Best Inversion Tables – Get The Results Of Professional Therapy

Back when we were kids and iPads were merely a gleam in Steve Jobs’ eye, climbing monkey bars and finding out who can hang upside down longest was the best form of entertainment ever. Nowadays, hanging upside down is actually used as a treatment for low back pain and sciatica through the use of inversion tables. And while science has yet to prove through research the long-term effects of using these contraptions, professional therapy is just too expensive to not consider getting treatment in the comfort of your own home.

Of course, you can’t just go out and buy one willy-nilly. You’d want the equipment that will give you the results you need. This is where we come in. We gathered all the inversion tables we could get our hands on just to find out which are the best inversion tables on the market. Check out the results of our hard work below.

Top 10 Inversion Tables Of 2020 Reviewed

1. Innova ITX9600

Best Inversion Table For The Money

The Innova ITX9600 is a heavy duty inversion table that has a weight capacity of 300 lbs. It features a heavy duty steel frame, a six pin angle slot system, a height adjustment tube, an adjustable headrest pad, and a reversible ankle holding system. What all these features mean is that you can customize a lot of the features of this inversion table to ensure that you get the perfect fit.

It also means that you can slowly increase your inversion starting at 15 degrees until you get used to it. And the assembly was easy. However, it isn’t easy to store because, though foldable, it doesn’t lock into position. You’ll have to leave it resting against the wall of the room or a closet. Also, it’s heavy and not easily movable. Some users have reported that they didn’t find the ankle padding comfortable.

2. Teeter EP-960

Best Inversion Table For Lower Back Pain

The Teeter EP-960 is our number one pick because it’s feature rich which means you’ll get more than your money’s worth with this inversion table. It has an extended ankle lock handle which makes it easy for you to secure yourself. There is extra-long stretch max handles and traction handles to assist you.

The acupressure nodes address specific pain points in your back. Other highlights include comfortable paddings around the ankles, an adjustable ankle dial to create a comfortable fit, Grip-and-Stretch handholds to help you stretch and perform exercises, and the EZ-Angle Tether which lets you easily control the angle of your position. Plus, when you’re done with it, you can fold it for storage. However, it is expensive and not everyone likes the acupressure nodes.

3. IRONMAN Gravity 4000

Best Inversion Table For The Tall Person

Heavy individuals will need an inversion table that has a high maximum weight capacity and the IRONMAN Gravity 4000 is just the thing. With a max weight capacity of 350 lbs, even the heaviest individuals can enjoy the benefits of inversion therapy using this equipment. The padding of the backrest is memory foam which is perfect for providing you with excellent spinal support as well as relieving pressure points.

For added support and deeper stretching, this table comes with a removable lumbar pad. We love the long handles on the side of the unit which enables users to easily go back to their original position after they’re done. The tubular steel frame features rubber stabilizers to ensure that the table doesn’t slip while you’re using it. However, some users found the ankle restraint system to be too narrow. Also, this table is heavy and hard to store away.

4. YOLEO Gravity Heavy Duty Inversion Table

Best Heavy Duty Inversion Table

If there is one factor that the YOLEO Gravity Heavy Duty Inversion Table has over its counterparts on the list, it would be its looks. You can tell at first glance that a lot of thought was put into the making of this beautiful set. From the quality of materials used to the memory foam for a better backrest, the Yoleo is made to ergonomically for your waist curve; to make sure you are as comfortable as possible, even when upside down. It is sleek and sophisticated enough to compliment any home gym.

The machine also boasts of its triple protection safety features, including a heavy-duty steel frame which is integrated to make sure it’s stable and durable; Because of this, it will support up to 300 pounds and accommodate users as tall as 6ft 6 inches. It has a precision chuck buckle and a safety lock pin system in place as well, to keep you steady during inversion. The ratchet ankle locking system is adjustable and easy to reach. 

With precision rotation in place, you only need simple arm movements to shift your body weight and return to an upright position. This has numerous benefits, including rejuvenating discs, realigning the spine, relieving pressure on nerves and releasing muscle tension. The Yoleo is also really portable, in that, once done with the exercise, you can easily fold it to compactly fit in a closet.

5. Invertio Inversion Table

The Invertio Inversion Table is a budget-friendly piece of equipment that has a superior build. It has a heavy-duty, 1-1/4” diameter tubular steel frame with non-skid, non-marring composite feet. With a weight capacity of 300 pounds, you can be sure this thing is safe, stable, and sturdy. It features a 3-position pivot joint to help you control how fast you tilt and a tether strap to help you set the degree of your inversion.

Another highlight with this inversion table is the adjustable ankle holder. It has 8 different positions which means you can easily find the most comfortable fit for you. There’s a lumbar support pillow as well for increased stretching. Plus, you can also easily adjust the height of the table to meet your personal needs. However, we did notice that the headrest is not adjustable. The pin of the ankle lock is set at a low point which may not be easy to access for those with chronic back pain. And the instructions aren’t complete or clear which makes assembling this a bit of a pain.

