I know what you are thinking, will buying the best inversion table relieve you of back pain? Is it safe? Has it been scientifically proven? Your backbone is the pivotal point of your body. Our spine is made up of over 120 muscles that adds to its flexibility. It is like the internet of our nervous system and can hold up to hundreds of kilograms.
So, what causes back aches? As per the chiropractors at WebMD, back pains usually occur when something is off in the way your spinal joints, muscles fibers, nerves or discs fit together and move.
How is America being affected by it? Well, millions of Americans go through mild or severe forms of back pain. Research statistics reveal that around one half of working Americans experience symptoms of quick or constant back ache. As of last year, lower back pain has caused Americans at least 50 billion dollars in health care.
Can these facts be improved? Yes! Our back posture can be corrected provided that we are in tune with scientifically proven exercises that will help us to get the load off our backs.
What can you do about it? Now, here’s the kicker: Inversion Therapy, also known as ‘gravity table’, helps ease down the pressure of gravity on your nerves by being suspended upside down. Inversion tables are back stretching devices that can help you stay in position by using gravity boots to strap yourself securely.
Inversion tables can help you with:
Here is a video demonstration to help you get acquainted with inversion tables:
Now that we know how helpful inversion tables can be, let’s dive in to explore the 12 best inversion tables available just a few clicks away.
1. Innova ITX9600 Heavy Duty Inversion Table – The One that Lasts the Longest
Innova ITX9600A allows its users to find their own center of gravity. Its balance system can adjust the headrest and the ankle joints to customise its dimensions to your body. No wonder it can allow you to drift from upright to invert positions with ease.
What’s more? Its angle pin location comes with protective covering that allows you to shift between six positions without having to get off the therapy table.
You see, the reversible ankle system has been ergonomically designed with front and rear foam rollers and U-shaped holders to give you a firm grip to loosen yourself into different reclines.
Product Features:
- Six position adjustable pin system
- Pending protective cover
- True Balance System
- Adjustable headrest pad
What’s more, their height adjustment tube has been scientifically engineered to accommodate to different BMI’s. This gravity table comes with a maximum weight limit of 300 pounds and it can fit anyone from 4”10’ to 6”6’.
This heavy duty inversion table is sturdier than most back stretch equipment as it is made up of a steel frame. Its comfortable lumbar pad makes sure that your back posture is upright before diving in for inversion.
Editor’s Rating: ★★★★☆
Why we like it: Unlike the old tether strap system, you do not have to get off the table to adjust it for multiple positions. Its pin reclining mechanism lets you adjust your position with a few clicks.
- Does not have ankle straps
- Does not have a massage pad
2. Innova ITM5900 Advanced Heat and Massage Inversion Therapy Table – The One with a Contoured Pad
Innova’s ITM5900 model is popularly known for its contoured backrest. It offers advanced features like heating up your back for added relief. The contoured lumbar pad adjusts your spine to deliver it a vibrating motion as you invert your body in five different positions.
If you are wondering how this vertical table can keep you strapped, well: the two way adjustment system balances the back stretching machine to adapt to your shape. Meanwhile, the six angle pin system lets you shift to different settings while you are bonded in place.
It’s comfortable back rest has a massaging pad that works beneath your back to loosen your muscles stiffness. Moreover, you can set the therapeutic massaging pad to manual or automatic modes.
Product Features:
- Contour integrated lumbar pad
- Provides heat and massage therapy
- Two way adjustment system
- 5 position angle slot system
With a weight limit of 300 lbs, it accommodates almost all body shapes and sizes to find their own center of gravity. In essence, it is built with a sturdy metal frame that lets you invert effortlessly.
Editor’s Rating: ★★★★☆
Why we like it: It has two foam handle bars to give you a comfortable grip. They help you in getting upright and in resting your arms.
- Does not fold for storage
- Takes up some space
3. Innova ITM4800 Advanced Heat and Massage Therapeutic Inversion Table – The One with Soft Handlebars
Yes, that is a mouthful. The benefits of inversion can cure a host of back issues. Now, add the heating and vibration mode to the mix and the benefits multiply.
Taller people often don’t fit into standard designed items. Like other models from Innova, this too offers a heating lumbar pad that massages your back. Inversion tables, for one, make an average size that fits most people but not this one. With an adjustable lumbar pad, you can find your fit that hits the right spot.
