Best Inversion Tables – 2022 Reviews

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If you are looking to find the best inversion table for your health needs, you might be thinking something like this:

There are so many different types of inversion tables on the market that finding the best inversion table to get the best value for your money is challenging.

With all of the inversion table brands out there, distinguishing the good from the bad is not as hard as it seems. After investigating the wide range of inversion tables on the market, I wrote this article to summarize my findings on the top rated inversion tables available today

Best Inversion Tables

Some inversion tables have a huge range of features and a price point to match while others take a no-frills approach to delivering a solid inversion table experience for a good value. All of the inversion tables in this inversion table review guide are good choices and ones to consider if you are looking to get a quality inversion table in the near future.

1. Teeter EP-960 LTD Inversion Table – Editor’s Choice

The Teeter EP-960 is one of the most comprehensive inversion tables on the market made by a company with decades of experience making inversion tables. Registered with the FDA as a 510(k) medical device, the Teeter EP-960 LTD Inversion Table is a workhorse for anyone looking for an inversion table that will give them years of stretch.

The Teeter EP-960 LTD Inversion Table features 20, 40 and 60 degree markings but uses a tether inversion system. to enable you to experience the full range of inversion positions. Just lock yourself in with the proprietary ankle holds and feel the stretch as the contoured support loosens you up. With a few motions, you can easily invert all the way to a fully vertical position or return to your normal position. Once inverted, the built-in side bars can also be used for rotational motions for an even deeper back stretch.

The Teeter EP-960 LTD Inversion Table has a fanatical user base that swears by the almost immediate relief it often provides for tight backs and neck and shoulder pain using inversion therapy. This inversion table also features special massaging nodes that will help release tension and improve traction of your lower back. The Teeter EP-960 LTD Inversion Table is made of solid steel parts and has a variety of mechanical subtleties which improve the mobility, durability and safety of this inversion table. For extra assistance, the Teeter EP-960 LTD Inversion Table has a useful ankle lock handle.

This inversion table has a maximum weight capacity of 300 pounds and will work for people between the heights of 56 and 78 inches. The Teeter EP-960 LTD Inversion Table is easy to assemble (15 minutes or less for most people) and is backed by a 5-year warranty. This inversion table also stores quickly and, despite its size, can be stored in relatively small spaces.

The Teeter EP-960 LTD Inversion Table is an investment in your health and, with all these features, carries a hefty price tag. At its price point, the Teeter EP-960 LTD Inversion Table is for people who are committed to long-term inversion table use.

2. Innova ITX9600 Heavy Duty Inversion Table – Best Value Inversion Table

The Innova ITX9600 Heavy Duty Inversion Table is a well-regarded and popular inversion table that will please even the harsher inversion table critics. The Innova ITX9600 Heavy Duty Inversion Table is a good choice for a solid, straightforward inversion table.

The Innova ITX9600 Heavy Duty Inversion Table has a nice, large backrest cushioned to provide a comfortable inverting experience with complementary padded handlebars. The Innova ITX9600 Heavy Duty Inversion Table places emphasis on customization with three separate settings – the foot placement, height and headrest – that can be adjusted to optimize the fit for the best inversion table experience for your body contours. For people who struggle with the ankle holds in inversion tables, the Innova ITX9600 Heavy Duty Inversion Table recently rolled out a feature in response to some complaints about their ankle holds that they call the Reversible Ankle Holding System. Using it, you can customize where the foam rollers supporting your ankles are and also swap with U-shaped ankle holders instead.

The Innova ITX9600 Heavy Duty Inversion Table has adjustable pins (6 in total) that let you customize the positioning of your inversion table to your needs. The tilting action when reclining backwards is quite smooth. This inversion table will let you hang in a fully vertical position. This inversion table provides an excellent stretch in the back and pelvis and a number of users report utilizing it multiple times per day.

The Innova ITX9600 Heavy Duty Inversion Table is made of heavy duty steel. If you live in a tighter space, this inversion table can be folded flat for more convenient storage. This inversion table is meant for people up to 300 pounds and between 58 and 78 inches tall.

While the required tools are included for assembly, the Innova ITX9600 Heavy Duty Inversion Table can take a long time – as long as two hours – to put together. Additionally, it is not light and will be hard to move around after assembly so consider setting it up where you think you will be using it the most.

3. IRONMAN Gravity 4000 – Best for Heavy People

The Ironman Gravity 4000 is a heavy-duty inversion table which offers an inversion experience for heavy people. Solidly constructed and scratch-resistant, the Ironman Gravity 4000 is a true workhorse when it comes to inversion tables.

