Best Inversion Tables

These are my three favorite inversion tables. I currently own and use the Teeter EP-560, the first on this list. Before that, I owned the IRONMAN Gravity 4000, which I sold to buy The Teeter. The Innova ITX9600 was the first inversion table I used at my friend Paul’s house.

These three models are all high-quality products, with thousands of 5-star reviews on Amazon. You can’t go wrong with any of these.

But, depending on your needs and budget, you will want to find the one that suits you best. In the section How to find the best model for you, I will help you to find the best table for you. Click here to scroll directly to that section.

I’ll share my thoughts and personal experience of each of these tables.

If you have any questions or any doubts, leave a comment in the comment section here.

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1. Teeter EP-560

This is the model I currently own and use. It’s by far the best quality and best-looking inversion table I have ever seen. Available at Amazon.com.

I usually do inversion exercises three times a week. When I can, I do two sessions a day. Inversion table therapy has helped me to treat my back pain and so I decided investing in a good inversion table was totally worthwhile.

This is the most expensive table of the three, but it’s also the best inversion table I know. These are the reasons why it’s my favorite inversion table:

High-Quality Frame Construction – It’s the heaviest of the three tables. It looks beautiful and it’s really solid.

5-year Full Warranty – The other tables only have a one-year warranty.

Very comfortable – The strong blue backing is excellent. The Ironman is also very comfortable, but Teeter went a step further and created this extra comfortable bed with hand grips.

Ankle supports – Made from specialty foam which provides an extra layer of comfort. Much more comfortable than the Ironman

Precise Rotation – This is awesome. This table is extremely accurate and very easy to control. Simply move your arms to rotate and to pull yourself back up. This even works with full inversions. Once you pass a certain inversion (60 degrees) this table makes it much easier than the Ironman (2nd option). With The Teeter, you only need to use your arms to come back up, while with the Ironman you need to manually pull yourself up.

Includes a DVD – This contains instructions on how to assemble your table in five simple steps, taking only 15 minutes to click together. It also provides some general tips on how to take care of your back.

Very Good packaging – perfect packaging with all the pieces organized and well put together.

This is considered the best inversion table on the market. That’s why the price is the highest of the three. In my opinion, it is totally worth the money. I got mine at amazon.com.

The next inversion table was the model I had before.

2. IRONMAN Gravity 4000

This was the first inversion table I owned. I already knew about the Teeter, but I still wasn’t completely convinced of the benefits of inversion table therapy, so I went for this middle-price model. Don’t get me wrong, this is still a very good, high-quality product. Available at Amazon.com.

You can do all the exercises for sciatica, neck, shoulder and back pain, experiencing all the benefits of inversion table therapy.

What I liked most about this inversion table

Very good price –  It’s 30% less expensive than The Teeter.

Very comfortable – The memory foam on the table makes it very comfortable.

Solid Frame – Very sturdy and stable.

This product is cheaper than the first option. You save around 30%. But, while you can save some money with this option, there are also a couple of not-so-good features.

For some, these features are not worth the money, but for others, they are very important.

I will list what I’ve found to be the main differences between this table and my favorite, number one.

Adjustability – The strap used to set the angle is not that easy to use. There’s no angle indicator to set it exactly where you want. This can be a problem especially if two different people are using the table and you need to move the strap from user to user. Always check if the strap is in the right position before you use the table. Teeter technology makes it’s very easy and precise to go from a mild angle to a full inversion.

Rotation – Works perfectly with 25, 45 and 60 degrees. If you plan to do a full inversion, you will have to manually pull yourself back up. Going head down is not a problem, but coming back up is not so easy. You’ll need some strength here. In contrast, on the Teeter, you only have to move your arms and the table does the rest for you.

Height – Not as accurate as The Teeter, but after some fine tuning you’re ready to start. Make sure you have it perfectly adjusted for your height.

Portability – Requires a fair amount of disassembly to prepare it for storage. So, if you plan on taking it down after each session, this table is not a good idea. The Teeter folds in seconds as you don’t need to disassemble.

Instructions – Not the best instruction guide. It took me one hour to correctly assemble it. The Teeter took me just five steps and 15 minutes. It’s already pre-assembled so you only need to click the main parts together. However, you only have to do it once.

Packaging – The package I got was damaged. I was worried that the product might have been damaged too. In the end, it was all good, but that first impression wasn’t great. This needs to be improved to better protect the product during shipping.

These are the main differences that, in my opinion, make this table cheaper. It’s still a good product, but you get a little less for your money. It all depends on your budget, and how you intend to use your table.

