by Philip |
Last Updated: September 30, 2021 When you buy something using the links on our posts, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Learn more.
Hello, fellow back pain sufferer! I’ve spent countless hours researching for the best tilt boards you can purchase and I’m here to pass on my findings.
The following table compares the 3 best premium products – that’s followed by full reviews of the top 5.
Last update on 2023-04-01 at 08:55 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / More info
Why I Wanted An Inversion Table
I’ve previously talked about some unpleasant pains that had me knocking on my ortho doc’s door and getting some therapy. What I didn’t mention at the time was that I also suffered from a herniated disc.
I like to think that I’m almost as good as new these days – and maybe that’s where the trouble starts. I always forget my bad back when I carry things — just simple stuff really, like a basket of laundry or a pile of books. Or pushing a heavy cabinet, or hoovering under the sofa.
The worst to happen would be a thrown back. If you’ve seen those seniors who suddenly can’t unbend from the waist, that’s me. Happily, that’s rare. More common is when I feel a compression in my spine and need more therapy.
In spinal decompression therapy, I’m put in a harness of sorts and my neck is pulled steadily by a machine. Sounds like torture? I get a painkiller beforehand and yes, it does help in unloading pressure from my spine and body. I get relief.
But I’m often too busy to go, and therapy is expensive. So I tried bending from the waist to relieve pressure. It wasn’t enough so I started hanging upside down from the bed to the floor. (If I were a yoga expert, I’d do that handstand thing. But alas, no.)
And that’s right about when I found out about inversion tables, where I can get the same therapy but in the comfort of my own home. If you have back pain, headaches, breathing problems, varicose veins, or simply want to do it for fitness reasons, inversion therapy might be just the thing for you.
These reviews feature choices at a range of price points, so, if money’s not your prime concern, and you’re simply looking for the best quality table, then you’ll find what you want.
The following reviews include height and weight ranges for each. Please ensure you purchase the correct model for your size. And as always, consult with your doctor if you are in any way unsure as to whether an inversion table is right for you.
Best Inversion Table Under 150
Best Entry-Level Inversion Table: Innova Fitness ITX800
The Innova ITX9800 is a great entry-level option for people who have never tried an inversion table before and want to try it out but are not willing to spend big bucks while they’re uncertain if it will really do them any good. It lets you do a trial run without the risk of paying too much for something you might not potentially use in the long term. If you’ve ever had to buy a fancy but expensive exercise machine or kitchen appliance that later ended up collecting dust in a corner, then you know exactly what we’re talking about.
The Innova ITX9800 has the basic features. It has patented safety straps for your legs, ankles, and feet. It has a large backrest pad, an adjustable headrest pad, and foam handlebars. To help you find your center of gravity no matter your height or build, it has a height adjustment tube and a six angle pin slot system that lets you invert to six positions.
I particularly find the broad backrest and adjustable headrest to be very comfortable. You’ll definitely feel safe with its heavy duty steel frame.
However, I do wish the handle for the ankle-locking system were longer so we wouldn’t have to bend down as much.
Pros of the Innova ITX9800:
- Three (3) adjustable positions for the headrest
- Tilts 15, 30, 45, 60, or 85 degrees
- Patented comfort strap system
- Strong, durable construction
- Lightweight
- Easy assembly
- Can be folded for storage
Cons of the Innova ITX9800:
- Would benefit from improved ankle support
- The ankle-locking system has a short handle
Innova ITX9800 Height/Weight Range:
- 4’10”-6’6”
- Up to 300 pounds
- Patented (US 10, 105, 276 B2) straps to provide extra comfort for your legs, ankles and feet
- Six (6) position adjustable pin system with added patent pending protective cover for easy positioning and safer inverting over strap...
- True balance System for easy inverting with ergonomically ankle holding System
Last update on 2023-04-01 at 08:55 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / More info
Best Budget with Heat and Massage: Innova ITM4800
The Innova ITM4800 is not your basic inverting table. For being under $150, it’s got two surprising features — namely, the lumbar heat and vibration. As pain sufferers know, heat and massage therapy are two very effective supplemental strategies that help beat chronic pain.
