Best Inversion Table Reviews: Best Rated for Fitness, Back Pain and Beyond
If you’ve been following our writing, you know what big fans of inversion therapy we are. We wrote an in-depth piece on all of the benefits here, but I’ll recap it quickly right now.
Inverting is the process of moving your body so your heart is elevated above your head. While most people believe it means you have to go upside down, as long as the heart is above the head, you can experience tremendous benefits.
Examples of such results include improved circulation, back/neck pain relief, stress relief, better digestion, and anti-aging magic.
So while there are various ways to get your inversion on, one of the best ways is to use an inversion table, which is appropriately named for its flat shape and ability to take you all the way upside down. In fact, that is one of the greatest advantages of using an inversion table: you can passively achieve 100% inversion and receive the full benefits of the blood traveling to the brain.
Some of those exclusive benefits include improved sinus function, more mental alertness, and healthier hair follicles. It is true that an inversion table is a more aggressive inversion than a chair or other options provide, but if you are in relatively good health, then you will be fine to enjoy the use of the table.
Also, it’s notable that you can achieve a much better core workout from using an inversion table (compared to a chair), so if you’re looking to reap the fitness rewards of this device, keep that information handy.
How to Choose the Best Inversion Table
Okay, let’s dig in and see what makes for a good inversion table, shall we?
- Sturdiness and stability
This should be the stand-out factor to consider while shopping for your new inversion table. I know it may seem obvious, but humor me while I re-emphasize that you really want something sturdy to support you when you are hanging upside down.
You will not be comfortable, relaxed, or de-stressed if you are worried that your equipment is going to fall apart whenever you are 100% inverted. And of course, you want it to be durable to last for years to come. Make sure you check the weight capacity, the material the frame is made from, and the overall design.
- Comfort
While you absolutely want a sturdy table to support you, you likely were drawn to it for the benefits that are best served through a comfortable device: pain relief, relaxation, joint discomfort, and so on.
There should be sufficient padding so you feel comfortable while inverting. This also transfers to the ergonomic capabilities and adjustability of the table. If you are 6’ tall and try to use a table that’s made for people up to 5’7, you won’t have a great experience. Look for controls that shout versatility and inclusion for all body types and sizes. Also, headrest: you will especially want some padding for your head and neck.
- Ease and type of adjustability
I’m sure the last thing you want is to shock your system with a fast, jarring twist upside-down; instead, you want to experience a slow and controlled movement from the time you begin your rotation.
Likewise, you want to be able to easily move back to an upright position…because getting stuck upside down does not sound like a fun time, agreed? Some higher-end models are equipped with motorized controls for the smoothest transition, whereas the economy models are more likely to have manual controls.
Check to see how those manual controls operate in order to have the best transition possible. Additionally, you may want a table that does not take you to 100% inversion all the time. Check to see that the right table for you can be adjusted and hold you at different degrees of inversion, for those days that you want a less intense experience.
- Ankle cuffs
Remember that your ankles will be your anchors during your inversion table therapy, so you want to make sure that the cuffs on the table that you want are sturdy, adjustable, and comfortable. Check the quality of material on them too, since you’ll be relying on those small straps to do a big job!
- Extra sprinkles
Did someone say “heated inversion table”? That’s a thing, and you can own it. Heat therapy is excellent for tired, sore, muscles, along with recovery from workouts, and some tables actually have infrared heat technology installed.
You may also want to consider how the table folds for storage purposes, how easy it is to move, and whether it has any perks like side pockets for storage.
With all of these factors to consider, it can be overwhelming when you try to start finding the perfect table for you. So we've taken the guess work out of it by reviewing some of the best available options. Enjoy!
Best Inversion Table Reviews
There are a lot of options out there when it comes to inversion tables but we've narrowed the choices down to the best ones out there. Each of them have unique characteristics so read through the descriptions and specs 'til you meet one that's perfect for you!
Innova Heavy Duty Deluxe Inversion Table
Most affordable inversion table
An awesome economy option, this inversion table is surprisingly affordable without sacrificing quality and is ergonomically made for a wide range of people, with the manufacturer stating that users from 4’10” to 6’6” and up to 300 pounds can comfortable use this table.
It comes with a pin system that allows the user to invert in five different positions, which is great for those new to inversion therapy or who prefer not to be totally upside down all the time.
It is made with comfort in mind, as it has an adjustable headrest pad with large and comfortable padded backrest. The easily adjustable padded ankle slots mean you can use the table comfortable without shoes or socks, so it’s great for home use. It also folds for easy storage and convenience. Read all user reviews!
Ironman Gravity 4000 Inversion Table
Best inversion table for the money
Hello, comfort. The Ironman Gravity 400 is hands down the best inversion table for the money and provides one of the most comfortable platforms ever invented for inversion therapy. Its got thick memory foam vinyl covered backrest to comfortably support the head and back, along with an adjustable lumbar pad.
This table’s most stand-out feature - and the one that makes this the only inversion table for larger folks - is that it has the highest weight capacity, coming in at 350 pounds. It is super sturdy (and therefore heavy), as it is built with a durable tubular steel frame with a scratch resistant powder coated finish.
