Inversion tables are great for adding some variety to your exercise. They have many proven benefits when it comes to working out as well as just general health. For example, they are often used to treat severe back pain and prevent the need for back surgery.
What Is The Best Fitness Inversion Table?
The Mastercare Back-A-Traction Inversion Table
It is an excellent buy for people looking for professional inversion tables for home use. Orthopedic specialists from Sweden’s Karolinska Hospital have used the table to help patients with chronic low back pain.
The table allows users to adjust the inversion degrees within 15-30 degree increments. It also has a locking feature that ensures the table remains at the set degree and you can lie on the table securely.
What’s more, the table is equipped with a sliding backrest that provides ample support when you stretch or perform strength-building exercises.
Reviews of The Top 3 Best Inversion Tables For Fitness Use
You can also use an inversion table to strengthen your core at an increased rate. Using an inversion table is an easy way to increase the intensity of any workout. Of course, not all tables are of the same quality. Here are three of the best tables on the market today.
#1. Innova Fitness ITX9600 – Best Seller Heavy Duty Inversion Therapy Table
You could find a cheaper inversion table if you looked around. It’s definitely not the cheapest model out there. The thing is when you start shopping for cheap inversion tables you run into a lot of problems. They aren’t balanced, they break down easily, they look tacky, they can’t handle much weight, or they are hard to work with. The ITX9600 doesn’t suffer from any of these problems.
The ITX9600 is affordably priced, but it still has all of the qualities of a high-end model. It is designed to last a lifetime and can support a weight of up to 300 pounds. There are some high-end models that can’t support that much. The durability comes from the heavy gauge steel design and the large-sized backrest.
The heavy-gauge steel does add some extra weight to the table, but it’s worth it considering the added lifespan, weight capacity, and durability that it offers. And just because it’s made of heavy-duty materials doesn’t mean that it can’t be comfortable.
There are limited inversion angles, but still enough to get the job done. You can adjust to angles of 20, 40, 60, or 80 degrees with a quick movement.
Pros:
– The true balance system makes it easy to invert and remain stable.
– Extra padding makes everything comfortable.
– Adjustable headrest.
– Can hold people up to 6’6″ and 300 pounds.
Cons:
– Missing out on the bells and whistles of higher-priced models.
The ITX9600 is likely so affordable because they sacrificed the many bells and whistles that you normally see with the more expensive models. There are sensors, gauges, buttons, or digital accessories. This is a bare-bones model that is used for one thing: inversion therapy. You can use it to do ab crunches, get in a powerful workout on the core, or relieve back pain. And you can accomplish all of this while being comfortable. If you just need one inversion table like this, buy it now!
More About Innova:
There are a lot of really great inversion tables on the market, but products from Innova continue to stand out as some of the best. They excel in multiple areas such as balance, durability, quality, and pricing.
Innova strives for important qualities, such as price, comfort, and effectiveness. They also love to implement unique features. For example, they don’t use the common strap system for positional adjustment. Instead, there is a pin system, which is far more secure and easy to use. Handlebars can adjust the pin position to provide an accurate and stable angle of inversion.
#2. Kettler Apollo – Best Ergonomic Gravity Inversion Table
The Apollo inversion table from Kettler is a fine example of engineering and craftsmanship in the world of fitness. If you’re interested in tuning up your workout with some inverted core exercises, then this is one of the best pieces of equipment on the market. Unfortunately, it is one of the pricier models. That extra money was spent on durability, functionality, and sleek design.
Designed by a German team, this particular inversion board is easily one of the nicest looking models on the market. It’s simplistic, yet it can still hold up to 250 pounds. That’s a bit less than the Innova can handle, but as long as you’re under that mark it’s fine. That lower weight limit is due to the smaller, lightweight design. It’s safe to say that this table isn’t made with heavy gauge steel.
Though it is lightweight and compact, it’s still a very sturdy model. If you can fit within the weight and height limits, then you will have no complaints about this model. It uses adjustable pins with a total of 7 different angles available and quick adjustments beyond a 180-degree position.
The Apollo also has some added features, such as a safety system that prevents the table from tilting during a workout. The ankle clamps are located in a position that is easy to reach without much strain. This is a vast improvement over older models that required quite a bit of work to adjust and strap.
Every inch of the table that comes into contact with the body is padded with an extremely comfortable foam. It’s not the thickest foam on the market, but it is one of the most comfortable. It even beats out some of the competition that uses secret proprietary foam blends.
Pros:
– Sleek and sophisticated design.
– It can easily fold away when it’s not being used.
– One of the most comfortable tables out there.
Cons:
– It can only support a total of 250 pounds.
– The assembly can be a bit challenging.
One of the best features of this table is that it can fold down for easy storage. It’s easy to fold and to unfold when you need to do so. Just pull it out, quickly unfold it, enjoy your workout, and then store it back in a closet where it’s out of the way. This is great if you live in an apartment or don’t have much free space left in the home.
Overall, this is a high-quality product that really shines in terms of craftsmanship, stability, and design. It has its flaws, as does every table, but it’s still worth the price tag. You can try it:
#3. Teeter Hang Ups Dex II – Most Multi-use Decompression and Extension Machine
When it comes to inversion technology, Teeter is the leader in the field. This is clearly seen in their latest table, the Teeter Hang Ups Dex II. This table utilizes hip-support to allow the strengthening and stretching of muscles. You can use this small, compact table to add a tough regimen of inverted decompression to your regular workout. Likewise, if you suffer from back pain, you can easily use this device to find some relief.
This piece of equipment is slightly different than your average inversion table. It is a forward-rotating machine with user controls. It does not place any stress on the ankles or on the knees. The body is instead bent with the stress on the hip. It works in a fixed position of 90/90-degrees to provide optimal attention to the lumbar curve. This particular position allows for an impressive amount of separation of the vertebrae in the lower back.