For first timers, it is certainly challenging to hop on the table and invert 180 degrees. This is why Innova ITM4800 with its side inversion pin offers upto five positions which allows you to invert slightly before reclining all the way back.
Product Features:
- Heat and vibrating pad
- Adjustable lumbar pad
- Soft touch bars
- Padded ankle holder
This table is built with vinyl, foam and metal with its frame made in stainless steel. All the tools required for its assembly come packed with the table making it easy for you to fix. Soft touch foam has been used on the handlebars for added safety and a firmer grip.
Editor’s Rating: ★★★★☆
Why we like it: This Innova inversion table does not require additional straps (which can be a nuisance) to secure you with. It relies on soft padded holders and handlebars to keep you afloat.
- Hard to tighten ankle holders
- Heating doesn’t target the leg area
4. Innova ITX9900 Heavy Duty Deluxe Inversion Table – The One with the Air Lumbar Support
The ITX9900 has a few variations when comparing the lumbar support. The air bag for supporting your back is not just removable but can also be inflated or deflated to let you set your own level of comfort. It can be adjusted to match your height and placed on your back area where you need pressure the most.
The ankle holding system has a larger front holder and a smaller rear holder. Why are ankle holding systems important? When you are inverting, you are strapped in with ankle holders that provide a grip against gravity. As the gravity pull is neutralised against your ankles, hence the ankle joints get the most pressure. The ergonomically designed holders in the Innova inversion table will help you relieve the pressure off your ankles for a comfort fit.
Product Features:
- Air Lumbar support
- Overstrap system
- Six angle slots
- Protective coverage
Apart from the six angle slot system that lets you invert in six different positions, the ITX9900 table comes with an over-strap that secures your position on the table. This model was introduced in June 2018. With its release, Innova announced a unique feature of installing a longer lock release system around your feet because of which you won’t have to bend all the way down to unclasp the holders once you are done inverting.
Editor’s Rating: ★★★★☆
Why we like it: Unlike most inversion tables, ITX 9900 lets you find your own gravity center with its two-way adjustment in accordance with your height and the headrest.
- Plain backrest
- Not heat / vibration
5. Teeter EP-560 Ltd. Inversion Table – The One that is FDA Registered
A glimpse from the teeter inversion table reviews suggest that Teeter EP-560 is unmatched in using high grade material in its manufacturing. From cam locks and auto-locking hinges to specialised pivot bearings – this Teeter back stretcher uses heavy gauge steel for its primary joints.
Lucky for you, Teeter inversion table models have gone through quality testing making this the only FDA registered inversion table for neck pain that has been cleared on all grounds of penalty.
The Teeter back stretcher has been designed to be contoured and smooth for maximum ease. The contoured bed flexes for comfort while the smooth surface lets your body slide to optimize pain relief.
Product Features:
- High grade materials
- UL certified
- FDA registered
- 360 degree rotation
This teeter hang ups inversion table has grip and stretch handhold holes that let you wind round your fingers in different areas of the bed. This helps you in trying out different exercise routines while inverted.
The teeter hang up weight limit is 300 lbs. What is absolutely astonishing about this model is that you can rotate 360 degrees while having three gripping options. You can choose to hold the soft handles bars, the hand hold holes in the bed or the heavy steel frame.
Editor’s Rating: ★★★★★
Why we like it: It arrives pre-assembled and can be put together with five slight clicks. This makes it easy for folding it back for storage.
- Does not have an ankle release system
- Not lightweight
6. Health Gear ITM5500 Advanced Technology Inversion Table – The One that is Remote Controlled
We all know by now that inversion tables help us with decompressing spine by hanging, and that they were created after the popular success of inversion therapy. Having a strongly made table that inverts at 360 degrees is a safe bet. Now imagine, the combination of inversion, massage and heat therapy in the price of one and you have Health gear’s ITM5500 in a gist.
What is so special about Health Gear? When they say health gear, they really mean to equip you with the best care for your back. This elite fitness inversion table has a contoured full back heating and massaging pad, which mind you, is also removable in case someone would prefer a simple table.
