Hundred’s of millions of people around the world suffer from back pain at one point or the other in their life. Inversion Tables seem to be a revolution in this field as it turned out to be helpful to those who suffer from this problem. People have been asking a lot of questions when it comes to inversion tables, it includes tables for lower back pain, sciatica, with heat and massage, neck pain, best inversion tables for tall and heavy person and much more. If you are having one of these questions then don’t worry, we would be covering everything you need to know about these new trending fitness equipment.

We would be covering what are the benefits and risks included, what is the weight limit and what are the best inversion table brands in the market?

Let’s go back in time to understand how this fitness equipment going to help us in the betterment of health. Earlier, Apes used to hang from the tree that made their body more flexible and strong. Inversion therapy was also the part of an exercise in 400BC where it was used to cure spine injuries.

Nowadays, we are busy in our day to day to life, and that we never get a chance to be upside down and the body never gets the full stretching, and that becomes the prime cause of back and neck pain.

Inversion Tables give you different kinds of exercise which are not possible with other common equipment. This inversion therapy is scientifically proven to be very effective when it comes to these issues. If you are suffering from any back or neck pain, then these machines are recommended for you.

Before writing this article, we researched a lot about these machines considering all of their important aspects. Though their mechanism is quite simple, the benefits are immense. Nowadays, their popularity is growing not only among those who have pain instead of fitness enthusiasts as well. In the inversion table, you put your entire body in an upside-down position, and that helps in relaxing the muscles and spine which gives good blood circulation and oxygen supply to the brain.

You can lie upside down or at some angle as well. It is proven that it decompresses your spine over time which leads to pain relief. Though these tables are not recommended for everyone, if you are suffering from heart disease, glaucoma, or hypertension then you should consult a physician before starting using it.

Teeter is one of the main companies when it comes to inversion tables. They are known for making some high-end fitness devices. It relieves back pain, but they also have other body benefits as well. So, below are seven main benefits of inversion tables that you should know.

Table of Contents

Benefits of Inversion Table

1- Maintain Height: Do you know that your spinal cord gets compressed because of gravity at the night? The average person’s height gets shrink by 3/4 inches when you sleep in the night. So, when you use the inversion table, it reverses the whole process and decompresses your spine which helps in maintaining the height. Some researchers also claim that it might help in increasing the height as well.

2- General Back Pain: After a certain age, most people suffer from common back pain problems; it could be arthritis or any other problem. This mostly happens because your vertebrate gets compressed which leads to a pinch in your body nerves. So, when you put your body upside down that stretches the spinal cord because of traction which reduces the pressure on discs as well. Though it, in general, relieves the pain it is always recommended to meet your physician before you go for it.

3- Pre & Post Exercise Stretching: If you are into the workout, you know the importance of pre and post-exercise stretching. When you are doing the heavy exercise then stretching your body is very crucial, it warms up your body and makes your body ready for a workout. The inversion table could help you to get ready for a heavy lifting workout. Physicians always recommend that you need to warm up your body before you go for any workout because it stretches your muscles for the workout.

4- Blood Circulation: When your body goes upside down, the blood circulation changes in your body because of inversion. It decongests your body parts and drives the blood to some of the important parts of your body. Your upper body gets enough amount of blood that you don’t get in a straight position. Also, keep in mind that you don’t do it for a longer time as it can cause some serious. At most 1 to 2 minutes is enough for blood circulation.

5- Lymphatic System Cleansing: In an Article by Susan Spinasanta who is a Senior Medical Editor, she mentions that hanging upside down can stimulate the flow of fluids and remove waste from your body. Normally, the lymph system has waste traveling in one direction, but this inversion helps to flush out the lactic acid and other waste from the body.

6- Pressure on Joints: When you run or do a high-intensity workout, it may affect your joints. According to Natural Arthritis Association, the inversion of the body can help in stretching and elongation of muscles which can give you relief from the pain. If you are into a sport then sometimes, one side movement causes this kind of issue. So, changing the posture of the body can help in the movement of the different sides of the body.

7- Morning Booster: When we wake up in the morning, most of the time we feel lethargic because of the calm blood flow so when going upside down, it triggers the blood flow in a different direction, and your body gets the kickstart. The founder of Teeter Company says that extra oxygen to the brain is like two cups of coffee. It also takes away the stiffness of the body. Instead of going upside down in the morning, going at a 60 or 70-degree angle would be better. This could be a good way to start your day.

