The Best Inversion Table

So you’re curious about buying an inversion table? Me too! No, it’s not a torture device, and no, it’s not some Nasa anti-gravity astronaut training device. But that would be pretty cool, huh? An inversion table is a practical resource to elongate the spine, stretch the back muscles, and alleviate ongoing back pain.

Inversion therapy boasts a range of other ‘magical’ benefits (did someone say anti-aging?), but enough with the talking and on with the shopping. The most basic requirement of an inversion table is to tilt your body at various angles, positioning your head lower than your feet to relieve the pull of gravity – that’s all you need to start feeling back relief. Unlike gravity boots, an inversion table gives you the option of reclining your body at various degrees.

Now you’re probably thinking: Which is the best inversion table? Which one do I buy? Well, I’m wondering the same thing. I always look at safety and stability first since I don’t want to invest in something that will drop me while I’m upside-down. Ouch. Some other points to consider when it comes to inversion table shopping are the price, the comfort on both back and ankles, and ease of use.

If you’ve ‘been there, done that’s with inversion therapy, and you’re looking to expand your inversions with more advanced workouts and stretches, you might want to take a look at tables with unique accessories and features to help you customize your therapy. Luckily, the wide range of inversion tables out there means there is something for everyone.

The 10 Best Inversion Tables:

To help us in our inversion table shopping, here’s a collection of inversion table reviews. I’ve searched far and wide to develop this list of the best inversion tables – each one features a different benefit. Let’s find the right one for you!

1. Teeter Hang Ups EP-560 Ltd Inversion Table

A name-brand inversion table for a reason, the Teeter Hang Ups EP-560 spikes in price but offers a selection of unique features and accessories to help you expand your inversion practice for years to come. You’ll notice a lot of ‘bonuses’ included in this table, like a bonus lumbar support arch, bonus acupuncture nodes for customizable pressure on your back muscles, and a bonus DVD with follow-along workout instructions. I do love me some good bonus prizes.

Plus, the Teeter Hang Ups model offers exceptional design features unique to Teeter: the table uses a secure lock to remain stable in inversion, so you can easily practice inverted crunches and more. Plus, in a full 90-degree inversion, you’re left free to hang entirely away from the table for a fully-realized inversion stretch – this is unique to the Teeter Hang Ups tables.

Besides all the bonuses, the Teeter Hang Ups EP-560 is a sturdy table for users up to 300lbs and 6’6″ tall. The Ergo-Embrace ankle supports are a major bonus with this model since it’s designed to relieve as much pressure as possible during inversion. Plus, the Teeter performs well in smooth movement and accurate balance, so returning to upright is as easy as lowering your arm.

This table has a Flexible comforTrak bed that increases decompression. You can move as frequently as you wish without having to feel any stress over your back. The Teeter Hangs Ups EP-560 is the inversion table to have because you can invert to any angle; it provides quick relief and more stretch with excellent stability.

The Teeter Hangs Ups EP-560 comes with a 5-year warranty and realizes all the UL safety standards, and it is FDA cleared. So, there is no need to worry a lot about your safety while in practice or the table’s safety. The safety feature of this table is a guaranteed aspect because it has been bought by many users, over 2 million, and it’s given a badge as a top-rated inversion table. This table provides the best performance, and it is a quality inversion table.

The Teeter Hang Ups EP-560 is one of the pricier products, but the quality, technology, and range of advanced accessories prove that you’re paying more for a reason.

2. Innova ITX9600 Heavy Duty Inversion Therapy Table

The Innova ITX9600 is an excellent inversion table that comes at a pretty affordable cost. While it is pretty basic and doesn’t come with a series of fancy gimmicks, it is undeniable that this high-quality table can get the job done. The headrest of this table is detached from the body and can be adjusted to suit your unique requirements.