The back rest is four inches thick – can literally be used to have a good nap after relaxing your back – oh, and it is remote controlled. Forget long levers, forget hard buttons and forget trying to uncomfortably find a lever on the back. This table is remote operated. A few clicks and voila – your back starts warming up with the onrush of rhythmic vibrations!
Product Features:
- 4 inch memory-style foam
- 4 position side inversion
- Sur-lock easy in/out ankle support
- Built in transport wheels
Sounds a bit unlikely, eh? Well, not really. It does come with a higher price but for that kind of money, it does work your back to lose a few calories too! The massage option does not target the head and neck area much – but if you are willing to go for a complete full body massage – you can find the best massage chairs at a decent price.
What’s more? Well the packer has a few other gigs going for it. This table can be inverted at 20, 40, 60 and 90 degrees. It has four oversized foam rollers for your legs to avoid your calves from pinching, aaaand it has an easy height adjuster that uses a scaled rod to fit you with the table.
Editor’s Rating: ★★★★★☆
Why we like it: As you might have guessed by now, Health Gear does offer a well researched inversion table that can be folded all the way back to save up on your space later when you are done.
- Not for 5 feet or less
- Takes a lot of room
7. YOLEO Gravity Heavy Duty Inversion Table – The One for Athletes
Yoleo gravity may not be as plush and soft as some of the other tables but it sure is a great option for athletes who want to crunch and lunge while inverting. Although, there are a some inversion table risks involved, which is why – for beginners – it is best to try out the exercises recommended by your chiropractor only.
It is true that a poor back posture can cause you to store more fat. For this reason, a stamina inversion table can help you with correcting your posture. A strengthened back, as a result, increases your flexibility, mobility and improves upon your gait.
Although, this back stretching machine is not as doughy as some of you may have liked, but its back rest has been assembled with high density layers made up of the following materials:
- The first layer is a sheet of anti-tearing PU leather that guarantees long wear and comfort.
- The second layer is sponge resistant to avoid sweat and humidity to dampen or decompress the foam.
- The third layer is made up of pearl cotton EPE, which is the latest environment friendly material used for its flexibility and toughness.
- The fourth and the last layer is made up of polyurethane foam that can be both flexible or rigid and does not melt even under high temperatures.
Product Features:
- Protective belt back
- Spine stretch machine
- Triple protection safety
- Foldable and portable
Editor’s Rating: ★★★★★
Why we like it: It’s extra wide tubular steel frame provides rotational control over the table as you balance yourself to align your muscles.
- Not too soft
- Not easy to assemble
8. IRONMAN Gravity Highest Weight Capacity Inversion Table – The One that Reduces Noise
Now here is the thing with most stamina inversion tables; they do guarantee good results, a strengthened back and improved circulation. Despite this, some gravity tables start making a slight ricketing racketing sound that can be a bit unpleasant for some of us.
As a countermeasure for lasting peace, the ironman inversion table comes with an equipment mat. This mat is foldable, waterproof and made up of PVC foam. It protects your hardwood floor from getting any scratches and reduces squeaking noises when inverting.
By far, the ironman inversion table has the most weight capacity of 350 pounds. Provided that you are around 280 to 300 lbs, it is optimal to decrease the inversion table risks by going for a table that can hold upto 350 lbs. Taking this shot will not only prolong your table’s life but also guarantee you maximum safety.
Product Features:
- Air soft ankle holder
- Equipment mat
- “Palm activated” adjustment
- Memory foam nylon backrest
A therapy table is by no means a decorative furniture for your lounge. This is why, I believe it is important to opt for an elite fitness inversion table that is both foldable and portable. The ironman inversion table has non-skid floor stabilizers made up of tough rubber which makes folding a breeze.
But of course, if you want both – comfort for your back and esthetics for your lounge – you can look for the best zero gravity chair to hook you up with the pleasure of reclining at an inverted angle.
Editor’s Rating: ★★★★☆
Why we like it: Its palm activated adjustment lets you hit the lever with the back of your hand as you shift between various angles.
- Not contoured
- Portable but heavy
9. EXERPEUTIC Inversion Table – The One that is Budget Friendly
Ever laid on your back with your legs up against the wall? It is a relaxing inverted posture that helps increase the blood circulation at your back, neck and head area. Now imagine inverting at different angles while being supported by a gravity table. It sure gives an awakening rush to have your back stretched out against the pull of gravity.