For added security and stability, it includes tough rubber non-skid floor stabilizers. This table is easy to move from position to position, thanks to its extra-long safety handles that are covered with vinyl for an extra layer of protection for the fingers and hands.
Note: because it is on the heavier side, this table is harder to fold, move, and manipulate than some of the others.
The ergonomically molded ankle holders also provide comfort and security. The ankle support system on the Ironman 4000 is also superb: the ergonomically molded ankle cushions are made with patented, easy reach 'Palm Activated' adjusting ratchet ankle locking system that holds users up to 6’6”. Read all user reviews!
Ironman Infrared Therapy Inversion Table
Best inversion table for back pain
Starting to move up in price point and for good reason, as the IronMan Infrared provides infrared heat technology during inversion therapy, making it the best inversion therapy for relieving back pain. The heating elements come from thin, built-in carbon fibers that heat the comfortable foam backrest up to a maximum of 140 degrees.
You can see exactly how toasty you’re getting, as there is a LED controller display that indicates the temperature setting as well as a timer. For added user ease and control, a remote control with batteries is included. As far as safety is concerned, this table has a sturdy steel frame and is supplemented with tough, non-skid rubber floor stabilizers.
It has three different inversion adjustments to choose from, and it allows for the full 100% inversion. As this is made by the same brand as the above IronMan 4000, it comes with the patented, easy-reach ‘Palm Activated” adjusting ratchet ankle system that is proven sturdy and comfy all at once.
The IFT 1000 will support users from 4’9” to 6’6” and up to 350 lbs. Lastly, the long safety arm handles include vinyl safety covers that have a mesh pocket to hold personal items, the remote control, or whatever else you want to have with you as you invert. Read all user reviews!
Conquer 6-in-1 Inversion Table Power Tower
Best fitness inversion table
This is a one of a kind inversion table that's best for fitness enthusiasts who are already in above average health, especially since the weight capacity is only 220 pounds. So what's so special about this table? Its unique design combines the inversion table with a “power tower” that can adjust for six different functions: inversion, push-ups, squats, dips, leg raises, and chin ups, making it the most multifunctional fitness inversion table on the market.
It is made from durable powder-coated steel, and it adjusts to multiple angles and user heights. The rubber grip handles are both sturdy and comfortable, and you can remove them to wash them since you’ll likely be breaking a sweat using this product.
Despite its great versatility, the Conquer tower does take up a lot of floor space, so keep this in mind if you have limited space available. If you do have some room in your home gym, however, this is a great choice for getting in a variety of inversion table workouts! Read all user reviews!
Teeter EP960 Inversion Table
Best rated inversion table
Design, design, design. It’s truly impressive how much thought, research, and time went into designing and manufacturing this table. In addition to going the extra mile in design, the Teeter brand also goes to extensive lengths to quality test to the highest safety standards and comes with a full five-year warranty. No wonder it's the best rated inversion table!
The lumbar bridge on the table allows for enhanced decompression and is actually customized to the individual, since it flexes with the user. The ankle lock system is comfortable and has a patent for it’s pressure-reduction design, and you are able to get steady, controlled rotation thanks to the exceptional balance of the design.
Even better - this table has an easy-reach ankle system so you don't have to bend down very far at all in order to secure the ankles in the lock system. This makes it more appealing for those with back pain or limited range of motion.
Additionally, you get more stretch variation with this 960 model, thanks to its stretch max and traction handles. The traction handles add decompression at lesser angles and allow for smooth, controlled transition from inversions.
The pre-set rotation feature on this model also gives users more control and stability in their transitions. The longer stretch max handles allow the users additional options for stretching during their inversion session. If you want more versatility from your Teeter table, this model is definitely worth the upgrade.
Extra perk? This table is easily foldable so it makes for a great space saving option. Read all user reviews!
Tips on Using the Inversion Table
Now that you know your options, you need to know how to use your inversion table. This list of tips will help you get started!
- Choose a comfortable environment with plenty of space for your inversion table. Since one of the main benefits is stress relief, you want it to be in a relaxing place.
- Make sure you adjust the table correctly, based on your unique height and needs.
- Always check the safety features to make sure everything is functioning properly.
- Start using your table at the lowest degree available. As with anything new, the key is to start slowly and adjust gradually.
- Adjust by 10-20 degrees each week, as your body gets used to inverting.
- Start with two minutes of inversion and eventually work your way up to twenty minute sessions, again adding on just two to five minutes each week.
- Focus on your breath while you are inverted, making sure to take long, steady breaths, inhaling through the nose and exhaling through the mouth.
- Keep the abdominals engaged by pulling the belly button in toward your spine during your session.
- When you are ready to rotate back to an upright position, make sure you do it in a slow, controlled manner. Allow yourself to rest for a few moments before unstrapping your ankles and moving on about your tasks, in order to avoid feeling dizzy and to reduce the risk of personal injury.
There you have it- you are well on your way to some stellar inversion therapy on an inversion table! Good luck, relax, and enjoy your new experience!