Unlike most other inversion tables, this table does not feature the regular safety straps but rather an adjustable pin that is innovative and stronger, and easier to use. It has a 5-pin position that adjusts easily for any inversion angle you choose with no hassles. It’s as simple as turning a knob into the slot to get the angle of your choice. For your safety, you should never use the Innova ITX9600 without the spotter or even without the pin. With the pin in place, you can achieve an inversion angle of 170-degrees. For more inversions that are safer, the pin has a protective cover on it.

The table also features a True Balance system that allows for easy inverting with an ergonomic ankle holding system. To add to its balancing are the durable plastic chair feet that ensure the table perfectly holds into place while on the floor.

This table is constructed of heavy gauge steel tubing and features extra-long and extra-wide backrest support, fully padded for additional comfort and support. The Innova inversion table is suitable for users up to 300lbs in weight and 4ft-10 inches to 6ft-6 inches in length. It’s because of the high support from the 1.5-inch steel tubing that’s also a heavy gauge.

Overall this table is very comfortable, and the headrest is a definite plus. Its sturdy frame gives you the support and reassurance you need when you are in the inverted position, and the ankle holding system is efficient and does not place too much strain on your ankles.

The Innova ITX9600 has a 1-year warranty and comes with a User’s Manual, making it easy to assemble in less than 20 minutes. If you’re looking for an inversion table that does not have many extra features but is still very comfy and capable, the Innova ITX9600 is perfect for you.

3. Ironman IFT 4000 Infrared Therapy Inversion Table

Ironman is another renowned brand that’s the most recent with modern and advanced technology. The Ironman IFT 4000 Infrared Therapy Inversion Table impression comes from the presence of FIR (Far Infrared Ray) heat therapy that heats up within 15 minutes.

The backrest is 2.5 inches and built with ultra-thin heating elements, which helps in soothing back muscles. It provides farfetched comfort after doing the inversion therapy, and blood circulation in the user’s body is enhanced. Problems like fatigue and sciatica pain are quickly relieved with the Ironman IFT 4000.

To make it easier for manipulating, the Ironman IFT 4000 has a Led Display Controller that consists of a timer that you can adjust up to 60 minutes and set temperatures of between 90-140-degrees. Another added advantage is that the remote control uses batteries. You can easily control the table settings while still doing the inversion therapy. The Ironman IFT 4000 has extra-long padded safety handles and inverting hand grips to return you to an upright position comfortably.

This table offers ankle support from its easy-to-reach ratchet ankle locking system. You can comfortably adjust the ankle lock that has a quick release with no back bending. The ergonomic design ensures that it’s safe to do an inversion with this table while providing incredible comfort.

What makes the Ironman IFT 4000 unique is that it can hold a considerable amount of weight. It can support users up to 350lbs and heights between 4ft-9 inches to 6ft-6 inches. The table offers 3-starting positions, and it can invert up to 180 degrees.

It has more room for you if you think you’re a bit large to comfortably do inversions in other 300lbs capacity tables. Holding it in place is the safety tether strap that you can easily adjust according to your wants. It does not slip on the floor because of the presence of rubber non-skid floor stabilizers.

It can easily be assembled in about one hour since it comes with labeled parts and the instructions are straightforward to understand. The table is EFL tested to ensure it offers maximum safety and folds for storage. It’s evident that this table provides new features, and that’s why it’s a bit costly but provides the latest technology for inversion.

Suppose you need a well-built and sturdy inversion table that combines the traditional inversion and infrared heat technology method. In that case, you might consider purchasing the Ironman IFT 4000 that comes with a 1-year warranty.

4. Health Gear Advance Inversion Table

An inversion that is well known for providing a basic flat backrest, the Health Gear Advance Inversion Table is inexpensive and easy to operate that has kept remarkable scores of helping many people by achieving back pain relief. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly inversion table that employs advanced therapeutic structures, then you should purchase this table to enhance the healing process speed.

It becomes more enjoyable to use this table since it has features like massage, heat, and vibration built right into the bench. When you lay inverted, you’ll achieve a more relaxable feeling in your back muscles. This feature helps you focus more and be stress-free from long working days, and you can decompress quickly.