Now it is hard to be on the table and to bend or get off to adjust the pin for a new angle for inversion. Luckily, the exerpeutic inversion table has been UL certified to provide a 165 degree angle with an adjustable crossbar for you to shift while lying.
That said, this table focuses more on building a sturdy mechanism for inversion than providing comfort. The backrest is one inches of soft foam, which isn’t luxurious but sufficient for inverting with ease.
Product Features:
- No pinch ankle holders
- Sure lock ratchet system
- Adjustable crossbar
- Removable lumbar pillow
Be that as it may – for a cheaper price – it has been assembled with the latest back stretch equipment pads like the air lumbar pillow, the palm activating sure lock and a solid two piece ratchet design. All things considered, if it wasn’t for the Exerpeutic company, we wouldn’t be having a budget friendly inversion table for neck pain.
Editor’s Rating: ★★★★☆
Why we like it: It is good value for money – has all the necessary features with a good amount of satisfactory inversion table reviews.
- Minimal weight capacity (250 lbs)
- Not too soft
10. Innova ITX9700 Inversion Table – The One with the Memory Foam
Getting an inversion table that is solid enough to hold over 300 pounds of weight but soft enough for your back is a good investment. If it comes with six pin angle slots and an adjustable headrest at half the price of a high end brand – then it is practically a steal! If you are a beginner with inversion then Innova will definitely be your go-to brand with its lineup of slight variations.
It does not have the traditional ankle straps which many of you might have preferred but its ankle holding system has an extended handle that can fit around your joints as smoothly as the previous editions.
Now having heat up your back might not be everyone’s cup of tea. This is why in ITX9700, Innova has strived to provide comfort horizontally with its memory foam pad. The pad can be placed across your back in areas that need the most pressure making it an apt inversion table for herniated disc.
Product Features:
- Memory foam lumbar pad
- Six position pin system
- Adjustable headrest
- Heavy duty steel frame
Similar to the rest of its variants, it offers a height range of 4”10 to 6”6’. It has no straps that could break or tear off. No plastic pieces that can snap, and no backboards for a smoother recline.
Editor’s Rating: ★★★★☆
Why we like it: Innova is an old favorite because of their timely delivery, quick customer service and easy assembly. As most people switching from lower back machines have said, “it was better than our expectations,” I believe that is wholly right.
- One inch of padding
- Not ideal to invert on your stomach
11. Innova ITX9800 Inversion Therapy Table – The One with Straps
Ok, so, as promised – Innova does blow you away with each of its newest versions. The differences are slight but the finer details that they modify are actually huge! You might have thought that inversion tables aren’t a good gamble but let me tell you this – the ITX9800 – is safer even for toddlers! That is right, babies want to do everything you are doing, if you don’t let them do it, then well, they will definitely do that.
You can buy them the best baby swings, but you would be amazed, they will still want the joy of inversion. Inversion is – afterall – so much fun! How can we blame them?
Anyway, how did they manage to make it so safe? Well, straps! And not your regular straps, but the two-way body-hugging secure bands that can be adjusted according to your body weight and height!
Product Features:
- Strap system
- Six angle slots
- Protective cover for pin system
- Foam handlebars
The foam handlebars help you in pulling up yourself. This way you won’t be needing external help to invert. And you need not be cautious at all, the ankle design works in a way that it neutralizes the possibility of falling over your head or from the table.
As physical therapy is the only way to go about for most conditions in order to stabilize your spine, therefore, the ITX9800 is a suitable inversion table for scoliosis. It aids with the symptomatic features of scoliosis by stopping it from growing any further with age.
Editor’s Rating: ★★★★☆
Why we like it: The strap system helps you in softening the pull on your ankles – which is a huge plus as the ankles experience the maximum force of gravity when inverted.
- Does not fold
- Difficult to assemble
12. Exerpeutic 150L Triple Safety Locking Inversion Table – The One with a 3-Tier Lock System
This is definitely one of the most stylish inversion table with hues of charcoal and sky blue. It is a US based product design with over a million units sold to decompress spine by hanging. As of August 2019, it has been in-house tested and given the UL certification for safety.