One of the best features of the Ironman Gravity 4000 inversion table is its weight capacity. While most inversion tables cap out at a weight limit of 300 pounds, the Ironman Gravity 4000 inversion table will support up to 350 pounds on its steel frame. This inversion table also includes a PVC mat to help reduce noise while using the equipment and special floor stabilizers that help reduce skidding while in use.

The Ironman Gravity 4000 inversion table uses a strap system rather than a pin system to adjust how far you want to invert. Through slowly lengthening the strap, you can increase the amount of inversion on this inversion table, eventually reaching inversion positions up to 180 degrees and enabling more adventurous users to hang from the boots. Many people report improvements in both neck and back tightness while working through the different positions of this inversion table. While not recommended, some users do report being able to inverted abdominal crunches using this inversion table.

Like many inversion tables, the Ironman Gravity 4000 inversion table is best suited for people between the heights of 56 and 78 inches. A decent amount of assembly (an hour or more) is required to put this inversion table together when it first arrives.

While the Ironman Gravity 4000 inversion table does fold up, it is a large inversion table and takes up a good amount of space and is bulky even when folded up. This is not the best inversion table for people who plan to use it in tighter spaces.

4. Exerpeutic Inversion Table with Comfort Foam Backrest

The Exerpeutic Inversion Table with Comfort Foam Backrest is an excellent choice for people on a budget who want an inversion table that has the major important features. Solid and no-frills, the Exerpeutic Inversion Table with Comfort Foam Backrest is built on a steel frame finished with a scratch resistant surface. At under 35 pounds, it is one of the lightest sturdy inversion tables on the market.

This inversion table features a backrest made of soft foam and covered in vinyl for a comfortable inverting experience. Once your ankles are locked into the foam rollers, inversion positioning is performed using a tether strap to control the inversion. The Exerpeutic Inversion Table with Comfort Foam Backrest can achieve a fully vertical inversion if desired. Once you are done using this inversion table, simply grab the extended handles to pull yourself back upright. Overall, most would describe the movement of this machine as smooth.

The Exerpeutic Inversion Table with Comfort Foam Backrest assembles easily and quickly and can support people up to 300 pounds and from 58 to 78 inches tall. This inversion table can also be folded up and tucked away neatly although the process of folding it up can feel a little clumsy when doing so. The Exerpeutic Inversion Table with Comfort Foam Backrest comes with a one-year warranty and the company is reported to be responsive when issues arise.

The Exerpeutic Inversion Table with Comfort Foam Backrest would benefit from some positioning markers to tell the user how many degrees of inversion they are in. Also, people with sensitive ankles might find this inversion table’s ankle holds to be uncomfortable. Despite these minor issues, this is a great inversion table for the money.

5. Innova ITM4800 Advanced Heat and Massage Inversion Table – Best Inversion Table with Massage

The Innova ITM4800 Advanced Heat and Massage Inversion Table is a great value inversion table that combines a solid inversion table with massage and heat capabilities. This inversion table is a good choice for advanced features without breaking the bank.

The Innova ITM4800 Advanced Heat and Massage Inversion Table juices up the standard inversion table experience with an included massage and heat feature. The Innova ITM4800 Advanced Heat and Massage Inversion Table is well-built with solid, heavy duty construction. Like some other Innova models, the Innova ITM4800 Advanced Heat and Massage Inversion Table will allow you to adjust settings in the headrest, feet and height to customize the fit of this inversion table to your body.

The Innova ITM4800 Advanced Heat and Massage Inversion Table has six pins to adjust yourself to your position of comfort. This inversion table is well-regarded by users for the deep stretch it provides enhanced by the heat and massage capabilities. This inversion table offers a more sophisticated massage experience, featuring multiple massage modes and heating through the massage pad. The massage pad is used by many in the lumbar area although it can be slid up and down and has a long cord which may not necessitate an extension cord.

While design is not usually the main reason one might buy an inversion table, the Innova ITM4800 Advanced Heat and Massage Inversion Table looks quite nice. Made from a metal structure with vinyl and foam materials throughout, this inversion table carries a one-year warranty. This inversion table is meant for people under 300 pounds and between 58 and 78 inches tall.

Sensitive people might find the Innova ITM4800 Advanced Heat and Massage Inversion Table can become uncomfortable around the ankles when used for long periods of time. Also, there are quite a few small pieces to assemble which can make putting this inversion table together in an under an hour a difficult task.

6. Health Gear ITM5500 Inversion Table

The Health Gear ITM5500 Advanced Technology Inversion Table With Vibro Massage & Heat is an entry level inversion table + massager for people looking for a combination product. Made from heavy duty steel, this inversion table has some nice features.

The Health Gear ITM5500 inversion table provides a comfortable inversion experience by utilizing contoured 4-inch foam backrests designed to fit your body. Safety is also a consideration as this inversion table has a simple yet sturdy ankle locking system and a long arm to assist with getting in and out of the inversion table easily. This inversion table also undergoes a 50-point safety test to ensure it meets specific performance standards. With four positions, the Health Gear ITM5500 inversion table can also go almost completely vertical for people looking for a bigger hanging experience.

The Health Gear ITM5500 inversion table is a souped up inversion table in that it also includes a vibrating massage pad. Controlled by a remote, this massage pad has one setting which, as the name indicates, is a vibratory massage. The massage pad can also be heated and also removed if not to your liking. This versatility helps take your inversion experience up a notch. The Health Gear ITM5500 inversion table can accommodate users between 61 and 77 inches and up to 300 pounds of weight.

This inversion table will take most people under 60 minutes to assemble. When not in use, the Health Gear ITM5500 inversion table can be folded and stored. This inversion table is also designed to help people who want to use it on the go as it has built-in wheels for transportation and caps which protect the floor from damage while the inversion table is being used.

Many people buy the Health Gear ITM5500 inversion table because of the included massage experience. However, the massage offered by the included massage pad is a simple vibration massage which some people might find to be low impact and not worth the added cost of the inversion table. Also, assembling this inversion table can be confusing, especially if you are not inclined to doing that sort of thing.

7. Teeter EP-560 Inversion Table – Value Teeter Inversion Table

The Teeter EP-560 Ltd. FDA-Cleared Inversion Table is another Teeter inversion table at a lower price than their higher end model. Having had success with Teeter inversion tables in the past, some people are committed to sticking with the quality Teeter brand but may not have the budget to go all out on the highest end model. For people in that situation, the Teeter EP-560 Ltd. FDA-Cleared Inversion Table may fit the bill. Like most Teeter inversion tables, the Teeter EP-560 Inversion Table is an FDA registered 510(k) device – a unique certification in the inversion table world.

To use the Teeter EP-560 Inversion Table, simply wrap the ankle cups around your ankles and relax into the contoured bed. As with other Teeter inversion table models, the Teeter EP-560 Inversion Table features a patented bed system known as ComforTrak which reportedly helps decompress the spine through its smoother bed surface. In comparing this Teeter inversion table model with the Teeter EP-960 Inversion Table, this model lacks the present angle controls and the extended handle ankle lock system.

Many users report improvements in their back pain (especially with herniated disc and sciatica) and muscle spasms and tension while using this inversion table brand. For an added stretch, you can adjust the arch in the lumbar bridge area and rotate while inverted. This inversion table also has eight acupressure nodes which can be used to apply area in specific regions of muscle spasm or for trigger-point relief.

The Teeter EP-560 Ltd. FDA-Cleared Inversion Table can be assembled quickly in just a few steps. It is made of heavy duty steel and is deemed safe through a third-party certification process. This inversion table is suitable for people up to 300 pounds and between 56 and 78 inches tall.

In comparison to other inversion tables on the market, the Teeter EP-560 Inversion Table still is on the expensive side. It is understandable that some people might not want to pay the premium price for the Teeter inversion table brand and may opt for another brand on the market even though it also has a long warranty. People who are less flexible should also consider another inversion table as this Teeter model has shorter handles which can pose a problem for people who generally have trouble reaching to grab handles when using an inversion table like this one.

Inversion Tables – The Basics

If you have made it this far in this inversion table guide, you probably have a good understanding of what an inversion table is! If not, don’t worry. Let’s go over the basics of the history of inversion and inversion tables so that you can have a good understanding of how it all works.

The concept of inversion is centuries old and the value of being upside down has been a staple of yoga practice for thousands of years. The application inversion in modern medicine gained steam in the 1960s and 1970s, advanced by innovative chiropractors utilizing this form of therapy. In the 1980s, gravity boots helped advance inversion into the mainstream, leading to an explosion in the number of inversion products – both good and bad – serving the growing market. After the market backpedaled for several decades, inversion has become popular again as more studies have come out supporting its use as an adjunctive therapy for back pain and other ailments.

