Best Inversion Tables
When we first heard about inversion tables, we were a bit skeptical, but after a fair bit of research it seems inversion tables can deliver short-term relief from back pain and strain. It’s not the silver bullet to fix your back forever, but they aren’t all smoke and mirrors either. There are some risks involved in hanging out upside down, so you’re best to check in with your family doctor before pulling the trigger on an inversion table—in particular if you have high blood pressure or glaucoma, using an inversion table is not recommended. These tables, when used correctly, can help alleviate pressure on your spine, lengthen ligaments and muscles and effectively improve post-workout recovery time. They can help combat pain from more serious medical conditions, improve daily conditioning and provide relaxation therapy but there are a few things you need to know before buying one. This inversion table guide will give you an up-close look at how these tables work, how to use them, what features to look for and a rundown of the top models. It will help you figure out what works best for you, all at a price you can afford.
Our Top 5 Recommended Inversion Tables
Model
Rating
Weight Capacity
Dimensions
Folding
Height Range
Pricing
Reviews
IRONMAN Gravity 4000 Inversion Table
350 Lbs.
49" L X 26" W X 65" H
Up To 6'6"
Innova Fitness ITM4800 Therapeutic Inversion Table
300 Lbs.
46" L X 28 W" X 63" H
4'10" To 6'6"
Allblessings Pro Deluxe Inversion Table
300 Lbs.
46.5" L X 26.5" W X 42.5" H
4'10" To 6'6"
Innova ITX9700 Inversion Table
300 Lbs.
46" L X 28" W X 63" H
4'10" To 6'6"
Innova Heavy Duty Inversion Table
300 Lbs.
46" L X 28" W X 63" H
4'10" To 6'6"
Inversion Tables: Setting the Story Straight
You may think you know what inversion tables are all about, but there is a lot of misleading information out there, so let’s set the record straight with a clear definition of what they are and what their purpose is. In the simplest terms, an inversion table is a table that can flip you upside down at varying angles to reduce spinal pressure and rejuvenate your discs, relieve joint pressure and elongate muscles. These tables have a padded upper portion, with lower bars to hook your legs onto or ankle straps to keep you in place as you invert. The idea behind these devices is that by laying upside down, or at an angle, you decompress your spine, allowing spinal fluids to return and your discs to return to their natural size. Your spine naturally compresses over time, with strenuous activities, sports, and everyday lifting adding to the problem. Finally, besides stretching and elongating, you can also perform a series of exercises on them, and some models even use heat and vibrations, for overall relaxation and body healing. As mentioned before, you should talk to your doctor before starting any kind of inversion therapy or trying out any tables.
Key Benefits of Inversion Tables
Let’s examine how these tables may be able to offer you short-term pain relief and why you should invest in one.
Increases Mobility
For those who cannot work out due to back pain and injury, these tables can help them stay in shape. Depending on the table you choose (some allow for a wider range of movements than others) there are many exercises that can be performed on them, allowing many to maintain a healthy weight and keep fit despite their limitations.
Relieve Pain & Stress
Using these tables for just a few minutes daily can help to alleviate chronic lower back pain as well as more serious issues such as sports injuries.
Improve Circulation
Inversion encourages blood flow, improving circulation and relieving muscle stiffness.
Alleviate Joint Pain
When you use these tables regularly, you take pressure off key joints, like knees and hips, which reduces pain and increases your range of motion.
What to Consider when Buying an Inversion Table
Although there are many brands and models each providing different uses and benefits, you should keep a few things in mind when shopping. To help you choose a table that works best for you, here’s a checklist of what to look for:
- Durability: These tables are meant to last, so you want one that is constructed of quality materials that won’t bend, rust or breakdown from constant use. Look for high-grade steels that can support weights of at least 300 pounds. Also, look for fabrics that are easy to clean and won’t tear from sweat and washing.
- Stability: Stability is crucial to any unit. Since you are flipping your body at various angles you need a model that won’t slide or tip. Plus, you want a model that can be used on various surfaces, so it can go in any room of your home. To prevent these possible problems, find a model with grips along the base, so it can go on rugs, hardwoods, tiles or laminates without moving, so you can use them without worry.
- Comfort: Since you will be laying and or vibrating on these tables at odd angles, it is important to be comfortable. A good table should have padding on the table, headrest and ankle rests as well.
- Versatility: Are you using the table to manage stress? Do you have lower back pain? Why you plan to use it is an important buying factor. If you need to relax muscles after a workout or have a pinched nerve, you may want a model with heat sensors or vibration settings built-in for increased therapeutic options.
How to Use an Inversion Table
Inversion tables are not difficult to use, but you do need to understand the basics before using one. To start, don’t immediately flip upside down. You want to invert in very small degrees, 15 or 20 degrees at a time. You don’t even need to fully invert to maximize results and benefits: even a 15° flip can be beneficial. Also, you don’t need to stay long on them. A couple of minutes (at the most) just once or twice a day is best. Depending on the table you have, you can be proactive while using it. Doing bends, arching your back and other movements can help with pain relief and muscle spasms. Just go slowly, and always flip down and up a little at a time.
Is an Inversion Table Right for You?
Inversion tables provide temporary therapeutic relief. They can benefit anyone who needs to decompress, relax or manage pain in their daily life. These tables can soothe after a stressful day, as well as improving your flexibility, mobility and circulation. As always, however, check with your doctor before using one of these devices to see if it will be safe for you to use.