It comes with a three tier lock system:
- The first lock is a primary angle lock that seals a desired inversion angle at a certain position.
- The second lock is an auto safety lock that is activated by the springs when the pull of gravity tries to tug you in its loop.
- The third lock is a twist lock with a visual indicator that assures you the pull pin has been locked while inverting.
Product Features:
- Auto safety lock
- Ankle cushions
- Foam covered full loops
- Folds for storage
Apart from its unique latching system – it offers all the necessary qualities of an average inversion table. That is – the removable lumbar pillow, a soft foam backrest, weight capacity of 300 lbs and foam handlebars.
Editor’s Rating: ★★★★☆
Why we like it: You don’t need extra belts around your waist – the triple lock design guards your back in all ways imaginable.
- Heavy at 65 lbs
- Does not rotate to 360 degrees
Editor’s Pick – Recommended Best Inversion Table
I will be honest, the Innova models are very attractive and economical but there was something about Health Gear that kept pulling me long and strong. Maybe it was the orange/black combination because orange is the new black right?
I’m just kidding, it definitely was its vibrating massage and heat therapy. Why, you ask? I have hinted about it in its review above but I have been waiting forever to spill the beans on this one.
So here goes – the backrest in Health Gear ITM5500 Advanced Technology Inversion Table is totally detachable. Most inversion tables have removable heating pads, right? Yes. So, what is special about this one? Well – you can use it with or without the table – ta-daa!
It is so relaxing to keep the pad on my hammock and let both of my arms take turns with its massaging goodness before letting my legs get the best of its heating abilities. It is a good catch for cold winters, I tell you.
Best Inversion Table – Buyer’s Guide
Safety
Inverting seems unsafe to most people, but that is just a popular myth. We now have an inversion table for sciatica and scoliosis among many other back conditions. But that’s not the cherry on top – with R&D departments for chiropractors we have three tier lock system, soft ankle cushions, six angle pin slots, two-way strap systems and adjustable headrests. Basically anything that guarantees 100% safety while inverting is the table for you. You just have to choose the one that seems like a safer option.
Holders
Ankle holders come in many shapes and forms. There are a few holders that allow your shoes to be taken off while some holders give you a better grip with your shoes on. Shoes or no shoes, go for an inversion table that can easily replace a lower back machine and does not let you bend all the way to unclasp its hook.
If you have back problems and still have to bend to your foot after inverting, then what is the point in buying such an inversion table? So be mindful for your body needs, especially if you are looking for an inversion table for herniated disc.
Backrest and Headrest
Now, both of these are important components that are going to give you comfort. Make sure that the table you choose is a good fit for your height and weight. Ergo, go for an adjustable option – preferably with a level indicator.
Angle Slots
The angle slots tend to vary from table to table. Unlike a back stretching device, an inversion table has a certain defined number of angles at which the the table can shift. For example, we have tables with increments of 15, 30, 45 and 60 degrees and tables with slots of 20, 40, 60 and 80.
In any case the angle slots have equal intervals of 15 or 20. If you are not buying an inversion table for scoliosis then you can opt for all angle slots, but with scoliosis, you need to check in with your chiropractor for recommended angles of inversion.
Extras
Many inversion tables have aimed to stand out with their unique features. From heating and massaging pads to contoured backrests, we have seen how most tables offer a goodie or two to improve upon their sales.
In my opinion, extras do add weight to the scale, but make sure the inversion mechanism for the table is safe and sound. Once that is cleared, you can go for a table you like.
Frequently Asked Questions: FAQs
It’s a Wrap!
It is hard to decide if you really need an inversion table unless you try one for yourself. With the blood pumping all over your body, it is a mood shifter from daily stressors. Exhaustion is a part of daily life but I have found inversion to brighten me up twofold!
As we are all bound to experience back pain at some point in our lives. It will do us good to start inverting with some chiropractor recommended techniques. As a visual stimulator, here are some of the inversion table exercises that you can do to correct your posture and strengthen your back:
Nice article!
I have mild scoliosis and my back pain became worse when I started working from home. My chiropractor introduced me to inversion therapy and so far I’m loving it. I have Innova ITM4800, it’s very durable and comfortable.
Stay safe and healthy!
Cheers!