The heavy-gauge steel tubing material ensures that it’s durable for more extended periods. The Health Gear Advance Inversion Table features a 3-position pin for easy and quick adjustments. It consists of a lumbar massage pad and built-in removable heat to relieve muscle aches, back pressure, and stress. To prevent pinch points, this table has an encased center rotational bar.
The table includes a 4-foam leg roller for easy moving, and it folds for storage.

This table can hold a person of up to 300lbs and height up to 6ft-5 inches. Inversion from this table gives you more energy for everyday use, allows an adequate supply of oxygen in the body, and improves blood circulation to all parts of the body. It’s also easy to assemble since it comes with a user manual.

You don’t need to fully invert the table to take advantage of the massage and heat benefits. When partially inverted or positioned upright or lying flat, you can still enjoy this exclusive feature of the Health Gear Advance Inversion Table.

Just pick a book and start reading or engage in a conversation with your friend or watch a movie. That’s how this table has made life easier during inversion. You don’t have to stop what you’re planning to do since it’s designed so that you don’t require a complete inversion of therapeutic techniques.

If you want a budget-friendly, easy-to-use, and inversion table that you can do other things during inversion, then you need to have the Health Gear Advance Inversion Table.

5. Health Mark Pro Max Inversion Therapy Table

A table that promises to give you the ultimate inversion therapy experience, Healthy Mark Pro Max is the only table in its class with a slightly different design from the other variants. Its design is much concentrated on improving blood flow and soothing any troubling issues like back pain. You can get simultaneous massage stimulation because this table employs a face-down position as well as a traditional face-up position. This feature of being bi-positional ensures that it adds more balance to your lower abdomen part.

The Healthy Mark Pro Max is one of the higher-end inversion tables, and it’s more expensive than other inversion tables. The unique feature of this table is that it can comfortably hold a person with a weight of up to 600lbs. That is the notable difference with the other inversion tables. Just imagine how it can adequately carry any weight subjected to it.

It’s one of a kind that has no limitation on weight. I can state that anyone, everyone, all of us can use this table. You don’t need to check your weight because with such a holding capacity, the Healthy Mark Pro Max is the best and an upscale inversion table to have. This table is at the top when it comes to height because it can hold a person up to 6ft-6inches tall.

Operating this table is made more accessible by having 6-preset inversion angle positions. You can do more with this table without stress over your therapy and achieve the desired angles while inverting. It comes with a dual 180-degrees, and you can quickly return from any angle because of the existence of the full-arc handle.

The Healthy Mark Pro Max is manufactured for the therapeutic centers, and this explains why it’s so costly, but it’s also available to everybody. It’s one of a kind inversion table that has no equal or competition on the market. If you get a chance to have this table, you won’t need to replace or purchase another inversion table.

To be specific in the design, it includes adjustable height settings, knee and rolled thigh support, head/face rest, front and rear ankle support, and foam-padded back support. It’s a higher-priced item but comes with excellent quality and maximum comfortability at your disposal. When it comes to assembling the Healthy Mark Pro Max, it can take almost 2 hours, and it has a well-detailed user manual. It has a 1-year warranty.

Storage is the only disadvantage I could find with this table because it does not fold. If you don’t have enough space in your home, it can raise such an issue with storage. However, the Healthy Mark Pro Max consists of two castors that help in moving it.

6. Ironman Gravity 4000

Memory foam back cushions, lumbar support, ergonomically shaped ankle cups – the Ironman Gravity 4000 makes effective efforts toward comfort to improve your inverting experience. Relaxation is a significant benefit of inversion, after all, so why should you sacrifice comfort? This table comes at a slightly higher cost than other models, but you’ll see the difference in comfort and convenience of use.

Suppose the 2.5-inch memory foam back cushion isn’t considerate enough. In that case, this table also features a convenient ratchet design for your ankle supports – the long handle means less bending to adjust your ankles. The sturdy metal frame supports 350lbs, and padded foam handlebars help you return to upright, and nylon sidings protect your fingers from getting pinched.