If you plan to store if after each session, the Ironman is not designed for this, and it would take a lot of time. In contrast, the Teeter makes it a breeze.

If you plan to do a full inversion, the Teeter makes it easier.

Adjusting is easier and more comfortable with the Teeter. This is important if there are two people using the table, who both need to set the table to their individual requirements.  You can get it at Amazon.com.

3. Innova ITX9600

This was the first table I ever used and was the product I used for my first five or so inversion sessions. Available at Amazon.com.

What I like the most about this table:

Very good price: The quality to price ratio is very good; it’s excellent value.

Easy Rotation Adjustment: There is a five position adjustment safety pin so you can easily set the table to 15, 30, 45, 60 and 85 degrees

Comfortable: This table is very comfortable, providing you with an enjoyable experience

Easily foldable: You can easily fold it for storage. However, it doesn’t fold totally flat.

Cons – What I liked less

Hard on your ankles: This is the biggest drawback of this inversion table. In my experience, it’s not very comfortable on your ankles.

A little Shaky: I never felt insecure, but it’s not as rock-solid as the other two inversion tables. The frame quality is still good.

Not so easy to assemble: It took me about one hour to put this table together.

This was the table I used for my first two weeks of inversion table therapy. It’s totally up to the job, and you can easily do two sessions per day in a very comfortable position. However, my ankles were sore slightly sore after each session.

Of course, when compared to the other products, there are noticeable differences, but then the price is different too.

At around $100, this is the cheapest of the three models. But, even though the price is very low, you can still do most of the exercises for back, shoulder, neck and sciatica pain relief.

If you’re on a tight budget, or you’re not totally committed to inversion table therapy yet, this is the best inversion table you can get for this price. Available at Amazon.com.

How to find the best model for you

If you’re looking for a high-quality table with a warranty of five years, that’s very smooth to use, is easy to fold and unfold, and is very comfortable and precise, I highly recommend the best inversion table available in the market – The Teeter EP-560. Click here to view it on amazon.com. You will be very impressed with the packaging, the quality, and the customer support. It’s an amazing product.

If your budget doesn’t allow you to go for The Teeter, but you still want a high-quality table with a good level of precision, I recommend my second option, the IRONMAN Gravity 4000. You can find it on amazon.com.

If you’re on a tighter budget, I recommend the Innova ITX9600. It allows you to perform all the usual inversion exercises comfortably and safely. It’s not as easy to use as the teeter, but buying this model will save you money. You can find the Innova ITX9600 on amazon.com.

What features a good inversion table must have

Comfortable: You need to be comfortable to relax and enjoy the exercises. Good inversion tables have memory foam to cushion and support your back.

Durable: As you get used to your inversion table, you will use it more often. And more sessions mean more wear and tear. You want the table to be made of solid materials so it will stand up to the extra use and last for many years.

Ankle Support: Once you get confident and you start feeling the benefits of inversion table therapy, you will want to increase the angle of inversion. After 60 degrees of inversion, your body is essentially hanging from your ankles. That’s why you need a comfortable ankle restraint.

Cheaper models usually focus less on this feature, while better models provide extra cushioning to better protect your ankles. If you are going to use your table for greater-than 60-degree inversions, you’ll need comfortable ankle supports.

Frame: A solid frame will make sure you feel secure, and that the table doesn’t move while you’re doing the exercises. A solid and sturdy frame is key.

Stability: You need stability more than anything when doing inversion table exercises. You want a very solid table made with a high-quality frame to make it very secure.

Easy to use: As you may know, inversion table exercises are quick. They can last from one to five minutes, depending on your experience. You want your table to be easy to use so you can easily and quickly move from one exercise to the next.

You want to go easily from 60 degrees to 20 degrees, or from a full inversion to a horizontal position. High-quality tables have the technology to make this process very easy and smooth. Rotation and height adjustments have to be easy to use and change.

Weight Capacity: Most models usually go up to 300 lb. Always check this before buying.

Warranty: From one to five years. I always look at the warranty for one simple reason; if the manufacturer gives a five-year warranty, I know that the company is so confident in their product that they have extended the normal one year warranty to five. That’s a very good sign of how long your inversion table will last.

Portability: This feature is useful for users who want to store their product after each session. Some inversion tables are foldable, whereas others are not. If you plan on moving your inversion table, you definitely need one that’s easily foldable.

Precise Rotation: For some exercises, you will need to alternate from 25 to 50 degrees, or even go to 60 degrees, and then back to horizontal. You will appreciate a table that makes this rotation and balance easy. It’s much better if you only have to use the position of your arms to rotate the table, and not your muscles to pull yourself back up.