Things to keep in mind before buying an Inversion Table

Buying an Inversion Table could really be tricky if you are new to this equipment. In this section, we will talk about some of the factors that you have to keep in mind before buying an inversion table.

Build Quality: This is one of the most important things that you have to keep in mind before buying one. So, if you are buying offline then check yourself how’s the construction or if you are going online then read the reviews before buying one. Because here you would be hanging upside down, you don’t want the machine to break down in between. It could lead to some serious issues. So, buy one which has a sturdy build quality and capable enough to support your weight. Also, look for the foam that is being used with the machine; this also ensures safety because it provides comfort and a good grip as well.

Most of these tables come with 300 lbs weight limit if you are bulkier in size. Make sure you go with the one that suits your shape and weight.

Safety: Apart from sturdy build quality, you also have to check the safety standards of the machine. Make sure; it has a stable steel carcass. It should also have ergonomically built durable ankle mounts. Rubber handles and flexible turning levers would be a plus.

The range of Motion: What is the angle of inversion that you are getting with the machine that also you have to check? It could be from 45 degrees to 90 degrees. More the inversion, the better result you would see. Good quality straps and padded foam make the motion smoother. When you are starting with the machine, make sure you have someone around, in case you get stuck. Once you get used to of machine and all of its range of motions, you can start using it alone.

Extra Features: If you go with some high-end machines, you will get some advanced features as well that will make your whole exercise more smooth. Some tables come with heat massage that levels up your whole experience. Make sure it has nylon straps, padded foams, heat-insulated structure, and anti-slippery pads. So, you want some extra features, be ready to spend some extra bucks.

Budget: The price of these machines varies drastically. It starts at $100 and goes up to $2000. So, you have to decide wisely what are your requirements and which inversion table meets all your needs. I would recommend you spend around $500 that will allow you to get a decent one. Never go by the cheap one, because you don’t want your machine to break down while you are hanging upside down.

INVERSION TABLE BRANDS

There are dozens of brands in the market that make inversion tables. But, here we will discuss the best brands that make some high-end products. So, if you are looking for some good quality equipment, you can go to one of these brands.

TEETER: This brand dominates the inversion table market. It was established long back in the 1980s. They make a plethora of equipment that is used in various fields that include medical, commercial, home appliances, and others. They have received a very good rating online and highly recommended by physicians. If you are suffering from pain issue and you go to a doctor, he is most probably going to recommend this brand only. It is one of the most trusted brands in the medical industry.

However, their tables cost a little bit more than others but worth investing in. They can also be customized and accessorized at your disposal that gives more freedom and options for the users to try.

INNOVA: This is also a very famous inversion table brand. It is known for its advanced heat massage feature that comes with most of the products. Their products have a solid, sturdy build quality that makes them durable and safe to use. Innova makes inversion tables at affordable rates.

IRONMAN TABLES: If you want diversity then this brand should be your choice. They are known for making a variety of models with different features and price ranges. It really gives consumers plenty of options to choose from. If you want some cheap model with basic functionalities then you can go with their starting range and if you need something higher-end then also they have an option for you.

Some of their most popular models are Gravity 4000, IFT 4000 Infrared, Gravity 1000, and Ironman iControl. The price might vary from $100 to $500.

BODY CHAMP: They also make some decent quality products. If you are looking for some affordable products, then they have plenty of options to choose from. They sell from Amazon, and you can also buy from their official website as well.

Best Inversion Table Exercises

When it comes to choosing the inversion Table Exercise, there are multiple options to choose from. If you go online and search for it, you can find dozens of exercise options. But, in this section, we will talk about the basic exercises that you can do. These exercises will help you in getting relief from neck pain, back pain (lower & upper), sciatica, and others. But, before you jump on it and start hanging upside down, there are a couple of things that you have to keep in mind. Don’t push yourself hard at the beginning, let your body adjust with this kind of postures. A silly mistake can cause you some serious injury. Wear the right clothes, and if you are a beginner, make sure you have someone around you who is stuck if you have any medical conditions like pregnancy, blood clots, high or low blood pressure, hypothermia, or any cardiovascular issue. Don’t use the machine without consulting your doctor.

Back Extensions: This is for proper back movement. In this exercise, you need to hold your head by putting your hands behind it, and then you have to arch back slowly without taking the help of gravity. Then you can again come back and hold this position for 15seconds. This opens up your vertebrate. Don’t do it with a jerk. Keep in mind that the back to and fro movement is smooth and slow.