It can accommodate users with a height of up to 6ft-6 inches. For additional support, the Ironman Gravity 4000 has a removable lumbar pillow for your lower back, and the feet of the chair have a non-skid stabilizer to maintain their position. It seems apart from safety, this table offers maximum comfort.

The Ironman Gravity 4000 has an inversion up to 180-degrees and folds for storage. It comes with only 3-adjustments that you can alter to do your desired inversion angles. You can quickly assemble this table in about half an hour, and it comes with easy-to-follow instructions.

It enhances blood circulation to all parts of the body and helps in reducing back stress. It’s the most comfortable because of the safety measures in place; this table is the best inversion table you must have for your inversion therapy.

To maintain stability on the floor, the Ironman Gravity 4000 has strong rubber stabilizers which prevent slipping when doing inversions. The presence of a safety tether strap that is adjustable enhances its safety and comfortability while you’re in a vertical position.

You can completely control the angle of inversion, and the safety vinyl side covers offer protection to your hands. The tubular steel frame present ensures that this table consists of an unbreakable structure. This feature assures that it can comfortably accommodate all sorts of users regardless of their weight.

While slightly more expensive than competitors, the thoughtful design of the Ironman Gravity 4000 takes apparent efforts to improve the quality and comfort of your inverting experience.

7. Teeter Contour L5 Inversion Table

A classic design with a modern twist, the Teeter Contour L5 Inversion Table is remarkably sleek. It has a curved frame that stabilizes any forces of gravity on your spine to provide pain relief. The elegant design of this table ensures that you can easily mount or dismount the unit.

To make assembly simpler, it comes with a fully ratchet and triple lock mechanism. The one balance feature has the incredible advantage of accommodating people of different shapes and sizes since you can comfortably adjust the balance point. Further, there is no need to remove the bed from the frame as you make the adjustments.

The Teeter Contour L5 Inversion Table inverts up to 180-degrees, and it can comfortably hold a user with a weight of 300lbs and height up to 6ft-6 inches tall. It tested for quality assurance and UL’s safety standard compliance.

The ankle system that’s deluxe easy-reach comes with long handles is made exclusively with aerospace stainless steel that reduces any bending when inverting. The system has Ergo-Embrace support that relieves pressure and a gravity lock safety mechanism that ensures maximum comfort and security. The Teeter Contour L5 Inversion Table has a smooth and soft rotation and control because of a patented pivot system.

The angle rotation control that has pre-set positions makes it one of the modern inversion tables you can set while you begin the practice. It has an ergonomic-shaped flex technology and rib support system that’s removable to ensure a better range of motion during exercises and stretching.

The bed surface is also easy-to-clean, durable, and smooth; thus, it reduces any friction to improve decompression. You can position the decompression arch behind the neck or back for improved alignment and deeper compression.

The Teeter Contour L5 Inversion Table has rubber-coated and easy-to-reach hand grips that offer additional decompression and tremendous support during inversion.

The manipulation of this inversion table is in such a way to provide maximum safeness and comfort since you can quickly move or remove the head pillow according to your wants. Another feature that makes it stand out among the best inversion table is the heavy-duty steel base with a scratch-resistant finish and corner feet to protect the floor.

Get the Teeter Contour L5 Inversion Table that comes with a 5-year warranty and is sure to stay safe and secure during inversions.

8. Teeter Hang Ups InvertAlign 900

The InvertAlign 900 is equipped with a modern inversion table with user-friendly features and a sturdy build. It’s FDA approved for quick relief from back pain by helping you with gears such as muscle tension, herniated disc, facet syndrome, muscle spasm, etc.

The EZ-Reach ankle system makes you access the ankle lock comfortably without having to strain or bend. The Triple Lock System already equipped ensures that you can feel safe during inversion. You can get quick relief and great stretching with the contoured shape from the smooth and flexible bed surface. Just imagine the comfort and safety you’ll be getting by using the InvertAlign 900. It improves stretching with a point of traction since it has an integrated stretching grip.