Height Adjustment: Before you start using your inversion table, you have to adjust it according to your height. This is very important so you don’t damage your back or your ankles. Some tables are not so easy to adjust, and you’ll need to do some fine-tuning. Others make it a breeze.

This feature is more or less important depending on the number of people that are using the product. When more than one person uses it, you have to constantly adjust the height and the ankles. If this process is not easy, it makes it time-consuming and annoying, and you might lose motivation for continuing with inversion table therapy.

Does Inversion Table Really Work?

Speaking from my own experience, inversion table therapy gives me instant relief from my upper and lower back pain. Once I started doing it more frequently and regularly, I really felt much better.

Today, combined with stretching and core exercises, my back pain is almost gone. I say almost because some days I have to spend a long time sat at my desk – 14 hours or more – and my back sometimes stiffens up and gets sore again. But, an extra session or two of inversion exercises and that pain all-but disappears.

You can read about the natural ways I’ve found to treat my back pain, including stretching, workouts, and inversion table exercises here.

What do my friends say about inversion therapy? I have friends that use it for sciatic nerve pain, and they are very happy with the results. Some of them have totally stopped their medication. I’ve a specific routine for sciatica pain relief that you can check out here.

What the studies have to say. Different studies have proven that inversion table therapy can help to effectively reduce the pain in people with bulging discs. Learn more about these studies here. (will be published soon)

Inversion Table Exercises

I’ve created specific routines for:

Back pain relief – click here for a complete routine

Sciatic nerve pain relief – find the routine here

Neck pain relief – click here to learn how

Beginners – for your first routine click here

You can find all the exercises and routines on my page Inversion Table Exercises here.

How long do you exercise for?

For best results, you should start slowly to give your body time to get used to the exercises. For your first few sessions, 30 to 60 seconds is usually enough. You might be able to do more, but there is no need to rush. We are all different, and so too are our bodies.

Listen to your body, stay comfortable, and don’t do too much too soon or you might end up feeling sore.

With time, slowly increase the length of your sessions and the number of sessions you do per week.

If it’s your first time, start with two-times a week, and around one minute per exercise. If you feel dizzy or tired, take a break, and give another try another day.

Once your body is used to it, you can do it three times a week, and two sessions per day. Always remember that is better to do the exercises for a short period regularly, than long sessions but less often.

Being consistent is the best way to relieve back pain and treat your problems.

As you increase the time spent on your exercises, don’t go over five minutes. If you feel like doing more, wait a couple of hours and do another session.

Routines, or sets of exercises, are always a good way to treat different muscles and avoid overdoing it.

Is a inversion table good for you ?

Inversion tables can potentially provide benefits such as reducing back pain, improving circulation, and reducing stress on the spinal cord. However, it’s important to note that they may not be suitable for everyone and may pose certain risks, especially for people with certain medical conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and glaucoma. It’s always advisable to consult a doctor before using an inversion table or any new exercise equipment.

What does an inversion table actually do?

An inversion table is a piece of exercise equipment that allows the user to hang upside down or at an inverted angle, with the aim of relieving back pain and improving overall body health. By inverting the body, the table can stretch the spine and reduce pressure on the discs, allowing for improved circulation and a reduction in back pain. Additionally, some users report improved posture and reduced stress levels after using an inversion table. However, it’s important to note that individual results may vary and that it’s always best to consult a doctor before using an inversion table or starting any new exercise regimen.

Do chiropractors recommend inversion tables?

Chiropractors may have varying opinions on the use of inversion tables. Some chiropractors may recommend them as a complement to spinal adjustment treatments for certain patients, as a way to help relieve pressure on the discs and improve circulation. However, others may have concerns about the safety of inversion therapy and the potential for injury, especially for people with certain medical conditions. As with any exercise equipment or therapy, it’s always best to consult a doctor or a chiropractor for personalized advice based on your individual health needs and conditions.

Who Cannot use an inversion table?

Certain individuals should avoid using an inversion table, including:

1. People with high blood pressure or heart disease: Inversion therapy can cause a sudden increase in blood pressure and strain the cardiovascular system.
2. People with glaucoma: Inversion therapy can increase eye pressure and worsen symptoms of glaucoma.
3. Pregnant women: The American Pregnancy Association recommends that pregnant women avoid inversion therapy due to the potential for harm to the fetus.
4. People with neck or back injuries: Inversion therapy can put additional strain on the neck and back, worsening existing injuries.
5. People with a history of stroke: Inversion therapy may increase the risk of stroke, especially in people with a history of cerebrovascular disease.