Inverted Crunches: Crunches work on the core of your body. Here on the table, you do, inverted crunches. If you are a beginner then don’t increase the angle too much, you can start with 45 degrees, and gradually you can change the angle. It will put a lot of stress on your core and back as well. It is simple, in this case, you have to lift your upper body towards your knees, hold it for 10 seconds and then go back slowly. At the start, do 4-5 reps, and as your body becomes more habituated, you can increase the intensity.

Body Stretches: You can do different types of stretches with the machine. You can go with hand stretches, side wide stretches, or straight inverted motion as well. It helps you in relaxing your spine, muscles, and other body parts. You can do this as a warm-up before any heavy-duty workout. It makes your body ready for high-intensity workouts. In this exercise, you can twist your body side by side or straight and touch your knees. Keeping in mind, that stretches are for body warmup; they should not be done at high intensity. So, do this exercise at your level of comfort. After this, you want your body to be energetic not exhausted.

Inverted Sit-ups: This could be a bit difficult to do at the start, but the process is simple as normal situps. Here, you lock your ankles then fold your arms towards your chest, keep your chin tucked towards your sternum, and then you can move up and down. If you are not able to do it like this, you can also hold the side rails as well. At the start, you might not be able to do it properly, but with practice, you will surely master the posture.

Inversion table risks

The inversion table has a lot of benefits, but in some cases, things might go wrong as well. Your body is not used to this kind of exercise, so there are certain risks associated with it as well. Because you would be putting pressure on your vertebrae and blood flow would be in the opposite direction. Some silly mistakes can cause serious damage. So, take all safety measures and then only go for these exercises. So, below are some of the risk factors that you have to take a look at.

Worsened Condition: Inversion tables are known for reducing muscle and back pain, but in some conditions, it can also make the condition worse. It can also cause a headache and hypertension as well. That’s why the inversion table is not recommended for old people. The reason for pain might vary from person to person so what’s working for someone might not work for you.

Blood Pressure Problem: If you already have a problem with blood pressure, then this could not be the right fit for you. Because, here in upside-down conditions, your heart-rate will slow down and blood pressure will increase drastically. In rarest of rare cases, it can cause heart issues or heommarage as well. So, if you have any heart-related problems, I would say to go with lighter exercises than going for these inverted ones.

Muscle Cramps: Don’t overdo these inverted exercises. When it comes to exercises, we most of the time try to push our bodies. But in this case, pushing won’t do any good instead it might cause strain in your body that might lead to cramps. Keep the momentum in your comfort zone, gradually increase the intensity. If you see any pain, consult your physician.

Eye and Ear Pressure: When you invert your body, you see the elevation in your body pressure. You might face problems if you are suffering from glaucoma or any other retinal problem. It might also cause bleeding in some cases. You will also see the pressure increase in your ears as well. So, if you see any unusual condition while doing the exercise, better stop in between and meet your doctor immediately.

Top 10 Inversion Tables

Teeter EP-970 Ltd. Inversion Table

This is one of the best inversion tables that you can buy online. Its movements are very precise that gives you complete control over the exercise. In this machine, you can easily invert and return to an upright position. Even if you are a beginner, you will never feel stuck in it. It has a UL safety certification that ensures the safety of the user. Since the time of establishment, the company is known for its high-end products. You get five years warranty that boasts about its durability and sturdy build quality. Its weight limit is up to 300 lbs and comfortable for a person up to 6feet 6 inches. Below are some of the important features of the device that you should know.

It is the only FDA Registered Medical device. If you are buying it for medical purposes, most of the doctors are going to recommend the same.
It helps in a lot of health problems that include spinal stenosis, henitated disc, muscle tension, back pain, and other spine-related issues.
It has some advanced features as well that include an ankle lock handle, traction handles and stretching assistance as well which allows you to easily change the angle at your disposal from 20 degrees to 60 degrees.
The machine is also very comfortable at the same time as it comes with an ergonomic build quality that includes patented wraps, a contoured bed, and good quality foam.
You will get the chart with the product to get to know more about the machine. You also get the Nodes and Lumbar bridge with the product.