The InvertAlign 900 has a wrap-around patented ankle system that will make you feel comfortable and offer ample support to your ankles. You can comfortably go back to a vertical position by raising your arms during inversion. You can set this table to your desired inversion angles and achieve rotational control.

The adjustable head pillow ensures you get maximum head support during inversion. You can manipulate the optional secure lock-out to perform squats and sit-ups in the inverted position. The assembly of this table is made simpler with only 5-steps and comes with a DVD showcasing how to assemble it correctly and a full-color instruction manual.

The InvertAlign 900 Inversion Table inverts up to 180-degrees, and it can comfortably hold a user with a weight of 300lbs and height between 4ft-8 inches to 6ft-6 inches. After finishing your exercises, you can easily fold for storage, thus conserving space either in your gym, living room, or the place you do the inversions.

The InvertAlign 900 Inversion Table is a high-quality product on the market today and comes with a 5-year warranty that ensures you have peace of mind regarding its safety and durability. When the assembly becomes difficult, you can download the free BILT app for Android or iPhone users to check out the 3-dimensional instructions. The steel frame and parts are heat-treated to improve the endurance of this table during inversion.

If you’re looking for an inversion table that will suit all your therapy needs to relieve back pain and offer maximum satisfaction, then the InvertAlign 900 is the best machine to have.

9. Health Max IVO 18660 Pro Inversion Therapy Table

The best inversion table of its class that offers incredible safety features, comfort, and great support. The Health Max IVO 18660 Pro is genuinely the one you need for all your therapeutic activities, and it’s a working miracle for users with chronic back pain problems. It includes an 840 denier nylon backboard that’s durable enough and ensures firmness after continuous use.

The ankle system is well designed with thick foam padding to keep you supported every time you invert. The handlebars are curved into place to ensure ease when operating the Health Max IVO 18660 Pro and prevent any accidental removal of the bed surface during inversion. The table comes with a split leg base that adds stability and strength to its frame.

What makes it stand out among the other inversion tables is that it’s lightweight. It weighs around 50lbs, and thus you can easily move it around. However, note that it can be a little confusing to assemble since the instructions are not so clear, but with time you can quickly fix all the parts together. The sturdy steel frame that makes it weigh less offer maximum durability. 

It comes with a side pinch guards design that ensures you’re out of the worry of placing objects or even your fingers in small openings. The steel frame is coated with a durable powder finish, and thus you can do your inversion with peace of mind that everything is okay. It’s as safe and secure as the name Health Max IVO 18660 Pro suggests.

The ankle support system is designed in a curved dual-rolled foam. It has a contoured and wide ankle locking mechanism with extra-thick padding to deliver maximum support and comfortability during inversions. To get extra satisfaction and more comfortable inversions, you need to combine this table with the correct pair of shoes and socks.

The Health Max IVO 18660 Pro can hold users up to 300lbs and heights between 4ft-6inches to 6ft-8 inches. This table has tether straps that allow you to pre-set your desired inversion angle, ensuring you achieve the best inversion without concentrating more on your weight or height. It inverts up to 180-degrees, and it has 4-lock-in settings in the pivot arms that allow you to adjust the speed of inversions. Note that once you reach the full 90-degrees inversion, the Health Max IVO 18660 Pro automatically locks itself.

Are you looking for a portable inversion table that has high quality? If so, the Health Max IVO 18660 Pro is the unit to acquire.

10. Gracelove Heavy Duty Deluxe Inversion Therapy Table

Ringing in at a substantially lower price than competing inversion tables, the Pro Deluxe Fitness Inversion Table is remarkably affordable and still avoids being cheap. Don’t look for any flashy features or unique designs on this baby, but this basic model does boast an extremely sturdy frame.

The Pro Deluxe Fitness Table holds up to 300lbs (that’s more than other budget inversion tables) and comfortably accommodates anyone up to 6’6″ with its adjustable height feature. The tubular steel frame sits on stabilizing rubber feet, so you’re not going to slip or slide or wobble.