An inversion table is a large device that looks like a complicated piece of home exercise equipment. To use an inversion table, you first strap your ankles onto a flat table and adjust any other settings to make sure that it is customized to your height and weight. Then, using one of several types of positioning mechanisms, you recline the table such that your feet rise and your head drops. Once you find your comfortable inversion position, you can stay there for a period of time, allowing gravity to work in reverse on your skeletal system and spine, leading to stretching of the spine and pelvis. Once you are done, you slowly raise your head and lower your feet, undo the ankle straps and resume your day.

Inversion Tables – Major Features

Inversion tables are built with a number of features to help you achieve your desired health needs. Let’s go through some of the common features.

Inversion Positioning
Inversion tables offer the ability to invert up to fully vertical. Many inversion tables only allow specific position angles based on locking from specific pin settings. Other inversion tables utilize a tether strap system that allows the user to slowly adjust the strap to achieve the desired inversion angle.

Height / Weight Limits
Most of the best inversion tables have fairly standard height and weight limits. If you are between 300 and 350 pounds, however, you will want to pay more attention to which inversion tables, like the Ironman Gravity 4000, can support the extra weight in a safe way.

Massage & Heat
To kick it up a notch, some of the more advanced inversion tables have a massage feature, with and without heat settings. While this is often added on in the form of a massage pad (frequently removable), the added massage capability is an exciting way to nourish your back while you are hanging in an inverted position.

Sturdiness
Most quality inversion tables, including the ones in this article, are made of solid construction and heavy duty materials like steel. After all, a good inversion table needs to be able to support the weight of a person.

Warranty
Warranties vary between inversion table brands. Most brands carry a one-year warranty which is usually adequate for people who use their inversion table intermittently. A few models, like the Teeter inversion table brands, have longer warranties. Depending on how much you plan to use your inversion table, a longer or shorter warranty may be a more important consideration irrespective of the cost.

Portability
Portability is not always a required feature once the inversion table is set up as most people use it in one place. If you are in need of an inversion table that you can move from time to time, you will want to look for an inversion table with these extra features: folds nicely, lightweight, and wheels. Most inversion tables fold relatively well for storage or movement although some are bulkier than others in their final folded position. For sure, some inversion tables are lighter than others, ranging from 30 pounds to over 50 pounds – a significant difference if you plan to move it a lot. Also, finding an inversion table with wheels to roll it around can be a major benefit if you are interested in portability.

Daily Routine With Top Rated Inversion Tables

If you have taken the time to invest in a high-quality inversion table, the next step is to use it! Unfortunately, the right inversion table use may not be so easy to determine for your needs.

When considering a daily inversion table routine, think about both frequency and duration. Frequency is the number of times that you do it in a day. Duration is how long you are on the inversion table and in an inverted position. Thinking about it another way, how long and how often should you invert?

Most people who are new at using an inversion table start slow. After all, unless you do it in other ways (handstands, for example), having all your blood rush to your head is an unusual sensation. A good starting point for inversion table use time (duration) is up to two minutes per session. This will frequently give your body time to start adapting to the inverted position without becoming uncomfortable. Over time, you can work your way up to four minutes or more to get the optimal benefits.

How many times per day, or with what frequency, should you use an inversion table? As you get comfortable with your inversion table, consider using in 3-4 times per day. Some experts believe that the frequency of inversion is more important than the duration as it gives your body time to stretch and adjust throughout your day instead of jamming it all into one session. And, around your inversion table sessions, consider incorporating stretching and mobility exercises.

Most importantly, listen to your body. If at any point inverting feels uncomfortable, stop and consider consulting your doctor if you have any concerning symptoms.

How To Use An Inversion Table

Now that you have an idea as to a routine for using your inversion table, it is good to consider how to use an inversion table for different needs.

How To Use An Inversion Table For Back Pain
A lot of people buy an inversion table to use under the guidance of a medical professional as they may help with symptoms related to back pain or sciatica. If you plan to use your inversion table for back pain, consider first inverting yourself and then doing some stretching exercises. One way you can do this is to expand your body and your torso and also bend / arch it on each side. This helps stretch out the lower sections of the spine by loosening the supporting muscles flanking your spine.

Some inversion tables also have extra handles to facilitate a rotational stretch while on the inversion table. By reaching across your body with your arm, you can grab the handle and slowly and carefully rotate your torso. Inversion tables for back pain are often a complement to relief offered through getting a quality back brace.