6. Innova ITM4800

The Innova ITM4800 is quite similar to the ITX9600. It features a 5-pin angle slot system (ITX9600 has 6) that allows you to choose between 15°, 30°, 45°, 60° and 85° inversions. The max weight capacity is 300 lbs and the height range is 4ft-10in to 6ft-6in. What makes this unit different is the Heat and Vibration Therapeutic Massage Pad that has multi-mode massage settings which distribute heat to your back and vibrates.

The handles are covered with soft foam for a comfortable grip and are long enough to assist you in getting back to your original position. However, the ankle cushions are a bit hard which can become uncomfortable if you’re in an inverted position for too long. And you have to bend over to lock your ankles in place which, as we’ve already mentioned, is not ideal if you suffer from back problems such as a herniated disc. Also, this wasn’t the easiest inversion table to assemble

7. Exerpeutic Inversion Table

If you are the taller, heavier individual, you’d be pleased with the Exerpeutic inversion table. With the aid of its 1.5-inch steel frame, this particular inversion table is able to hold up to 300 pounds. Yet despite its heavy frame, the table can adjust to multiple angles and can also slide to adjust to different heights ranging from 4 ft 10 inches to 6 ft 6. 

The Exerpeutic also incorporates certain other features, including durable handlebars so you can use it by yourself and adjust back to an upright position without much struggle. And for extra security when inverting, the table features an easily reachable palm activated ratchet ankle locking system. It comes fully UL certified for safety.

Not many inversion tables out there have a comfortable bench. Well, this one pays special attention to that detail. Its comfort foam backrest is specially made to conform to your body as you lean back. It also has form rollers with ankle cushions for your lower leg which gives you just the right support.

8. Innova ITX9700

The Innova ITX9700 has certain similarities with its siblings such as a large memory foam backrest, a 5-position adjustable pin system, soft foam handlebars, adjustable height, and a weight capacity of 300 pounds. The ankle cushions are comfortable. The heavy-duty steel frame is wide and sturdy. But what makes this stand out is the addition of the adjustable Lumbar Pad and an adjustable headrest attachment for added comfort.

However, this is not easy to assemble. And the plastic end caps are flimsy, not the non-skid rubberized feet we see on other models. And the ankle holders are a tad on the small side. Not to mention, the locking mechanism is placed too low on the equipment so you’ll need to bend down.

9. Health Gear ITM5500

The Health Gear ITM5500 is definitely in a league of its own. Aesthetically, it doesn’t look like any of the other inversion tables on our list. This is because it features a contour fit memory foam backrest for extra support as well as a removable full body heat and massage pad that will lie along your spine. The table has an adjustable height, full padded side handlebars, a heavy gauge steel frame, and large comfortable ankle foam rollers. We love the fact that this also features a long extended handle to help you secure your ankles without bending over.

It folds for easy storage and even comes with wheels so you can move it anywhere without breaking your back. Adjusting the degree of your inversion is quite easy as well with the adjustment knob located at the side of the table. However, the heat and massage pad isn’t a crowd-favorite. Also, there are only 3 inversion settings – 20, 40, and 60 degrees so you don’t get to gradually transition between degrees.

10. Bigzzia Gravity Heavy Duty Inversion Table

This last unit from Bigzzia is simply packed with awesome features, starting off with its heavy-duty steel frame that is guaranteed to stand the test of time. The construction is both rust and corrosion resistant too, which is an added bonus. When doing any kind of inversion exercise, it is extremely important that you lock your ankles for a more secure fit. Well, the Bigzzia allows this through its easily reachable locking system. You can get to adjust the ratchet as you deem fit for the best comfort.

The machine also accommodates all kinds of body shapes and sizes, using a safe height adjustment tube. Because of this, it can be used by the whole family to get that overall healthy body. The backrest also features multiple layers, which include polyurethane foam and really dense sponge to support your back more intensely.

In addition, the backrest has PU Leather covering, which is one of the best kinds due to its resistance to tearing. It also has safety lock pins with a chuck buckle for more safety. Like most of the other inversion tables on our list, the Bigzzia can also be adjusted to suit users of heights ranging from 4ft 10 inches – 6 ft 6 inches.

 

How to Choose the Best Inversion Table: the Ultimate Buying Guide

Walking upright on two legs was one of the biggest “achievements” of man as he slowly evolved into who we are today. Unfortunately, this also came with a downside – gravity puts stress on your spines causing it to become compressed. When this happens, you feel back pain and suffer restricted mobility. Naturally, you’d want to seek the help of a professional. Nothing wrong with that except for the fact that treatments are therapy isn’t exactly cheap. They’re also often just temporary which means continuous spending for you.

Fortunately, there’s such a thing as an inversion table. It is a popular piece of equipment that is used to treat back pain, spinal issues, and even problems with flexibility. Of course, not all inversion tables are great. You’ll want one that can safely meet your needs while also being easy to use, affordable, and comfortable. To help you figure out which one is right for you, we’ve constructed a short guide below.