1. IRONMAN Gravity 4000 Inversion Table
The IRONMAN Gravity 4000 is a reliable and durable inversion table with a high weight capacity of 350 pounds. This impressive weight capacity along with its sturdy frame will make it a good fit for most trainees. It’s an ideal model for those with lower back pain due to sedentary work habits or illness as well as heavier users. Costing around $200 (without the AIRSOFT ankle holder or equipment mat), it offers good value considering its overall quality. It features a sturdy tubular steel frame which is powder coated so it won’t scratch over time and will look new after years of use. The steel frame and rubber stoppers lend stability to the unit. You don’t need to worry about falling over as you invert even if you are on the heavier side. It inverts up to 180 degrees (controlled via an adjustable strap) and weighs 76 pounds.
Made to promote circulation and alleviate lower back stress from sitting too long at your desk, arthritis or overextending during exercise, the IRONMAN Gravity 4000 has a 2.5″ memory foam vinyl-covered backrest and ergonomic foam padding on the ankle holders to keep you comfortable during inversion. There is a removable lumbar pillow which provides extra comfort and lower back support. You won’t experience metal digging into your legs or discomfort while lying down. The model’s extra-long handles allow you to grip it from any angle without straining or stretching. These elongated handles also help you to perform a wider range of exercises and let you return to an upright position more easily. It fold for storage after use too, to just 26″ long by 17″ wide by 80″ high. Overall, it’s a stellar pick for those with backaches or anyone stuck at a desk all day.
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2. Innova Fitness ITM4800 Therapeutic Inversion Table
The Innova Fitness ITM4800 is an ideal therapeutic table for athletes and therapy patients. For those in need of relief from aches and pains and those seeking in-home therapy, this advanced model is a steal. The ITM4800’s heavy-duty steel frame can hold up to 300 pounds so it will suit most users.
Highlights include a movable lumbar support rest and adjustable headrest, energy foam padding, and multi-massage settings and isolated heat and vibration options for customized and controlled inversion therapy. The energy foam padding on the backrest and arm grips eliminate discomfort so you can sink in and let your muscles and joints to relax at any angle. The adjustable lumbar support rest is ideal for relieving strain on any part of your back or neck, cradling exactly where you need it to so you can stretch and move without restriction. The six-position adjustable pin system allows you to change the inverting angle easily and safely. Best of all though this table features heat and vibration settings with multiple massage options. The various vibration settings allow you to apply light or heavy vibrations in various areas of your back, to combat pain and loosen muscles. This is ideal for after exercise, a long day of work or for those with disc problems. The heating element adds another layer for therapy and pain management, helping to relieve stiffness in joints, combat spasms and reduce tension and stress.
Pros
3. Allblessings Pro Deluxe Inversion Table
The Allblessings Pro Deluxe Inversion Table is an ideal choice for those with limited space. This table is convenient in terms of use and maintenance, making it ideal in apartments, offices or smaller homes. It’s constructed with a heavy-duty steel frame and removable nylon pads. Although durable, it still folds up for easy storage, so you can use it and put it away if you don’t have a room to leave it out. It’s also easy to maintain, with the nylon covers on the back and arms so you can clean it and keep it germ-free.
As for the machine itself, it is great for those starting out, with cushioned ankle holders that can be adjusted to 3 different positions. You can control your inversion angle with the 3-position roller hinge. The different positions help you be proactive, doing arm and lower back exercises to increase strength, flexibility, and movement. With a max weight of 300 pounds, anyone can effectively use this table to fight compressed discs and elongate muscles for improved posture. We are a bit wary of the price however. At around $250, it’s an expensive model.
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4. Innova ITX9700 Inversion Table
The Innova ITX9700 inversion table is a perfect match for those needing relief after strenuous exercise or whose job requires a lot of lifting and physical activity. Its heavy-duty steel frame can hold up to 300 pounds so it will be suitable for most trainees. Anyone from 4’10” to 6’6″ can use it comfortably. It’s a great model to help those who are overweight to combat joint stress and do light exercise, as well as for construction workers or those in fields with high-intensity activity.
It features a large, comfortable backrest with an adjustable headrest. There is also an adjustable memory-foam lumbar pad which keeps you comfortable when inverting. The ergonomically-designed ankle holding system means there will be no digging metal or straining of the ankles as you move backwards. Its “True Balance System” is comprised of two adjustable features—the headrest pad and the height—which allow the users to find an overall comfortable inversion experience. The adjustable six-angle pin system lets you choose from various consistent inversion positions.
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5. Innova Heavy Duty Inversion Table
Looking for a budget-friendly inversion table to help with pain relief and improved blood flow? The Innova Heavy Duty Inversion Table could be your perfect match. Costing around $115, this Innova model fuses value, comfort and durability. Its steel frame can hold up to 300 pounds. Much like the prior Innova model, it features an adjustable headrest pad and large padded backrest. The padded backrest provides comfort while stretching. It’s great for post-workout relief and increased circulation for those suffering from muscle spasms and stiffness.
It also features the six-position adjustable pin system for easier positioning than over strap systems. The “True Balance system” is also present, allowing adjustabilty for your unique height so you can invert comfortable and safely. It has a reversible ankle holding system in which the ankle holders can swap places depending on what you find most comfortable and beneficial (with the foam rollers at the rear and U-Shaped holders placed front or vice versa). Overall, it can help manage most types of lower back pain and is great for those looking for an inexpensive, but durable unit.
