The Best Inversion Table

Hanging upside down may not sound like your idea of a fun time, but if you suffer from back pain, it may provide some much-needed relief. Inversion therapy involves suspending a person in a way that reduces pressure on the spine, which, in effect, opens up the vertebrae and boosts circulation.

“Spinal traction is a huge benefit in using an inversion table regularly,” Stephanie Mansour, a certified personal trainer and the founder of fitness brand Step It Up Steph, says. “You can think of spinal traction as a way to decompress or stretch out the spine. This helps with pain relief, flexibility and mobility. It also helps improve circulation throughout the body. Going upside down can be cooling to the nervous system and promote relaxation as well.”

However, it’s important to note that inversion therapy may not be the best solution for everyone. Those with high blood pressure or glaucoma should be especially wary. Your first step before you start shopping for an inversion table should be to check with your doctor to make sure it’s safe for you.

“I recommend checking with a chiropractor or a sports physician first before using an inversion table,” Mansour says. “If it’s right for you, buying one is a wise investment because it’s most effective when used regularly instead of just a one-time treatment.”

Once you’re cleared to give an inversion table a try, safety is a top priority. Pay close attention to the construction of your chosen table to make sure it’s built to keep you in place. Some tables also include hand grips to give you extra protection against falls. You’ll also find nonskid stabilizers may help keep you in position as you invert.

Although experts recommend starting out with only one or two minutes of inversion per session, you may eventually be able to work your way up to 20-minute sessions. This is quite a bit of time in that position. To make it as comfortable as possible for yourself, look for features like backrests and pillows. You’ll probably also find that an adjustable table will help you customize it for your own height and build.

When your table isn’t in use, you’ll likely want to store it out of the way. Look for a table that folds up to make this as easy as possible. Some tables are heavier than others, which can make your table tough to maneuver around, even if you’ve found one that folds up for storage. If you plan to leave your table out, though, consider the bulk of the table and make sure you have enough room for it.

“Measure the space you have to fit this inversion table in your home,” Mansour advises. “Make sure the measurements are accurate so that you can go upside down with ease instead of banging into a piece of furniture or not having adequate space to step onto the table and clip your feet in.”

• For safety and effectiveness, you’ll need a table with sturdy construction. The Teeter EP-960 Inversion Table is built using heavy-gauge steel parts and hand grips that help protect against accidents. The IRONMAN Gravity Inversion Table has a durable tubular steel frame with a finish that resists scratches. Its rubber floor stabilizers keep your table from moving as you invert.
• Ankle support is also an important safety feature. The Merax Vibration/Heat Inversion Table uses oversized foam rollers to secure your ankles without sacrificing comfort.
• Even if it provides relief, an inversion table can become uncomfortable, particularly where your ankles strap in and your head meets the table. The Teeter EP-960 Inversion Table has an ergonomic design to hold you in a comfortable position while you’re inverted, and the Merax Vibration/Heat Inversion Table has a well-padded backrest to keep you comfortable while you’re using it. The Innova Heat/Massage Inversion Table has an adjustable lumbar pad and soft, foamy handlebars.
• As you can probably imagine, no two people will fit on an inversion table the same way. The Teeter EP-960 Inversion Table can support those from 4’8” to 6’6”. Weight capacity is also important. The Teeter EP-960 Inversion Table and Innova Heat/Massage Inversion Table can support users of up to 300 pounds, while the IRONMAN Gravity Inversion Table extends that to 350 pounds.
• Before you shop, determine what you plan to do with your table when it’s not in use. The Teeter EP-960 Inversion Table folds up for easy storage, but it weighs approximately 70 pounds, making it a little tough to move around. The Merax Vibration/Heat Inversion Table and Innova Heat/Massage Inversion Table, on the other hand, are much lighter, weighing only 55 pounds and 57 pounds, respectively.
• Whether you plan to leave it out full-time or tuck it away, you’ll still need to have enough room for your table when it’s fully open. The Teeter EP-960 Inversion Table needs 7 feet of clearance when set up.