How To Use An Inversion Table For Exercise
Some people also use their inversion tables for exercise. Before doing any exercise, make sure that your inversion table is designed for exercise and to support your weight. To exercise using your inversion table, first get yourself into an inverted position. From there, you can do a number of exercises focused on two major areas: your core and your leg muscles.

Core exercises that can be done on an inversion table include sit ups and hanging crunches. Put your hands behind your head or over your chest and, depending on what part of your core you want to exercise, either bring your torso up or bend your knees. Don’t get frustrated if you struggle with these at first as they require quite a bit of power. Also, be sure to have your ankles anchored properly so that they do not wiggle out while you are in the middle of a sit up!

Best Inversion Tables – A Back Pain Cure?

Inversion tables have become popular as a means of relief for people with chronic low back pain. Inversion tables are a way to apply the concept of inversion therapy – a process of decompressing the spine and enabling spinal traction. Low back pain is a common condition that results in an aching feeling in the lower back and, when more severe, sensations of numbness or tingling that might go down one or both legs. Low back pain has become a major problem in modern society because so many jobs involve long periods of sitting or heavy lifting, both of which put strain on the lower back and tighten the pelvis and hips.

Inversion tables may be of benefit to relieving neck and back pain because they are thought to stretch the spine. Most of the time, our bodies are upright and gravity forces our spines downward, leading to slow but steady compression of the spine over time. Inversion tables reverse the force of gravity on our spines by letting us flip upside down. Doing so might help take pressure off of areas of the spine, including the spinal discs, and allow them to open up naturally.

With consistent use of an inversion table, the spine will theoretically elongate and take pressure off of the nerve roots. However, any attempts to use an inversion table for such purposes should usually be done under the supervision of a doctor.

Inversion Tables – HSA, FSA and HRA Considerations

Inversion tables might be eligible for use with a health savings account (HSA), flexible spending account (FSA), or health reimbursement account (HRA). Usually, spending these health dollars on an inversion table requires that one has a letter of medical necessity from a medical doctor stating why the inversion table is necessary for one’s health.

Inversion Tables – Safety Concerns

So you understand all about inversion tables and how they work. But are they really safe?

For many people, inversion tables are considered safe when used properly. To be used properly, however, the inversion table needs to be set up properly so that the inversion experience is controlled. The head and feet need to be in the proper positions and the strap systems need to be tight so that the user does not slip while inverting and suffer a blow to the head.

There are specific medical conditions in which an inversion table should not be used. Because inversion tables flip you over, they will raise the pressure in your upper body and head. Therefore, people with conditions sensitive to elevated pressures should not use an inversion table with first consulting a doctor. Some examples of clinical conditions in which this might be the case include high blood pressure (hypertension), glaucoma (an eye condition), and other cardiovascular conditions that involve the blood vessels, brain or heart.

People with stomach issues should also be careful using an inversion table. While upside down, it is easy for any contents in the stomach to come into the esophagus in people who have a history of heartburn. This can cause significant pain and discomfort.

Adequate precautions should be taken by everyone who is new to using inversion tables. It is a good idea to read all of the instructions carefully to make sure that you know what you are doing. All of the equipment should be tightened and used according to the directions and another person should be available in the event that you need help while using your inversion table. If you have any medical conditions – and especially the ones highlighted above – please consult a medical doctor before inverting yourself.

Even if a person has experience using inversion tables, it is possible to get stuck in an inverted position on the inversion table. If that is a possibility, it is preferable to find other ways to stretch your back or, at the very least, have someone around who can help you get off when you are done.

Inversion tables are meant as a longer term therapy for symptoms as opposed to being used as a quick fix for back pain. Regular inversion table use can stretch the spine and, in some people, relieve symptoms. People who do not use their inversion table regularly, however, may not experience much or any benefit. The reason for this is that inversion tables are considered to work by gradually lengthening the spine over a period of time. Without consistent use, there is not enough stretch activity to improve the spine’s length and combat the daily effects of an upright posture.

Best Inversion Tables – Final Thoughts

For many people, finding the best inversion table for their needs and using it consistently can be a massive life improvement. Whether one gets an inversion table for daily symptoms of back pain or muscle tightness or one is choosing to use it to improve circulation, an inversion table, when used properly, can be a valuable regimen to put into one’s daily life. The hope is that this article on the top rated inversion table brands out there has given you a helpful viewpoint on the different inversion tables out there, what to look for and how they work. Best of luck with your journey into the world of inversion table health!