Apart from being the most affordable inversion table, the Pro Deluxe Fitness Inversion Table is easy to assemble or disassemble. At the back of this table, you’ll find nylon padding that is removable and easily cleaned. The 3-position hinge ensures that you can easily invert, and the ankle system is padded to offer extra support and a comfortable feel as you rotate. You can’t forget that this table is space-saving equipment since it folds easily for storage.

While The Pro Deluxe Fitness Inversion Table beats others in price, where it does lack somewhat is in comfort. It’s no torture chamber, but you won’t find much padding on the stretched nylon backrest.

You’ll probably want to wear sturdy shoes or add some cushion to the ankle supports. I wouldn’t say this table is ‘not-comfortable,’ just not as comfy as others. But if you’re looking for basic inversion therapy a few times a day, you can rely on this Pro Deluxe to get the job done. There’s no reason you shouldn’t feel the same great results on your back with the Pro Deluxe Fitness and for less than half the price of most other tables.

Inversion Table Buyers Guide

With that review that we have put in place to help you in choosing the best inversion table that suits all your preferences, now, you need to consider some specific factors to look for in an inversion table.

Backboard

The backboard is the place that offers your support during inversion. You need to choose an inversion table with a backboard, sometimes referred to as a backrest, that you can comfortably fit. Also, check the material and the padding of the backboard. Soft padding is for the expensive models covered with leather material, while the cheap one comes covered with a little padding or no fabric.

Comfort

Make a point to try out an inversion table before acquiring it. A rare case is when you find yourself spending lots of money on a table that gives you discomfort. The main aim of having an inversion table is to relieve back pain and have a comfortable feeling after doing inversions. Don’t stress much on the backboard since it can be the table itself that you’re not satisfied with it.

Ankle Restraint

You require a table that can firmly hold your ankles when you’re inverted. This is to provide safety to them to avoid ankle problems and add comfort during inversion. With the best ankle system, it ensures that your legs are correctly positioned when you’re inverting, and you can easily get into and get off the table.

There are two types of inversion tables: the adjustable strap style that holds you in a perfect position to perform an inversion and the bar style that protects your ankles down firmly. You should try out the two types and figure out which table you’re more comfortable in and makes you have extra confidence when you’re inverted. You need to have peace of mind that the table you have is safe and secure to use.

If you experience ankle pains, it does not imply there’s a problem with the equipment. In some cases, it can be due to your weight or height. If that happens, you can try wearing athletic shoes and thick socks or even go barefoot when doing the exercises. You should never exercise with an inversion table that adds more pain than relief and comfort.

Floor and Storage Space

You need to have precise dimensions of the place you intend to place it when exercising and where to store it safely. If you live in a small apartment or have a small working area, you should purchase an inversion table that perfectly fits. You can achieve this by checking your workout area against the product size specifications and whether it easily folds for storage.

Flexibility

Being flexible as you work out ensures that you can perform more exercises since you have an adequate room where you don’t keep bumping your back with the instruments. Most upscale tables don’t offer flexibility for different workouts. So, you need to read the product review carefully before you acquire it. The free movement ensures you don’t get uncomfortable, and you can easily have a complete inversion.

Material and Structure

Feel free to touch the frame, cushions, hardware, ankle system, straps/belts, and edges to make sure they all satisfy your preferences. If you’re in a store, you can seek clarification about the material that comes with the inversion table from the sales representatives available. When shopping online, check buyer’s reviews, product comments, and specifications to confirm the material and the finish of the table.

When it comes to the structure, make sure that the frame can comfortably hold your weight or height. You should go for frames that are made of hardened metal due to their strength, and you’ll be much safer and secure than when having a table with plastic frames.

Price

Never let the price of an inversion table be a determining factor when considering the quality of the equipment, comfort, and flexibility. Check the item first. You can even find a cheaper inversion table of excellent condition on par with the expensive ones.

Stability

It’s defined more as for how strong and durable the inversion table portrays. In other terms, it can be how steady it is when inverting or how well it performs. Some tables come with chair feet made from hard plastic or rubber to keep them on the floor to avoid slipping during workouts.

