Neck, back and hip pain is no joke. In fact, it can be crippling. Yet, millions of people are silently suffering every day. If you’re one of them, relief could be as simple as hanging upside down. Inversion therapy is a scientifically proven way to stop the pain and realign the body. While you can do this with anti-gravity boots, and to a lesser extent inversion stools, by far the safest and most effective way is to use an inversion table.
In this article, we’ll look at some of the best inversion tables on the UK market. We will also pinpoint and answer your most pressing inversion table questions.
Buyer’s Guide: Inversion Tables UK
Here’s what to look out for when you are shopping for a new inversion table:
- Rigidity – your inversion table is going to be supporting you as you are suspended upside down, so you need to ensure that it is going to do so safely and securely. It must have a heavy duty frame that will not give you any sideways movement when you are on it. The best indicator of the strength of the frame is the maximum user weight stipulated by the manufacturer. The heavier it is, the more heavy duty the frame is. As a general guide, go for an inversion table with a maximum user weight that is at least 25 kg heavier than the weight of the heaviest person you expect to use it. In terms of the frame design, the conventional “A” frame is the sturdiest.
- Adjustability – make sure that the inversion table is fully adjustable to allow you to customise your positioning. This should include the positioning of the ankle brackets.
- Comfort – you are going on your inversion table to find comfort and relief, so you want the experience to be as comfortable as possible. If you experience discomfort in your ankles or back due to insufficient padding, you will not be inclined to use the machine. So, check that the ankle brackets are well-padded and that the back pads are ergonomically contoured, sweat resistant and that they also contain a decent amount of padding. Be wary, however, of inversion tables that have too much back padding, as this has been shown to actually be detrimental to spinal relief.
- Handles – inversion tables that provide you with arm supports in the way of handles will make it easier for you to get into position and support yourself while you are inverted. Tables that come with full-length arms will allow you to walk your hands along the bar as you invert.
- Support – when you first buy an inversion table, it is quite likely that you will be new to the whole inversion therapy experience. Therefore, it is extremely helpful if your purchase includes support material to help you get going. Look for a table that comes with a manual, DVD or that provides access to online support.
Inversion Table Reviews
Confidence Inversion Table
The Confidence Inversion Table is a budget inversion table that is highly functional. It has a solid, stable A-frame, along with four floor stability stabilizers to ensure that the unit will not slide around while you are inverted. Fully padding covered full loop handles are provided to help you to get in and out of position.
Side covers are provided on each side of the main frame to prevent your fingers getting caught. The height of this inversion table is adjustable to suit users between 5’ and 6’6” in height. This lightweight unit is foldable and easily transportable. It’s always easy to set up and adjust.
If you are new to the inversion table market, the Confidence Inversion Table makes a very good entry level unit that will bring fast relief to your lower back, spinal, hip and glute pain. Although it is cheaply priced, it is definitely not cheaply made!
- Great price point
- A-Frame
- Floor stabilizers
- Adjustable to suit 5′ to 6’6″
- Easy set up
Teeter FitSpine X Inversion Table
No products found.The Teeter FitSpine X Inversion Table is the latest premium offering from Teeter, one of the most respected inversion therapy table manufacturers in the world. The comfort and support you get on this table is unparalleled thanks to the Flextech bed with eight point floating suspension system technology. This provides you with a greater range of motion, enabling full body slide that gives greater spinal decompression.
This inversion table is designed with grip and stretch handholds to provide support for getting in position and to offer greater stretching options. The wraparound ankle cups provide a secure, ergonomic fit while being extremely comfortable. Adjusting the movement on this table is very user-friendly, simply requiring arm movements to shift your body weight. The table will easily invert to any angle and has an optional lockout when in full inversion.