It’s important to always consult a doctor before using an inversion table or any new exercise equipment, especially if you have a pre-existing medical condition or are pregnant.

How long should you use an inversion table?

The length of time for using an inversion table varies and can depend on individual factors such as the person’s health condition, tolerance, and goals. As a general guideline, it’s recommended to start with a short amount of time, such as 1-2 minutes, and gradually increase the duration as your body adjusts. Some people use inversion tables for as little as a minute at a time, while others may spend up to 15 minutes or more on the table. It’s important to listen to your body and stop if you experience any discomfort or pain. Overuse or excessive time on the table can lead to headaches, dizziness, or other symptoms. As always, it’s best to consult a doctor for personalized advice on using an inversion table, especially if you have a pre-existing medical condition.

Does inversion help back pain?

Inversion therapy has been claimed to help with back pain, as hanging upside down or at an inverted angle can stretch the spine and reduce pressure on the discs. This can result in improved circulation and reduced back pain for some people. However, the evidence for the effectiveness of inversion therapy for back pain is limited, and more research is needed to fully understand its benefits. Additionally, it’s important to note that not all types of back pain are suitable for inversion therapy, and some people may find it worsens their symptoms. As with any form of exercise or therapy, it’s best to consult a doctor or healthcare professional for personalized advice and guidance, especially if you have a pre-existing medical condition or chronic back pain.

Does inversion straighten my spine?

Inversion therapy can potentially help improve spinal alignment by stretching the spine and reducing pressure on the discs. Hanging upside down or at an inverted angle can cause the vertebral column to decompress, allowing for improved circulation and a reduction in back pain for some people. However, it’s important to note that inversion therapy is not a cure for all spinal conditions, and it may not be suitable for everyone. Some people may experience temporary improvement in spinal alignment while using an inversion table, but this effect is typically not permanent and the spine will return to its original position when the person returns to an upright position. It’s always best to consult a doctor or a chiropractor for personalized advice on whether inversion therapy is right for you and to understand its potential benefits and risks.

How long does it take for inversion to work?

The amount of time it takes for inversion therapy to work can vary and depends on individual factors such as the person’s health condition, tolerance, and goals. Some people may notice improvement in back pain, posture, or circulation after just a few sessions on an inversion table, while others may need to use it consistently over a longer period of time to see results. There is no set timeline for how long it takes for inversion therapy to work, as individual results can vary. It’s important to listen to your body and make any necessary adjustments to the duration and frequency of inversion sessions to ensure the therapy is safe and effective for you. As always, it’s best to consult a doctor or a chiropractor for personalized advice on using an inversion table.

Does inversion table help with sciatica?

Inversion therapy has been claimed to help with sciatica, a condition characterized by pain that radiates along the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back down the legs. By stretching the spine and reducing pressure on the discs, inversion therapy may help relieve the compression on the sciatic nerve and reduce sciatic pain. However, the evidence for the effectiveness of inversion therapy for sciatica is limited, and more research is needed to fully understand its benefits. Additionally, it’s important to note that not all cases of sciatica are suitable for inversion therapy, and some people may find it worsens their symptoms. As with any form of exercise or therapy, it’s best to consult a doctor or a healthcare professional for personalized advice and guidance, especially if you have a pre-existing medical condition or chronic back pain.

Inversion table how to use

Here are the basic steps to use an inversion table:

1. Adjust the height: Make sure the height of the inversion table is adjusted to fit your body. Most inversion tables have adjustable height settings that can be easily changed to fit the user.
2. Secure the ankles: Put the ankle clamps on and tighten them to secure your ankles to the inversion table. This helps to keep you safely in place while you’re inverted.
3. Get into position: Stand facing the inversion table and hold onto the handles. Carefully step up onto the platform and lie down, resting your head and neck on the padded headrest.
4. Invert: Slowly begin to invert by pulling down on the handles. You can control the angle of inversion by adjusting the handles, and you can stop at any point if you feel uncomfortable.
5. Stay inverted: Once you’ve reached your desired angle, stay in place for a few minutes or as long as you’re comfortable. You can move your arms and legs around to stretch and loosen up while you’re inverted.
6. Return to upright position: When you’re ready to return to an upright position, slowly release the handles and allow the inversion table to return to its starting position. Carefully step off the platform and remove the ankle clamps.

It’s important to always use caution and proper technique when using an inversion table, and to listen to your body and stop if you experience any discomfort or pain. It’s best to consult a doctor or a chiropractor for personalized advice on using an inversion table, especially if you have a pre-existing medical condition.

How to use an inversion table for lower back pain