Safety

Make sure you double-check all hardware, attachments, and components before you purchase. Also, check the weight or height limit of a particular table. This is to avoid getting injured while you’re in an upside-down position. Even though most are safety standard units, you need to check that you have assembled it correctly and that it firmly holds the floor.

Body Capacity

This is the weight and height which the table can comfortably hold. Read the reviews online to check the maximum weight or height a particular inversion table can accommodate before you try it out. The table needs to support your weight when you’re in an inverted position to avoid falls.

Ease of Assembly

It will make your work easier when assembling or disassembling. Stress-free use ensures that you can comfortably position it or set your desired angle of inversion with ease. Also, go for a product with a central bar and height adjustments to enjoy hanging upside down without any effort whatsoever.

Cost and Warranty

Most manufacturers offer at least a 1-year warranty for their inversion tables. However, some come with a 5-year warranty.

Costs for the inversion tables range between $100 to $1000. It all depends on how thick your pockets are and the extra features you want to come with an inversion table. The best inversion tables go from $200 to $600.

The Benefits of Inversion Tables

It seems a little kooky if you’re new to the idea, but inversion therapy has been around for thousands of years. People used to be tied up by their ankles as a yoga practice to re-balance the body and improve the positioning of internal organs. Luckily, modern inversion tables are a little less ‘medieval torture’ and a lot more comfortable. So what are you going to get out of bringing an inversion table into your home?

Think about popular yoga poses like Down Dog that positions your head below your heart. The same idea applies to inversion tables. Proponents say that even just a few minutes a day reduces lower and middle back pain. An inversion table is not an upside-down roller-coaster, and you control how fast and how far you tilt. The main goal of inversion is not to make you nauseous but to help you relax, relieve back pain naturally, balance the body, and strengthen your core.

An inversion table safely tilts you upside-down, but why is that so great? Well, many studies have shown that reversing the pull of gravity on your spine successfully stretches and separates your vertebrae – this is called spinal decompression.

The study took x-rays of an individual’s spine while upright and while inverted. They concluded that users experienced increased space between vertebrae while upside down. Many chiropractors practice spinal decompression in their regular office treatments to relieve the discs between our spinal bones.

Just remember that these studies show that inversion therapy performs spinal decompression, but that doesn’t mean that spinal decompression is a definite relief for back pain. Proponents of spinal decompression claim that this extra space between vertebrae allows discs to regain moisture and flexibility. All these findings have piqued my interest – let’s talk more about specific inversion table benefits.

Relieves Back Pain

Ever measured yourself in the morning and then again at night? You’ll notice that you sort of shrink throughout the day. This is partly due to gravity and exertion working on the discs between your vertebrae, compressing and squeezing the fluids out into the surrounding soft tissue. Well, lying in a position with your feet above your head means gravity is now pulling you from the opposite direction.

It is suggested that the extra space created when your spine is stretched in inversion allows the discs in your spine to reabsorb moisture and nutrients. This reversed pull of gravity also relieves pressure on the nerve endings that pass through the discs in your spine – a plump, hydrated disc allows higher clearance for nerves and, in turn, is believed to reduce pain. Rehydrating discs are also said to add more shock absorption and flexibility to the entire spine.

Helps Back Realignment and Posture Improvement

The spinal decompression experienced from inversion is also believed to help the spine naturally align and help your muscles pull your spine into the correct position without invasive surgery. Proponents of inversion claim that reducing the pressure from gravity’s constant downward pull relieves stress on muscles that may have cramped and begun tugging our bones and joints into incorrect alignment. This should help your posture to improve naturally.

Relieves Joint Pain

For those with achy hips and knees, inversion also decompresses our joints. It is suggested that hanging upside-down opens up space for more lubricant to flow through your joints. Natural synovial fluid in our body helps feed our cartilage, which gives us our shock absorption – inversion is meant to alter the pressure in joints to allow for rehydration.