The bed of the Teeter FitSpine X Inversion Table is fitted with acupressure mode to provide trigger point release. There is also a lumbar bridge to focus the traction on the lower spine. Whether you’re after an inversion table for back pain, hip pain or general tightness overall, the heavy-gauge seal of the frame, combined with the secure locking system provided ensures that you will always be totally secure when using this inversion table.
Teeter also offer a five-year full warranty and you also receive a getting started DVD. This is also an amazingly cheap inversion table. It all adds up to the best home use inversion table on the UK market today.
No products found.
YOLEO Gravity Heavy Duty Inversion Table
The YOLEO Gravity Heavy Duty Inversion Table is a beast of a machine, providing absolute rigidity and stability for people weighing up to 136 kg. The combination of the triangular design and the heavy duty-steel frame make this an especially solid unit. This table ensures that you are securely fitted in place before you start inverting. The well-padded, extended backrest features a lumbar cushion to provide extra lower back support. The back support is ergonomically designed to work with the natural curvature of your spine.
This inversion table is fitted with full loop foam covered handlebars that make it easy to return to an upright position. The ergonomic ankle holding system and safety lock pin keeps your lower body securely in place without causing discomfort around the ankles. The height is adjustable from 147 cm to 195 cm. The space-saving design of this completely foldable unit means that you can easily store it under a bed or in a cupboard when not in use.
- Extra wide tubular steel frame
- Adjustable headrest pad
- Chuck buckle + safety lock
- 3 positon adjustable rear cross bar
- Max user weight: 136 kg
EXERPEUTIC Inversion Table
The EXERPEUTIC Inversion Table is an A-frame unit that provides you with a well-padded backrest and can be adjusted to 3 angles. It is fitted with a three position crossbar to allow for easy angle adjustment. This eliminates the need for the typical strap system that you find with many inversion tables. It also features an easy reach arm activated SURELOCK ankle locking system to keep your lower body securely in place.
This inversion table provides you with a double lock ratchet tooth mechanism to ensure that your inversion position is as secure as possible. The ankle cushions have been ergonomically moulded for the ideal fit and comfort. You also get a removable lumber pillow and full loop foam grip handles to make it easy to get in and out of position. When not being used, the unit can be folded for easy storage. The EXERPEUTIC inversion table has been UL Safety Certified by the Internationally Recognized UL Testing Laboratory.
- UL Safety Certified
- Heavy duty steel frame
- Palm activated ratchet locking system
- 165 degree inversion
- Max user weight: 113 kg
Fitness Reality Unisex Adult 690XL Inversion Table
The Fitness Reality Unisex Adult 690XL Inversion Table is a budget model inversion table that provides everything you need to get the relief that you demand. The A-shaped frame and quality square steel tubing provides all of the rigidity that you will need. This table has a maximum user weight of 136 kg and is height adjustable for people ranging from 1.45 m to 1.98 m. The back support is comfortably padded but not overly so that it would detract from your spinal compression. A removable lumber pillow helps to bring immediate relief to the lower spine.
This inversion table is capable of converting to a full 180°. The secure ankle holders are a combination of a foam roller and ankle cushions. An easy pin pulley system makes it easy to secure your feet in place. An adjustable tether strap enhances your security while you are hanging upside down. The unit is foldable for easy storage, with folded dimensions of 75” H x 28” W x 18” D.
- Foldable
- Foam rollers
- 3/4 inch soft foam backrest
- Removable lumbar pillow
- Max user weight: 136 kg
YATEK Folding Inversion Table Deluxe
No products found.The YATEK Folding Inversion Table Deluxe is among the most heavy-duty of all of the inversion tables that we have reviewed, with a max user weight of 150 kg. That tells you a lot about the strength and rigidity of the frame of this unit. The maximum height of users is 198 cm. A regulator allows you to achieve inversion of a range of angles all the way up to 180 degrees. The unit also provides you with a built-in detachable massager, which you can remove and use anywhere.