The ITM4800 comes with an adjustable massage pad that provides said heat and vibration. There are multiple settings for the massage, and you can choose from manual or automatic settings. You will need to position the Innova near a power outlet should you wish to use these functions.
Similar to the Innova Fitness ITX9800, it also has 6 adjustable pins and an adjustable headrest.
Because this is a budget model, the footrest is not adjustable.
This model is Amazon’s Choice for strength training inversion tables.
Pros of the Innova ITM4800:
- Massage and heat function
- Three (3) adjustable positions for the headrest
- Six angle pin system lets you adjust easily
- Sturdy and durable
- Very long power cord
- Easy to assemble
- Can be folded for storage
- Great value for money
Cons of the Innova ITM4800:
- The ankle-locking system has a short handle.
- The heat and vibration massage need to be used together and cannot be used separately.
Innova ITM4800 Height/Weight Range:
- 4’10”-6’6”
- Up to 300lbs
- Isolated heat and vibration therapeutic massage inversion with adjustable lumbar pad
- Assembled Product Dimensions: 46" L x 28 W" x 63" H
- Six (6) position Adjustable pin system with added Patent Pending Protective Cover for easy positioning and safer inverting over strap...
Last update on 2023-04-01 at 08:55 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / More info
Most Affordable: Yoleo Gravity
As of writing, the Yoleo and the Innova ITX9800 are almost the same budget price with a difference of just a few dollars. They’re the best budget options you can find in the market today. We just recently reviewed some portable massage chairs and had so much difficulty finding any good budget options that we decided to just leave them out of our list altogether. It’s amazing that it’s not the case here. It’s a big plus for back pain sufferers that there is a sizable amount of really good affordable options out there.
The Yoleo Gravity has all the basics down. It’s got a heavy duty and extra wide tubular frame with a height adjustment tube. You’ll feel safe inverting on this table, or even doing a head stand with it. The backrest is extended and comes with a removable lumbar pillow for those who need extra lower back support. For safety, you have a safety belt that goes from your shoulder to your knees and a chuckle buckle plus safety lock pin system.
Pros of the Yoleo Gravity:
- Ergonomic ankle-holding system with comfortable rear and front rollers
- The security lock pin and chuck buckle ankle-locking system is easy to reach and adjust
- Back crossbar can be adjusted to 3 angles
- Three colors to choose from: black, red, and blue
- Has a fold and roll design for storage; it can be folded and rolled away on transport wheels
- Really value for money
Cons of the Yoleo Gravity:
- Some find it hard to assemble
If you buy this model and have a hard time putting it together, you can check out this 2-minute YouTube video that has helped other buyers. It’s animated, and I’m honestly quite impressed by how they made it so simple.
- 4’10”-6’6”
- Up to 300lbs
Last update on 2023-04-01 at 07:14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / More info
Best Inversion Table Under 500
Best Overall: Teeter EP-560 Back Pain Relief Kit, FDA-Registered
At the risk of sounding like a commercial, Teeter is our brand of choice for inversion tables. There are many reasons to get the Teeter EP-560 despite the higher price point. First off, it’s a case of you get what you pay for. Teeter has proven itself to be a quality brand with quality products. This model, especially, is for the back pain sufferer. The company calls it their back pain relief kit.
Normally, I ignore product claims that they are FDA approved because it is usually a bogus claim. In the case of Teeter products though, it is genuine.
FDA REGISTERED 510(k) DEVICE: Teeter is the ONLY FDA registered inversion table. Indicated for back pain, muscle tension, herniated disc, sciatica, muscle spasm.
In case you’re wondering, the Teeter doesn’t have the same cushioned platforms that other models have. You might think it’s uncomfortable, but it’s not. The high quality plastic is actually comfortable as it yields quite easily to your body shape and weight.
