowErg
Price	$2,000	$2,499	$2,199	$990
Resistance Type	Water	Water	Water	Air
Product Dimensions	84” L x 19.2” W x 21” H	86” L x 23” W x 40” H	83.5” L x 22.25” W x 20” H	95” L x 24” W
Weight Capacity	450lbs	500lbs	375lbs	500lbs
Product Weight	70lbs	105lbs	98lbs	57lbs
Display	Device holder	17.3” touchscreen	19.5” touchscreen	LCD monitor
Build	Steel & aluminum	Cherry Wood	Wood	Steel & aluminum

While the functionality of the LIT Strength Machine places it in its own category, the other two water rowing machines here are apt comparisons. Both the Ergatta Rower and CITYROW Max Rower exceed the price tag of the LIT Strength Machine by several hundred dollars. That is mostly due to their large touchscreens and app integration. 

When it comes to training, air rowers like Concept2 RowErg — one of our favorite rowing machines under $1,000 — are actually a favorite of serious rowers like BarBend editorial member and former collegiate rower Lauren Keary. “Air rowers are sturdy and provide adjustable resistance that can emulate the resistance you’d feel on the water,” she explains. “Most professional rowers train with air rowers like the Concept2.” 

If you can handle the noise, its foldable rail and 500-pound weight capacity may make it a good fit for those looking for a dedicated rowing machine.

Places to Buy the LIT Strength Machine

You can buy the LIT Strength Machine through the LIT Method website.

Customer Experience

LIT Method includes free shipping for the LIT Strength Machine and offers a 30-day return policy. You’ll be responsible for the cost of return shipping, plus you’ll need the original packaging. We rated our experience with customer service a 3.5 out of 5.

Most customer reviews that we found were overwhelmingly positive and mentioned the quality of the programming. One reads, “I actually ended up purchasing this last month and I’m so happy I did! The equipment is beautiful and high quality, plus all of the instructors are fantastic!”

Negative reviews often point to shipping issues. “I ordered the LIT Axis for a trip I went on. It had a ‘guaranteed’ shipping date of 7-10 business days,” reads one review. “I reached out a couple of days after the 10th business day because I still hadn’t received shipping confirmation and my trip was coming up. To be fair, they refunded me pretty quickly, but they never apologized or anything.” 

Warranties

The LIT website explains the terms of their lifetime warranties for both the LIT Strength Machine and LIT Axis, though it’s on the user to activate the warranty within 60 days of purchase. Overall, the warranties garnered a 3.5 out of 5 from our team. 

“We back our LIT devices with a lifetime warranty — meaning if you have any issues or problems, our team will work with you to resolve them and replace your device if necessary so long as you purchased directly through LIT or LIT approved partners and have an active membership with a valid payment method on file,” the website states. “You must activate your warranty within 60 days of your purchase and maintain an active membership for 100 percent coverage of your items. Terms and conditions apply.”

Company Information

LIT Method, which stands for Low-Impact Training Method, was founded by Justin and Taylor Norris. Both of them struggled with recurring injuries and wanted to create a sustainable alternative to high-impact training methods. 

In 2016, the founders trademarked their training method and opened a flagship LIT Method studio in West Hollywood. Two years later, they began developing a prototype to combine the benefits of Pilates, rowing, and strength training in one state-of-the-art exercise machine. The patent-pending rower has quickly become popular among individuals who want to stay active without suffering through grueling, high-impact workouts.

In Conclusion

Functioning as a traditional water rower, Pilates reformer, and strength trainer, the LIT Strength Machine is a unique piece of equipment that offers full-body workouts. While it doesn’t feature the touchscreen display and app integration of other high-end rowers, you can connect your own device to stream classes on the LIT app on and off the machine. The lack of a built-in monitor also means you won’t be tethered to an electrical outlet. 

Thanks to the included resistance bands and add-ons like strength bars and straps, it may just be the all-in-one fitness machine you’ve been looking for. While it’s more expensive than some other options, we think the versatility it offers — and the space it saves — make it a worthwhile investment for anyone looking to boost their strength, cardio, and mobility without filling their home with multiple pieces of equipment. 

LIT Strength Machine FAQs