What is an Inversion Table?

Basically, it is a pivoting table helps relieve the spinal compression due to gravity by turning you upside down. This is believed to also help increase the space between vertebrae. This is why some think that using an inversion table can also be used to improve posture and increase height, stretch muscles and ligaments, improve circulation, and reduce muscle spasms.

Now, we’d like to take the time to state clearly that research on the benefits of inversion therapy isn’t sufficient yet to prove that you can actually get long-term relief from using this technique. It may be effective in providing short-term relief but it should not be seen as a long-term treatment option unless it’s part of a non-surgical spine treatment plan devised by your doctor to delay or prevent spine surgery.

Also, inversion therapy isn’t recommended for everyone because it can be risky for individuals with certain conditions like high blood pressure, heart disease, a hernia, broken bones, obesity, glaucoma, or a history of stroke. Staying in an inverted position for more than a few minutes can cause blood to rush to your head, increasing your blood pressure and pressure within your eyeballs. It also decreases your heart rate.

What Should I Features and Factors Should I Consider in an Inversion Table?

Comfort

The number one consideration when buying an inversion table is the comfort. You’re already experiencing back pain so you shouldn’t really buy a piece of equipment that will just add to your discomfort. Doing so will only discourage you from using the table and prevent you from getting the relief you need.

Now, not all padding is the same. Some inexpensive inversion tables will feature hard plastic backboards with little to no padding on the ankle locks, providing padding only at critical pressure points. Some will have thin padding such as a nylon pad while others will provide thick padding, even memory foam like the IRONMAN High Capacity Gravity 3000.

One thing you want to make sure is that the ankle restraint system is very comfortable because a lot of “pressure” will be placed there as you hang upside down. In addition, keep in mind that comfort is very subjective. What’s necessary for you may be too much padding for someone else. So try to get your hands on a unit first and try it on for size before handing over your money.

Safety, Stability, and Durability

These three features are all related because they are all affected by the quality of the materials used in constructing the inversion table and the design itself. Obviously, safety is one of your main concerns. You will be, after all, hanging upside down or, at the very least, in a 20 to 30-degree decline position. You’ll want to make sure that your back pain is relieved, not worsened by a fall to the ground.

To do this, you’ll need to check all the parts of the inversion table, particularly the frame and all the moving parts such as the locking pins, etc. Take note of the quality of the build. You want to make sure that the table is sturdy enough to hold you. Look over the ankle restraint system and the security straps as well.

Are they going to hold you securely while you’re in an inverted position? Also, check the stability of the table. Is it going to slide on the floor when you start inverting yourself? How wide is the frame? A wider support frame means more stability.

As for durability, look for inversion tables made of steel. Aircraft-grade aluminum is also a good choice though it is not as durable as steel. Since you’ll be using the inversion table several times a week, you’ll want to make sure that it’s solidly constructed enough to withstand continual use.

Space

Think about where you’ll be placing the inversion table. How big is the available space? This is an especially important consideration if your home is small. You may need to buy an inversion table that can be folded down and stored away like the Exerpeutic Inversion Table. However, take note that a lot of top quality inversion tables like the IRONMAN Gravity 4000 take a fair amount of space and can’t be folded down.

Height and Weight

Speaking of space, you also need to check the height and weight limits of an inversion table. Make sure that your body weight is within the maximum capacity of the table and that it is long enough to accommodate your height. Some models like the Innova ITX9600 feature an adjustable height tube to accommodate individuals of various sizes. More importantly, check the height of the frame. This shows you how much clearance there will be between the floor and the edge of the table once fully inverted.

Also, we’ve already mentioned that quality inversion tables tend to be large. This means that the table you choose will most likely be heavy and hard to move around. Make sure that it’s something that you can handle, especially with your back problems. Or, install it in its permanent location so you won’t have to worry about moving it at all.

Any Optional add-ons I Should Look Out For?

Acupressure Nodes/Pads

Some models like the Teeter EP-960 will feature nodes which are hard plastic knobs strategically placed all along the backboard. It is designed to stimulate acupressure points in your back, neck, and legs to help release tension, improve circulation, and treat specific pain points. However, some users do not find this feature/add-on comfortable.

Lumbar Bridge

Due to the hours of sitting each day, many individuals often suffer from back and hip pain. To help address this issue better, some inversion tables like the Innova ITX9700 will feature a lumbar bridge that will push against your lower back and stretch your muscles and spine even more.

Training Videos

Some inversion tables come with training videos to help you make the most out of your equipment. This includes how-tos, exercises, and stretches.

Back problems are no joke. In fact, according to the American Chiropractic Association, lower back pain is the single leading cause of disability worldwide. It is estimated that around 80% of the population will experience a back problem at some point in their lives. If you’re already part of that 80%, try not to make it worse by investing in the wrong inversion table.