Teeter Hang Ups EP-560

This is again the one of most popular Teeter products that you can go for. It is also more affordable than the upper model. This inversion table comes with a complete back pain relief kit that makes it more special. So, if you are having any back problems, this could be the best choice for you. You might get overwhelmed when the first time you see the product. It is also one of the safest to use a product by the company. It has an advanced ergonomic ankle locking system that distributes the weight evenly. The build quality of this fitness equipment is also great; it has a carbon steel frame which makes it durable. It is compatible with a person having a height between 4’8” and 6’6” and weigh up to 300 pounds. Below are the main features of Teeter Hang-Ups EP-560 that you should know.

It has UL 1647 safety standard and also a motor-operated massage system that takes your exercise experience to the next level.
It has very comfortable straps; you can also change the inversion angles easily. It has a non-slippery base that doesn’t let the machine skid when you are on it.
You also get a DVD with the product that gives you step-by-step directions regarding how to use the product.
It also has five years of warranty, and in case you face any problem, you can call their toll free number, their customer service is great.

Innova ITX9600

This is a heavy-duty Innova inversion table that comes with an adjustable headrest. If you go and check their rating online, you certainly going to buy it. It also comes at a very affordable rate that makes it very popular among beginners. Its low maintenance and durability also give an edge over others.
When it comes to angle variation, you get five options from 15 to 85 degrees, and that can be done easily just by changing the pin slots. The design is pretty simple, yet it is capable of so many things. It can withhold up to 300 lbs and suitable for the person having a height between 4’10” to 6.6”. Below are some of the important things that you should know.

Most of the machine’s carcass is made up of plastic, but here you get the steel that makes it sturdy and solid.
Inversion with Innova ITX9600 is pretty simple, and chances of getting stuck are less with this inversion table.
Its height adjustment tube makes height, weight distribution easy so you can easily be accommodated in it.
It has a True Balance system, and you can easily change between rollers. From U Shaped rollers to Foam Rollers and vice versa.

Innova ITM4800 Advanced Heat and Massage Therapeutic Inversion Table

This again great product by Innova with a heat massage feature. This advanced feature adds great benefit to your inversion exercise and gives you better results. A lot of users said this helped them to get relief from the pain faster. You also get an adjustable lumbar pad that supports your lower back area and gives you more comfort. It allows you to change from six different angles. When it comes to weight capacity, it can withhold up to 300 pounds. Below are some of the important features that you should know about.

You get one year warranty with the product that is less in comparison to the Teeter, but at this price, it is decent enough.
The user height, it can accommodate is between 4’10” through 6’6. The machine also has a patented protective cover.
It is easy to store as it can be folded. Build Quality is good that makes the machine more durable.
However, it doesn’t have extended handles for the ankle locking system, and it is also heavy at the same time that makes it difficult to move.

Innova ITM5900 Advanced Heat and Massage Inversion Therapy

Innova ITM5900 is also very popular in their brand. This one also comes with heat and massage therapy features. This one is specially equipped with a vertical massage pad that gives you perfect inversion therapy. Your entire spine is covered in this case that takes care of your whole back. Its contoured lumbar pads give full support to your body, and after the exercise, you feel more energetic instead of feeling exhausted. Below are some of the important features of Innova ITM5900 that are worth taking a look at.

It comes with an ergonomically built ankle holding system, and you can also adjust the headrest accordingly that makes the whole experience more comfortable.
You can also set the heat and massage level accordingly, or you can just set the auto mode, and the rest will be taken care of by the machine itself.
You get five positioning angles with the machine that can easily be changed. Though, you don’t get an adjustable lumbar pad with it.

IRONMAN Gravity 4000 Highest Weight Capacity Inversion Table

IRONMAN Gravity 4000 is hands down one of the most comfortable equipment in the market. It has a memory foam padding to support your back upholstered with PVC. It allows your back to adjust and you get amazing comfort with it. What makes this inversion table, a stand of the crowd is its weight capacity. It can withhold up to 350 pounds so, if you are heavier in size, then this machine could a perfect fit for you. Ergonomically built molded cushions take your comfort level to the next level.

It also has an ankle lock system which is super easy to use. They call it “Palm Activation” which is patented by the company.
It has a rubberized non-slippery base that gives perfect stabilization, and that eliminates the chances of getting slipped.
It has a very easy assembly system; you can assemble the whole machine in just 30 mins.
This unit is super heavy, so if you are thinking of shifting it from one place to another, that’s simply not going to work.

