5 Best Inversion Tables from $150 to $329 that Are Worth Buying | Buyer’s Guide & Reviews
What is the best inversion table? We recommend choosing an inversion table registered with the FDA, such as the Teeter EP-560. This means that the product was verified to provide the stated benefits and is indicated for back pain, muscle tension and spasm, sciatica, and spinal stenosis. Secondly, consider durability. Make sure that your inversion table is made with a high-grade steel frame and supports a weight of at least 300lbs. A great example is the Teeter FitSpine LX9 that features aerospace-grade stainless steel. The third thing to look at is comfort. In this regard, the most important features include an ankle system, ergonomic design, and auto-locking hinges. For instance, the IRONMAN Gravity Inversion Table offers an adjustable ankle locking system. Fourthly, look for an inversion table that is stable enough and will not tip or slide so that you could use it on different surfaces. If you are going to put it on a tile floor, choose the Exerpeutic 975SL designed with a non-skid floor and an iControl disc brake system. And finally, a good inversion table should be adjustable. The products in the chart below have different adjustability and even the budget-oriented Innova Inversion Table allows you to find your own unique center of gravity.
| 1. Teeter EP-560 Ltd. Inversion Table for Back Pain | |
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| 2. Innova ITM5900 Advanced Heat and Massage Inversion Therapy Table | |
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| 3. IRONMAN Gravity Highest Weight Capacity Inversion Table | |
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| 4. Teeter FitSpine LX9 Inversion Table | |
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| 5. Exerpeutic 975SL All Inclusive Heavy Duty 350 lbs Capacity Inversion Table | |
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| 6. Innova Inversion Table with Adjustable Headrest | |
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An inversion table is a plank with an adjusting incline on which you lie upside down. This is called full inversion and is believed to have a positive impact on your body. It improves spine stretching and helps you relax. In this guide, we will work out who needs an inversion table, how to use it to relieve back pain and how to exercise properly with it. You’ll find out whether buying the best inversion table for back pain is justified, what the doctors think about it and a list of the top 5 best inversion tables according to their price and technical specifications.
What You Will Learn from This Guide:
- TOP-5 Best Inversion Tables
- 1. A Cut-Rate Inversion Table | Innova ITX9600 Heavy Duty with Adjustable Headrest
- 2. Best Inversion Table for Lower Back Pain | Innova ITM4800 Advanced Heat and Massage Therapeutic Inversion Table Review
- 3. The Lightest Inversion Table for Back Pain Relief | Teeter EP-560 Ltd. FDA-Cleared Review
- 4. Highest Weight Capacity Inversion Table | IRONMAN Gravity 4000 Review
- 5. Best Fitness Inversion Table | Conquer 6-in-1 Inversion Table Power Tower Home Gym
How Does An Inversion Table Work?
The advocates of inversion therapy claim that this wellness practice was used by Hippocrates back in ancient times. However, its true popularity reached inversion only at the end of the twentieth century. The athlete, Christopher Harrison, invented anti-gravitational yoga that consists of exercises performed on hammocks hung to the ceiling. Gravitational shoes made for hanging upside down which featured in the movie “American Gigolo” became trendy. At the same time in the 1980s, the scientists began active research on the impact of these procedures on certain patient conditions. The advocates of inversion therapy claimed that it has a vast range of healing properties such as growth stimulation, treatment of varicose veins, improvement of cerebral circulation and lymph flow.
Naturally, the more diseases this practice seems to treat, the more doubtful its usefulness becomes as it can’t be a panacea. The supporters of this skeptical idea did not reconsider. Instead, they revealed such negative effects as vision deterioration, detachment of the eye retina, headaches, and increased blood pressure. So far, researchers have only proven the helpfulness of inversion tables for back treatment.
Scientific Research and Proven Effectiveness
Does inversion therapy really help to relieve back pain? Edward R. Laskowski, M.D., from Mayo Clinic, says that this is one of the ways in which spinal traction has been used in an attempt to relieve back pain. While studies show that inversion therapy will not provide long-lasting relief and can even be unsafe for some people, this kind of treatment can effective in a short-term.
“Some people find traction temporarily helpful as part of a more comprehensive treatment program for lower back pain caused by spinal disk compression,” Mr. Laskowski notes, adding that people with glaucoma, heart issues, and high blood pressure should not apply this therapy.