Improves Circulation

Our heart and bloodstream carry blood cells down to our feet and hands and transport them back up again. When we’re standing and active all day, this system is working against gravity. It is believed that regular inversion helps relieve the circulatory system by reducing the tug of gravity for a while and helping blood and oxygen to reach all parts of the body easily.

Relaxation

Many studies claim that inversion helps our bodies and minds relax. Because inversion increases circulation and decreases pressure on our joints, backs, and shoulders, proponents argue that muscles can relax, and more oxygen reaches the brain, allowing for comfort and stress relief.

Slows the Ageing Process

You may have heard me say ‘anti-aging earlier. Well, you know how you get shorter as you get older – your back slouches, and things start to sag? According to many sources, reversing the pull of gravity a few times a day helps with all that droopy, slouchy business. It’s also been suggested that reducing the appearance of varicose veins is another benefit of inversion therapy due to increased blood flow.

Improves Core Strength

Many inversion tables can be used for unique inverted exercises like crunches and inverted squats. Regular strength exercises like these strengthen core muscles in the body, which improve posture and the way the torso holds the spine. Plus, proponents of these inverted exercises praise the fact that working out while inverted is low impact and reduces the strain on your joints and skeleton.

How to Safely Use Your Inversion Table

Although there are many different makes and models of inversion tables, they all operate on the same basic principle. While the process is very straightforward, it is crucial to understand how to make safe use of your inversion table to achieve the best results and avoid injuries.

The primary goal of an inversion table is to position your body in such a manner that your heart is higher than your head. The easiest way to accomplish this, of course, is by being upside down, which is something that an inversion table makes possible even if you are not a yoga expert. This position offers a surprising amount of health benefits, such as relieving back pain, reducing stress, and even improving joint health.

Familiarize Yourself With Your Inversion Table

It might seem obvious, but the best way to learn more about your particular inversion table is to read the manual. The manual typically highlights facts and valuable information about the table and how to set it up and operate it. Most inversion tables also come with an instructional DVD to find out more about the types of exercises you can perform.

Location Is Important

One of the most critical decisions regarding the safe use of your inversion table is where to set it up. An open room with plenty of space is highly recommended – preferably one where there are no chairs and tables nearby. There should be enough room around the inversion table to not hit or get caught on any obstructions. Also, ensure that the table is standing on a flat surface.

Make The Necessary Adjustments

Before using the inversion table, ensure that everything is adjusted correctly for your weight and height. If done correctly, you will comfortably rest your head on the bed instead of hanging over the edge. Provided you are the only person who will be using the table, you only have to do this once, but if you share it with others, you will have to adjust it before each session.

Don’t Forget the Safety Straps

All the safety straps must be adjusted appropriately and attached to the inversion table. Consult your user manual or DVD for guidance on how to fasten the safety straps for your specific table properly. If your inversion table features a safety strap for adjusting the inversion degree, use the most comfortable setting for you. If you are a beginner, it is better to start at a slant and then gradually increase the degree to which you are inverted so that your body can acclimatize to the feeling.

Mount the Table Correctly

With your back towards the table, step into position and then make sure that your feet are locked in place. Make sure that your feet are secured according to the instructions of your inversion table. If you have an older inversion table, it is often safer and more comfortable to wear tennis shoes. Fasten and tighten all the relevant safety straps to keep yourself in position while using the table.

Time to Invert

Once you are sure that everything is securely fastened and tightened, you can lean back to start the process of rotating the table and causing it to invert. Some tables feature handles that you can hold on to for extra security and comfort; instead of dropping back suddenly, lean back slowly instead to rotate safely.

Precautions

For safety reasons, it is a good idea to have someone else standing by when using an inversion table for the first time. This will allow them to assist if you experience any health problems or experience difficulty getting out. As you become more experienced with using an inversion table, this precaution will no longer be necessary.

Conclusion

Think about precisely what you’re looking for. There’s a different winning inversion table in each of those categories when it comes to price, comfort, space, and quality.

It’s all about finding the balance and prioritizing what you want out of your inversion therapy. Luckily, we’ve got some excellent inversion table reviews to help you dig a little deeper into each specific model.