Yoleo Gravity Heavy Duty Inversion Table

This is not a very popular company, but they also make some high-end products. What I love about this inversion table that you get a room for customization, you can also adjust the table at your disposal. It is also very affordable as well, and you get a good machine with decent features as well. It is suitable for people from 4’9? to 6’6? and weight up to 300 lbs. You won’t see any table movement while hanging with it as it comes with an extra-wide steel frame. Below are some of the important things that you should know.

You get three options to choose from that to include black, blue, and red. So, when you put this machine at your home, it doesn’t look like fitness equipment instead it looks like a piece of decor.
It has an ankle holding system for front and rear rollers that makes it more secure and eliminates the possibility of getting stuck in it.
It also has a safety lock pin and precise chuck buckle.
Assembly of the machine is not that simple; you might need someone’s help in assembling it.

EXERPEUTIC Inversion Table

This table comes with a weight capacity of 250 pounds which is not as good as compared to others. But, it is very comfortable to use as it has patented ankle restraints. Your ankles are secured and properly hold which don’t cause any pain and irritation. It can be used by the person having a height between 4’9? to 6’6?. It is easy to store as everything can be folded, it requires very little space for storage. You can also adjust the body positioning with the help of strech bar. Below are some of the things that you need to know about this Exerpeutic Inversion table.

It has a comfortable support system which is made up of good quality foam. It provides you good backrest, and you don’t feel exhausted while doing the exercise.
It has lumbar pillow support that gives extra comfort to your lower back.
It has a solid ratched design.
Its sturdy quality makes it more durable, and you can use it for a longer time.
Its assembly is difficult and a bit tricky at the same time. So, read all the instructions before you start putting all the parts together.

Health Gear ITM5500

If you need equipment with heat and massage feature, then Health Gear ITM5500 could be a good choice for you. The machine is ergonomically designed so that you feel any jerk while going through the inversion therapy. It has four-inch-thick memory foam that provides extra comfort and support. You can control the vibration with the remote control that takes the whole process to the next level. It has four adjustable options that you can choose accordingly. You don’t face the problem of calf pinching when you have foam leg rollers. Below are some of the features of Health Gear that you should know.

It is suitable for the person between 5’1” to 6’5” height and weight up to 300 lbs. So, if you are heavier than 300 lbs, then this machine is not for you.
The machine is easy to store as it can be folded into a compact size.
It also has wheels that make transportation easy.
With a hand controller, you can adjust the heat, time, and intensity and let everything take care of by the inversion table itself.

Invertio Premium Folding Inversion

This is the last machine in our top 10 categories. It works well if you have any back pain. This budget table has some decent features that give you good inversion therapy. There are various model options available from which you can choose the one you like. It is suitable for people up to 300 pounds and having a height between 5’1? to 6’6?. Below are some of the features that you should know about this inversion table.

It has a solid and sturdy build quality as it comes with 1.25 inches heavy steel tube frame.
It has good stability on the ground and doesn’t damage your floor as well.
It becomes compact once you fold it and you can store it in a low space area in your house.
Contoured backrest with comfortable padding handrails makes the machine easy to use.

FAQs

Q: Are inversion tables dangerous?
A: The inversion tables are not dangerous. But there are risks associated with it. So, consult your physician before you start using it. People who have heart or blood pressure problems, any fracture, pregnancy, or any other issue should not use it until any recommendation by the doctor.

Q: How long should you stay on an inversion table?
A: In the beginning, don’t go beyond 2 minutes per session. Do it in your comfort zone only and gradually you can increase the time.

Q: Do inversion tables work for low back pain?
A: Yeah, it works for lower back pain. You should know how to use the machine. The inversion table with heat and massage would give you more relief than normal ones.

Q: Can the inversion table hurt your back?
A: Yeah, in some cases, the symptoms might become worse. I would recommend you to use it for some time, and you see an increase in the pain, and go to your physician and do whatever he recommends.

Q: How many times a day should I use my inversion table?
A: You can do one-two minutes sessions, 2 to 3 times a day. Don’t do it before or after eating the food. Keep in mind that this is not a muscle-building exercise. It is for relaxing your body.

Q: Can the inversion table make you taller?
A: It might not increase your height, but it will straighten up your posture by decompressing the spine that might make you feel taller, but nothing changes.

Q: Do inversion tables help migraines?
A: There is no scientifically proven as such that supports the inversion therapy relieves a migraine however some users said they saw a significant change in their headache condition. You can also give it a try, and if you are lucky, it might work for you.