The slots are also a plus for people who tend to sweat heavily as they provide good airflow for your back. There are also acupressure nodes that hit your muscles at the perfect spots so long as you are correctly aligned. If you are familiar with acupressure therapy, trigger point release has many health benefits. It’s relaxing at the least.
Here is the company video for it so you can see the features more close up:
If you are serious about your research on the EP-560, you should check out this very comprehensive review on YouTube.
Pros of the Teeter EP-560:
- Has the FDA seal of approval for back pain, herniated disc, spinal stenosis and other similar health problems
- Plastic platform has slots for good airflow and acupressure nodes. It also has large slots on either side of your head that act as grab handles
- Comes with lumbar support for people suffering from back pain and a small pillow for your head
- Comes with contoured ankle supports and an adjustable foot bed so that your feet are comfortable and secure
- The Back Pain Relief kit version of this Teeter model has longer handlebars compared to the regular model
- Has a tether strap angle adjustment that lets you invert at any angle once you adjust the strap to the length you want
- Excellent value for money; high satisfaction ratings from users
- Excellent construction and easy set-up
- Better cushioning and support compared to lower priced models and brands
- 5 Year full warranty
- Foldable
Cons of the Teeter EP-560:
- The ankle-locking system has a short handle
- No lock for when it folds
Teeter EP-560 Height/Weight Range:
- 4’8”-6’6”
- Up to 300lbs
Teeter EP-560 Storage Dimensions:
- 20 inch x 26.8 inch x 66 inch (50.8 x 73 x 167.6 cm)
In an ideal world, we’d have all the space we need to have lots of gym equipment lying about. More often than not, though, we need to stow our gear away. That’s something that Teeter really understands.
This video should be helpful for senior folks and those who are suffering from back or spine problems. Chances are you shouldn’t be carrying anything remotely heavy. This video teaches you an easy trick on how to put away your Teeter without having to pick it up and carrying it.
- FDA REGISTERED 510(k) DEVICE: Teeter is the ONLY FDA registered inversion table. Indicated for back pain, muscle tension, herniated disc,...
- OVERALL DIMENSIONS: 84" L x 29" W x 86" H | Folded: 20" x 28.8" x 66" | Weight: 59.0 lbs.
- CAPACITY: Height capacity: 4'8" - 6'6" | Weight capacity: 300 lbs.
Last update on 2023-04-01 at 08:55 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / More info
Best Infrared: Ironman IFT 4000
If you are looking for a premium model with a superb heating system, then you need to check out the Ironman IFT 4000.
The budget option Innova ITM4800 is an awesome inversion table for having heating as such a low price point. However, the heating is limited to the heating pad that goes across its middle. In the Ironman IFT 4000, the heating element runs from the tops of the shoulders to the buttocks. This means excellent coverage for stiff shoulders, an aching back, or a painful lumbar area.
The temperature can be adjusted from 90-140 degrees Fahrenheit, and it takes 10-15 minutes to heat up. The heat is soothing, relaxing, and most importantly, pain-relieving.
The high price tag delivers on a solid and stable construction. It has extra-long safety handles, a patented ratchet ankle-locking system, inverting hand grips, and a LED display and remote control for the heat.
Pros of the Ironman IFT 4000:
- With heat from infrared technology
- Solid and quality construction
- Inverts to 180 degrees with three starting positions
- Really high satisfaction rating; people who bought it are really happy with their purchase
- Supports up to 350 lbs unlike the usual 300 lbs of other brands and models
- Uses memory foam as padding so it’s very comfortable
- Extra-long safety handles
- Inverting hand grips for when you’re in an inverted position
Cons of the Ironman IFT 4000:
- NOT foldable and storable
- Does not invert more than 95% (if you want 100% full inversion, go for a Teeter)
- Pricey, but a case of you get the quality that you pay for
- Bad feedback on customer service
Ironman IFT 4000 Height/Weight Range:
- Up to 6’6”
- Up to 350lbs
- Inversion therapy table with advanced FIR heat technology
- Ultra-thin carbon fiber heating elements in backrest help soothe muscles
- May help reducing back pain and fatigue, and increasing blood circulation
Last update on 2023-04-01 at 08:55 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / More info
Frequently Asked Questions About Inversion Tables
What is an Inversion Table?
An inversion table is basically a length of padded board that you strap yourself on to – securely, of course! – and which can then tilt itself, and you, through a range of preset inclines. Some are even able to recline through a full 180 degrees meaning you’re literally upside down.
What are the benefits of using an Inversion Table?
Being inverted with appropriate security and support is widely held to help with a range of back problems, and also improves circulation and lymphatic drainage. Some people have found it helpful with breathing difficulties although the main medical focus is to treat back pain.
Is it really safe? It doesn’t sound it!
If you’re at all worried about safety, consider using one at a chiropractor’s office (most will have one), under their supervision. This has the added bonus of giving you time to ask a knowledgeable professional any questions you may have about safely using the same at home.
How does it help with back pain?
Inversion therapy helps in relieving pressure in the spine. Below is a short video that explains the process. You can read the YouTube comments too for testimonials and feedback.
How do inversion tables work for herniated discs?
As you rock back and forth or hang inverted, it’ll provide your spine with full traction. As you stand and go about your day, gravity compresses your spine, and this can result in pinched nerves, sciatic nerve pain, and herniated disc pain. It uses your own body’s mass to gently stretch your spine and reduce the pressure on your discs.
Can I use an inversion table safely if I have health conditions?
If you have pre-existing health conditions, are on medication (particularly blood thinners), or are pregnant, then, as with anything, it is advisable to ask your doctor first.
Is an inversion table the same as a tilt board?
Yes. A tilt board is simply another name for an inversion table. They are the same piece of equipment built to the same standard and used for the same purpose.
Will I need to be able to do sit ups to get up from an inverted position?
No. When you have finished your session, you can easily return the tilt board to a vertical position, and get off the same way you got on. There is no need for sit-ups or any range of motion that 99% of people would be unable to manage.
How long should I invert for?
The recommended period is usually 5-10 minutes per session.
If you plan to hang at the full ninety degrees, you should start out between 1 to 2 minutes until you get comfortable with hanging there. You can slowly work up to 3 to 5 minutes per session, but it’s important to listen to what your body is telling you and adjust accordingly.
It’s safe for most people, but hanging upside down will send a lot of blood to your head, so consult your doctor if you have heart problems, high blood pressure, and the like.
Will I feel dizzy?
You may experience slight dizziness. If it is severe or worries you in any way, stop usage and consult with your doctor.
Are they a replacement for pain medication?
No. If you have been advised to take pain medication for back problems, do not stop taking it.
An inversion table will also NOT alleviate a need for surgery on spinal issues if this has been identified. They are a complementary therapy, not a cure.
How much does an inversion table cost?
There is a wide price range, and it depends on what you want to be able to do with it. If you plan to use it just to hang upside down, they can start at just over $100. If you want an inversion table that you can exercise on and do crunches or ab workouts, they can cost upwards of $500 per table.
Reminders and Contraindications
Inverted tables get a bad rap because of bad usage. Take the following into consideration when using them.
- Always start slow. Beginners usually invert too fast and too far potentially causing more harm than good.
- Don’t do inversion therapy if you have high blood pressure, hypertension or are taking blood thinners. Being inverted slows down the heart rate and increases one’s blood pressure.
- The same goes for people with glaucoma, retinal detachment, and inner ear problems. Going upside down puts a pressure in your eyes and inner ear.
- If you are pregnant or overweight, do not get on an inverter table.
- Consult with your doctor who knows your medical history. This is the ideal when taking up a new sport or exercise.
If you are any of the above but need immediate help with pain, check out our posts on Gua Sha therapy and Tens units.
Author: Philip Andrew
A writer and teacher who enjoys lazing around and building winter nests out of duvets. “Most are too itchy. You’ve got to be picky.” His goal is to create a complete home spa for 24/7 access to rest and relaxation. Next on the agenda: a barrel sauna for the garden. Connect with Philip on Twitter @completehomespa.