Patients with lumbosacral radiculitis managed to avoid surgery thanks to a combination of physiotherapy and inversion techniques, as per the James Cook University Hospital, Middleborough specialists’ article. The researchers divided pre-surgery patients into two groups: one had to attend both physiotherapy and inversion (13 people), and the other one was prescribed physiotherapy only (11 people). After six weeks, most (10 out of 13) patients from the first group no longer required surgery as their well-being improved dramatically. Examination results of the second group were not as impressive as only two patients out of eleven were allowed to cancel the surgery.
Another research studied the impact of inversion equipment on patients with chronic back pain. The participants of the experiment used an inversion table at various incline angles for eight weeks. The elasticity of the lumbar region improved in the group that used the trainer at 60 degrees as pain and discomfort were gone. Inverse body position is considered to relieve tension in the spine that is pressurized by gravitation and evolutionary upright walking. The pressure on the intervertebral discs decreases, and the space between the vertebrae increases. As a result, back pain is relieved.
The question remains whether this effect is long-term. Sceptics assume that inversion tables relieve symptoms rather than cure them. According to Celeste Robb-Nicholson, M.D., editor in chief, Harvard Women's Health Watch, the trainer stretches spinal ligaments and muscles, and temporarily relieves muscular spasm. The doctor believes that no benefits of inversion therapy have been proven, and it has a number of contraindications (eye diseases, hypertension, heart disease and pregnancy). Inversion table therapy can still be prescribed within a complex approach to the treatment of back pain upon consultation with a physiotherapist. Summarizing the experts’ opinions, inverse stretching won’t cure your illness but will relieve symptoms and reduce your intake of painkillers.
Pedro Bernardes, an expert on fitness and sports equipment at Gadget Reviews, explains what factors contribute to developing strength.
Although many effects have been attributed to inversion tables, only back pain relief is scientifically proven.
This gadget should be used as a complement of a treatment program because it only relieves momentarily our back pain, it doesn’t solve the problem. Systematic and prolonged use might cause more damage to your body than good. So, I recommend, in these cases, a therapist and specific exercises for your problem (and probably some changes in habits that are causing or not helping your situation).
When choosing an Inversion Table I recommend that you check their stability, structural integrity, comfort, portability, weight limit, adjustable to your eight and other adaptabilities such as degrees of movement.
How to Choose an Inversion Table: Factors and Features to Consider When Buying an Inversion Table
Just like an orthopedic mattress, an inversion table should be individually tailored according to your height, weight, condition and load requirements. Here are several points to pay attention to when evaluating a mattress’ quality.
Safety
- Stable steel carcass
- Durable ankle mounts ("open" in the form of foamy rollers or ergonomic "closed" ones)
- Flexible turning levers
- Rubber handles and angles
Use
- The incline is regulated and inversion aiding equipment is intact (engine, straps)
- Height adjustment (a smaller incline can be used if you set your training to four inches plus your height)
- Extended rubber handles for horizontal hold
Comfort
- Lack of pressure, mounting adjustment
- Soft adjustable head
- A lumbar pad and a soft backrest, in case you do not hang upside down (full inversion)
Inversion Table Tutorial
Gravity Boots Vs Inversion Table
What unites them is inversion therapy or, simply put, turning a person upside down, which is a form of spinal traction. Both an inversion table and gravity boots are meant to relieve back pain, reduce stress, and improve posture. And they both take time to get used to. Still, there is a considerable difference between the two methods and now we are going to elaborate on them.
Portability. Gravity boots take up less space in the room and are more portable. You can easily carry them in a bag wherever you go whereas inversion tables are generally bulky and heavier.
Price. Boots are cheaper, and understandably so. The reason is not that they are less effective, but that they required less material for production.
How far you can go. Gravity boots provide a 100-percent inversion. For some people, this is actually what they are looking for while for others, such aggressive exercises may result in the pain in knees or other parts of the body. In other words, this is a more radical method of inversion therapy.
Method to use. The boots are attached to a bar, without any support. Their braces are latched onto the ankles so that you could freely hang upside down. An inversion table has ankle braces as well but, unlike the boots, provide support for your back and neck.