It’s designed with high-quality steel and can support weights of up to 300 pounds. It can also handle heights of up to 6’6″ with ease. It’s small and compact without any additional features, but still more than enough to compete with some of the best inversion tables on the market.
Pros:
– Small and compact.
– Forward-rotating machine with user controls.
– Heavy-duty steel design with a weight capacity of 300 pounds.
Cons:
– Some consider it a bit pricey.
– fixed position of 90/90-degrees.
Using the Dex II is actually much easier than using your typical inversion table. You simply walk up to the Dex, lean forward to take hold of handles near the bottom, and then hang in position with the waist bent and 90 degrees. This focuses on the lower back instead of the entire back but is still great for exercising and pain relief.
Why You Need A Fitness Inversion Table?
A fitness inversion table is critical to performing inversion therapy. The therapy has been a natural therapeutic remedy for centuries to help people stretch, relieve pain and strengthen their core. An inversion table angles the body downwards for some minutes to elongate the spine and eliminate pressure in compressed discs using gravity. It keeps the patient’s body anchored securely for as long as he is in an inverted position.
The premise for using the inversion table is to help a patient’s body counter the effects gravity has on the body. Gravity pulls muscles, organs, and joints downward, causing them to compress them against the spine.
Some studies associate fatigue, chronic back pain, and other symptoms with the gravitational pull. Inversion therapy provides a holistic solution by reversing the effects of sedentary lifestyles to promote circulation and movement. It explains why chiropractors and physiotherapists primarily use this therapy to treat chronic back pain. Other uses of an inverted table include:
Enhance the Health of the Spine
One of the main reasons for back pain is an incorrect alignment of the spine. Failure to adhere to a natural posture for a long period creates unnecessary stress on the spine. Some effective remedies include a light manipulation of the spine, a gentle massage among other techniques.
Invasion therapy is almost similar in that it carefully inverts the body downwards letting the patient stretch from gravitational pull.
Innova ITX9600A Heavy Duty Inversion Table with Adjustable Headrest and Protective Cover
Enhance Mobility
People with back pain are required to perform light and consistent physical activity to relieve pain. An inversion table helps patients perform such light exercises by increasing lumbar flexibility and trunk flexion.
Strengthen the Core
Strong lower back muscles, abdominals, internal and external obliques are essential to enhance support for the torso. A strong core aids in blood circulation, proper posture, and flexibility. Performing sit-ups or crunches on an inversion table helps define and develop core muscles.
Eliminates the Need for Surgery
People with back pain need a holistic approach to pain management. First, there is a need for lifestyle changes to improve spine health and prevent further damage that results in surgical intervention.
Inversion therapy is an excellent solution for people scheduled for surgical procedures. A study on how inversion therapy helps patients scheduled for lumbar surgery showed 77% of them avoided the surgery after going for inversion therapy.
Key Things Before You Buying A Fitness Inversion Table
It’s difficult to choose a top model from the three listed above. The Innova is the most competitively priced. If you’re new to using inversion tables and don’t want to spend too much on your first machine, then it’s a great choice. It’s very durable and can adjust to a few different important angles.
If you’re tight on space around the house or live in an apartment, then you might prefer the lightweight and compact Apollo. It can easily be folded up and stored away in the closet. It’s not the most competitively priced, but you get your money’s worth from it.
Finally, if you’ve used plenty of inversion tables before and would prefer one that targets the lower back, then the Dex II is for you. It comes from the top name in the world of inversion tables. It’s short and lightweight, yet it can still hold up to 300 pounds.
How To Choose The Best Fitness Inversion Table?
If you want to perform inversion therapy at home, an inversion table comes in handy. Here are things to consider when buying an inversion table for home use:
Type
Inversion tables are categorized into three:
Entry-level: This kind has all the basic inversion technology and is ideal for people weighing 250-300 lbs. People who just embarked an inversion therapy should look for this type
Standard inversion table: This kind has additional safety and comfort features. It is an excellent solution for professional and personal uses for people weighing 300-350 lbs
Premium inversion table: This kind has the latest inversion technology hence able to hold up more weight and height
Construction
The table should have a heavy-duty frame made of heavy-duty stainless steel to provide stability and withstand extensive use. Also, check the seating pads. They should be made of memory foam to enhance comfort.
The thick foam material is ideal as it ensures your back, neck, and head remain comfortable. Ensure the frames are equipped with floor protectors to prevent the table from skidding on the floor during use. When inspecting the frame also check the amount of weight the table can handle. Choose a table with an appropriate maximum weight capacity.
Click to Check The Price of Best Fitness Inversion Table for 300 lbs
– Health Gear ITM5500 <
Ease of Use
Inspect the equipment for adjustability. You should be able to change the inversion degree. If you just started the inversion therapy equipment set at 90 degrees should come in handy. A lower or higher angle sets you up for nausea, dizziness, and other side effects.
An inversion table that lets you adjust the inversion degree makes it easy to work your way to a complete inversion at your pace.
Space
The equipment should have large frames to enhance durability and stability. However, it is important to consider the amount of space available in your home. If you are living in a small apartment, consider looking for a foldable inversion table.
Stationary inversion tables are best suited for large apartments where you have dedicated exercise rooms.
Certifications and Approvals
Certifications are an indication of good manufacturing practices and proven medical benefits. Teeter is one brand that provides certified inversion tables that stand out. Its products have been tested for safety by independent groups like Underwriters Laboratories (UL). also, Teeter products are FDA-approved and registered as 510(k) medical equipment.
All three models are impressive. Consider your needs, experience, budget, and living space before making a decision.
We have made collections of other popular inversion upside down tools to help you choose the right one:
