How to Find the Best Inversion Stretch Table to Ease Back Pain
Using an inversion stretch table can be a great way to take pressure off your back and combat the effects of gravity, which have a tendency to aggravate your back and vertebral discs.
By simply tilting backwards for a few minutes now and then you can decompress your spine and help restore blood flow to your back. This of course will help ease back pain and help you stretch and lengthen your spine.
But it seems that there are so many different brands of inversion stretch tables out there, how can you begin to decide which one is right for you. Here I’ll be explaining a few important criteria to consider and giving your my recommendations for the best table for you.
Inversion Stretch Table Evaluation Criteria:
Weight – Since you’re going to be hanging upside-down suspended from your ankles, it is important to make sure that you get a quality inversion table. The last thing you want is for it to break and for you to fall on your head.
The best way to evaluate how sturdy a table is is to look at how much it weighs. Don’t trust your well-being to a cheap piece of rubbish that weighs less than 20 pounds.
Quality – Also make sure that you get a table that has been properly tested. One good thing to look for on your inversion table is the Underwriters Laberatory logo (UL).
UL is an independent testing group that evaluates all kinds of items ranging from computers to light bulbs to building construction materials for public safety. There are other quality testing agencies, but UL is by far the most prevalent.
Manufacturer’s Age – Make sure that the company making the inversion stretch table has been around for awhile. Again, you don’t want to trust your well-being and safety to a fly-by-night company… especially when you’re dangling upside down.
Return Policy – If the company has a return policy, this is another indicator that you’ve got a quality product.
With that said, here are my top picks for inversion stretch tables:
Teeter Hang Ups EP-550
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The Teeter Hang Ups EP-550 is a great place to start when you’re looking for an inversion stretch table. The company has been around for 30 years, so you know that they are putting out a good product.
What I like about this model is that the backrest is flexible and bends with you to provide more support with your stretching.
There is an adjustable foot platform that you can change to fit your ankles for optimum comfort.
And there is a strap that you can use to tilt the table back to pre-set angles such as: 20, 40, 60 degrees, and any custom angle you would like to use.
The entire table can also be easily tucked away into a closet or behind a door to save space in your home.
Plus you get an instructional DVD that will show you exercises you can do on your new inversion stretch table.
Teeter Hang Ups EP-950
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This is another model made by the same company as the table listed above. And because of that, it has many of the same excellent features.
This model, however, is basically just a sturdier and stronger version of the EP-550. If you are a larger person or someone who wants the added safety that a little more strength offers, the EP-950 is for you.
Ironman Gravity 2000
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While it may not have all the features of the previous two models, the Ironman Gravity 2000 is an excellent model.
What I particularly like is the ease of use. After you strap yourself in, all you really need to do to begin the inversion is lift your arms above your head and power of gravity will automatically take you back to either one of three preset angles or a custom angle that you define up to 90 degrees.
There is also extra-long safety bars that allow you to quickly and easily return to the upright position when your inversion session is done.
Check out the Ironman Gravity 2000 here.
Nubax Trio
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Although this isn’t an inversion stretch table in the strictest sense of the term, this is still a useful device for people that perhaps are uncomfortable with inversion therapy.
The Nubax Trio uses traction to suspend your back over a pivot point while allowing your shoulders and hips to move away from each other.
What is important with this device, in my opinion, is that you focus on loosening and relaxing your back rather than stretching the back muscles. This will give you better results.