TOP-5 Best Inversion Tables
The best inversion tables can cost up to $3,000. Expensive items allow adjusting the incline angle and serve as a trainer for various muscles. We’ve picked the most interesting devices in terms of price and performance. You won’t find the most expensive ones here (electric ones); instead the most popular among users are items within an affordable price range between $150 and $329.
1. A Cut-Rate Inversion Table | Innova ITX9600 Heavy Duty with Adjustable Headrest
In the case of this cheap inversion table, the word primitive is not derogatory but has a connotation of being durable and low-maintenance (hence, its name and over 4,500 customer reviews).
The trainer’s incline is manually adjusted from 15 to 85 degrees with a moving pin that can be inserted in one of the five slots. Most cheap inversion tables lack this option and allow adjusting the incline only with straps.
The adjustment mechanism is covered by a gray plastic box, hence the minimalist design. This inversion table is designed for people 4’10” - 6.6” tall and weighs up to 300 lbs.
Despite its low price, the trainer is heavy and durable because its carcass is made of steel and not plastic that is so popular with budget competitors.
Innova ITX9600: Check the current price
2. Best Inversion Table for Lower Back Pain | Innova ITM4800 Advanced Heat and Massage Therapeutic Inversion Table Review
The same brand Innova offers a similar item with an important add-on for those who are looking for the best inversion table for lower back pain. The lumbar zone has a special pad supporting the back with heating and massage options. According to the users, the vibration is quite weak. Among the disadvantages, they mention the noise that the massaging pad makes. For this reason, many customers use only the inversion option. Others, on the contrary, loved the pad so much that they manage to massage their shoulders with it.
The pad is controlled by a remote control. It is attached to the table with Velcro and can be moved to other areas of your back if necessary.
Innova ITM4800: Check the current price
3. The Lightest Inversion Table for Back Pain Relief | Teeter EP-560 Ltd. FDA-Cleared Review
Teeter has been manufacturing inversion tables for over 30 years and is FDA-certified, unlike other brands. This is one of the market leaders, so its products are often featured in the reviews of the best inversion tables. According to the study by the School of Dynamic Systems University of Cincinnati in 2013, Teeter Fitspine was the most popular product under $400.
Teeter inversion tables look different nowadays: the slippery back that caused you to slide up has been replaced with thin perforated plastic. This might have contributed to Teeter EP-560 light weight (58 pounds) in relation to its competitors. Bright, plastic massaging elements and a detachable plastic pad. Other than that, the performance of Teeter EP-560 is inferior to that of cheap Innova items. The incline, for instance, is not adjustable. The only thing that can be done is fixing the table at about thirty degrees with a strap. The headrest cannot be adjusted either.
In general, the Teeter inversion table is light and of high quality. Ergonomic ankle mounting is vastly praised by consumers.
Teeter EP-560: Check the current price
4. Highest Weight Capacity Inversion Table | IRONMAN Gravity 4000 Review
Here is another renowned inversion table brand. IRONMAN Gravity 4000’s unique selling point is its extended soft pad and increased carrying capacity. This trainer is the most durable among the ones listed here as it can carry up to 350 lbs. Its extended handles allow quick return to horizontal position. Soft lumbar pads ensure comfort in case you do not practice full inversion (upside down).
The carcass of the trainer is made of steel and covered with extra protective powder. This device is equipped with the same ergonomic ankle mounts as the Teeter EP-560, while cheaper products only use foam pads.
In general, the IRONMAN Gravity 4000 can compete with Teeter in terms of quality while being quoted at a substantially lower price. A special noise-isolating mat can be ordered for an additional $26.
IRONMAN Gravity 4000: Check the current price
5. Best Fitness Inversion Table | Conquer 6-in-1 Inversion Table Power Tower Home Gym
This might as well be the best fitness inversion table as it combines the functions of an actual inversion table and home training equipment. Its stable steel carcass can carry up to 220 lbs, and inversion height ranges from 4'10" to 6'3". Note that the fully assembled device’s dimensions are 44" x 29" which may be insufficient for larger users.
Detachable elbow rests and rubber handles allow training of biceps, shoulders, chest, abs and upper back. This 82-pound device can replace several stationary trainers.
Undoubtedly, the idea is great, but its fulfillment leaves much to be desired, as some customers believe. They observe that assembling and disassembling the device is quite difficult, so you can’t just hide it somewhere after working out. Over time, dents appear on plastic handles. Since inversion is one of the many functions of the device, and not a primary one, you’ll find it difficult to adjust it as the mechanism won’t allow it. On the other hand, if Conquer was perfect, it would cost much more. Its current price is half as low as the basic Teeter item.
Conquer 6-in-1: Check the current price
What Do Buyers Say?
Let’s see what customers say about the major brands, such as Innova, Teeter, and IRONMAN.
Blogger Kandie Angel has published a review of Innova inversion table. At first, she fixed it at a 45-degree angle, leaned backward, leaving her hands up. This was a moderate inversion which, as Kandie said, felt great on her back and neck. Then, she tried to do the whole 85 degrees upside down but, for some reasons, it did not work for her. Then, she did 60 degrees but realized that her “body wanted to stay at 45 degrees.” Kandie says that she feels great stretching up her back and arms, and even “feels taller” after these exercises.
Johnny Action, who has reviewed the Teeter model, claims that this device can even save your life! After running a marathon, Johnny had some spine and neck issues so he started to look at an inversion table. The first thing you should consider is space, he warns. You will need about 4 feet of space wide and about 3 deep to be able to fit this device. Still, it took him some 15 minutes to install the unit.
In this video, you can see him doing full inversion and how comfortable he felt while hanging upside down. Johnny also demonstrated other “cool things” like sit-ups or upside-down meditation. According to him, the unit works like magic and it only took a few sessions before he could feel a difference.
Another blogger, Greg, has reviewed IRONMAN Gravity 4000 inversion table that, according to him, is one of the most heavyweight versions with a very secure locking mechanism. This makes the model more reliable and stable, which is particularly important for those who want to do pull-ups or anything like that. Greg did full inversion and some exercises, noting that the table really helped to relax and it was very easy to pull yourself up.
Inversion Tables Benefits
Sooner or later, everyone faces back issues. Prolonged sitting, driving, lifting weights cause a negative impact on your spine. The intervertebral space decreases and the spine itself is shortened, like a compressed spring. The pinching of nerve endings between vertebrae causes pain which is why stretching is very helpful: all the tissues stretch, and it is easier to stay upright and breathe. In general, the effect of stretching is similar to that of yoga.
Inversion tables help resolve the following issues:
- Back pain relief (proven)
- Improves posture and flexibility (highly likely)
- Can be an alternative to surgery in some cases
An inversion table can really relieve pain in case of chronic back diseases. For instance, Nicole left the following review of the Innova ITM4800 inversion table: “I was in a bad car accident many years ago, and I have been suffering since. I have been trying everything for pain. I recently saw a new doctor, and he recommended an inversion table due to my spine being compressed. After getting a caudal epidural, I began my treatment. I am feeling a huge difference! I am able to cut back slowly on the pain pills! I feel my spine lengthening and the pain subsiding!”
Apart from the therapeutic effect, any inversion table is a fitness trainer as you can bend, do pull-ups (by holding the hands), tilt to the right and left and do abs exercises. To increase the intensity of the training, the trick is to set the height a few inches more than your real height. If you are not using full inversion, consider setting the trainer’s height to a smaller number than your real height. In that way, you won’t be able to turn without making an extra effort.
Inversion Tables FAQ
How to use an inversion table?
The use is straightforward: lie down, mount the ankles at the bottom, slowly reach the comfortable incline, go back to a horizontal position, lie for a few minutes and repeat. Before lying on the table, check whether it moves slowly. It should be located at a distance from the wall so that you do not bang your head. Wear running shoes when training as other shoes won’t mount well.
When performing full inversion, you are supposed to hang freely without touching the table with your back. Relax. You can twist or do other exercises.
How long to use the inversion table?
This is the most popular yet difficult question as everything is very personalized. It is recommended to rest for three minutes after every 30 seconds of inversion. However, you can increase the interval to your judgement if you feel comfortable. During your first session, do not immediately turn upside down. Try staying at 60 degrees and check your state. Recommended daily training is 20-30 minutes. Start with two minutes in the morning and in the evening.
Is full inversion necessary?
The effect is maximized when you don’t touch the back of the table. You are supposed to relax and close your eyes to feel your spine stretch under the weight of your body. However, the inversion index is very individual, and you should rely on your well-being only. Some perceive full inversion as a fun and pleasant experience while others find it torturous. The rule of thumb is that you should never do any sharp movements. First, learn to only put your head down, then follow to try full inversion. Should you feel pain, nausea, sickness, go back to the previous position immediately!
How do I know whether inversion is suitable for me?
Test your comfort at home before ordering the trainer. Lie down in such a manner that your body is below your legs at the angle of at least 25 degrees. Trying full inversion unprepared is not recommended, and even small inclines have a certain positive effect.
Are there any negative effects?
Hanging upside down stresses your blood vessels, so high blood pressure is possible. Some patients suffer from headaches.
Are there any contraindications?
The list of contraindications is vast: hypertension, all eye diseases, obesity, stroke rehabilitation, and spine and brain injuries. Children and pregnant women are not recommended to use inversion tables. If you are taller than 6’6,” you might hit the floor with your head. In general, the exercises are contraindicated if a pressure drop can cause an acute attack of any chronic disease you might have. In case you do have any, consult a doctor first.
Gravity Boots And Pull-Up Bar
Gravity boots are a good alternative to inversion tables so let’s have a look at two of the most popular models on the market. Below, I am going to give you insights into how they work and their main advantages and disadvantages.
Let’s start with a pull-up bar made by Ultimate Body Press. I would recommend this item for taller users as it allows a full range of motion and can support up to 300 pounds. With this bar, you can do exercises building your muscles in the back, core, arms, and the chest. What makes this item convenient is that it can be expanded to fit any doorway ranging from 24 to 36 inches. You can also add extra accessories, such as gym rings that are not included in the pack, though.
The tubing is made from high-quality steel while the couplers are produced from the premium ABS material. The padding consists of durable high-density foam. There are 3 grip positions for exercising and you can use it for doorway exercises and those on the floor, doing dips, push-ups, sit-ups. You can do wide, close and neutral grips. The unit is easy to assemble, given that all the necessary tools come with the product.
Customers are mainly satisfied with this product, saying that it is great and exactly what they were looking for. This model is a bit pricier than regular pull-up bars of this kind but, according to the users, it is worth the money paid. One of the main advantages they highlight is the height of the bars, allowing to do pull-ups with full extension.
Teeter EZ-Up Gravity Boots is a great inversion solution which you can easily take with you on a trip. The product comes with straps that are adjustable to ankles while calf loops can be easily removed. The latter ones are intended to place a 2-degree bend in the knees, allowing to reduce load.
Thanks to the double-lock system, you can safely perform any exercises you like. On top of that, the item supports the weight of 250 pounds and is uniform in size. This product will help you to relieve back pain, muscle tensions, spasms, relieve spinal stenosis, and many other disorders.
Using these gravity boots, you can comfortably exercise crunches and sit-ups as well as inverted squats. It is also a good tool to decompress your spine. Attach the boots to a secure bar with a diameter not exceeding 1.25 inches.
While examining customer feedback, I have seen a lot of positive reviews. Some purchasers highlighted such features as comfortable foam padding, sturdy hooks, easily detachable straps. Others mention their convenience, saying that the boots can be easily tightened to any leg size and they got used to being inverted very quickly.
Comparative Chart of Inversion Tables
| Name | Characteristics |
| Innova ITX9600 | Precise incline adjustment (15-85 degrees), soft adjustable headrest |
| Innova ITM4800 | Same performance as Innova ITX9600, + detachable vibrating heated massage pad |
| Teeter EP-560 | Rough plastic back, topical massage elements, closed ergonomic feet mounting |
| IRONMAN Gravity 4000 | Extended soft back, high carrying capacity up to 350 lb, extended handles, closed ergonomic feet mounting |
| Conquer 6-in-1 | Inversion table and a biceps, shoulder, chest and abs trainer |
Summary
We found out that an inversion table can be useful if you suffer from one of the following back conditions: sciatica, chronic low back pain, spinal canal stenosis, facet syndrome, degenerative spine changes. Inversion table exercises can relieve muscular spasm and pain. The device can also serve as a trainer for keeping your abs and back muscles toned. However, just like with any other therapeutic methods, you should be careful when using inversion. Consult a doctor to find out whether you can use an inversion table and don’t begin with maximum incline.