The YATEK Folding Inversion Table Deluxe provides you with a generously padded back support that is covered in sweat and moisture resistant vinyl. The ankle pads are foam covered for extra support and comfort. The full grip handlebars are also foam covered, allowing you to easily get in and out of position. This unit is completely foldable to make it easy to store away when not in use.
No products found.
Exerpeutic 475SL Inversion Table
The Exerpeutic 475SL Inversion Table is a solid unit that accommodates users up to 136 kg and between 1.54 and 2 m in height. It features a four angle position adjustable control pin that allows for easy inversion angle adjustment without the need for a strap. The patents pending Airsoft ankle holder provides excellent comfort and stability through the lower body. Adjustment of the ankle supports is by way of a palm activated SURELOCK adjustable ratchet ankle locking system.
This inversion table comes with a dual position headrest, well cushioned backrest in full loop foam covered handles that allow you to position yourself with ease. The double lock ratchet tooth mechanism provides extra security when inverting. The unit is foldable for ease of storage. As with all inversion tables from Exerpeutic, this one has been UL Safety Certified by the Internationally Recognized Testing Laboratory.
- 4 Angle position adjustable control pin
- AIRSOFT ankle holder
- “Palm Activated” SURELOCK
- 2 Position headrest
- 136 kg max user weight
Inversion Table FAQ
What is an inversion table?
An inversion table is a contraption that you lie on and that allows you to position your body in a number of different angles in order to relieve spinal pressure. You are able to adjust your body position so that your feet are above your head. This relieves pressure on your spinal column, allowing for greater blood flow through the area and for spinal decompression.
Why use an inversion table?
When you lie on an inversion table, you immediately relieve the downward pull of gravity on your spine. This will bring relief to all of the muscle groups that make up what we call your posterior chain. These include the neck, shoulders, traps, rhomboids, hamstrings and gluteal muscles.
Inversion will also relieve the downward compression of your spinal column and allow the spine to assume it’s natural alignment. This can bring immediate relief, especially if you have a pinched nerve in the spine.
Is it good to use an inversion table after a workout?
Yes, it is a good idea to use an inversion table after a workout. Doing so has been shown to relieve post workout soreness and speed up your general recovery. Spending a few minutes on an inversion table is especially advantageous if your workout has involved heavy pressing movements such as the overhead shoulder press or squatting movements that decompress the spine.
Is an inversion table good for strengthening the core?
Yes, an inversion table is a great tool to help you strengthen your core. Lying on an inversion table requires that you contract your entire core area. Many inversion tables also allow you to perform certain core centric exercises, such as lower back extensions that strengthen the muscles surrounding the lower spine.
Inversion Table Exercises
Here are five very effective exercises that you can do on your inversion table straight away:
Inverted Squats
Securely position yourself on the inversion table and then adjust to a fully inverted position. Now use the strength of your quadriceps and glutes to pull your upper body up to an erect position.
Inverted Crunches
Starting from a position of full inversion, place your crossed hands over your chest and use your core muscles to crunch up about 1/3 of the way. Tense your abs and then return to the fully inverted position.
Inverted Decompression
Starting from the fully inverted position, take a hold of each of the legs of the inversion table and pull downward, consciously stretching out the spine as you do so. Hold this position for several seconds to allow for full spinal decompression.
Inverted Situps
From the fully inverted position, raise your arms over your head. Now reach out as if you were about to touch your toes. As you come up, contract your core muscles. Hold the fully extended position and then slowly lower.
Inverted Rotation
Starting from a position of full inversion, reach across with your right hand to grab hold of the left side inversion table leg. Use your left hand for support on the leg also. Now rotate your torso, feeling the realignment in your spinal column. Hold for a few seconds before repeating on the other side.
Our Top Picks!
For us there’s a clear winner – the best inversion table on the UK market right now is the Teeter FitSpine X Inversion Table. With its Acupressure Nodes, precision rotation and FlexTech Bed with 8-point floating suspension system, it’s got everything you need for safe and effective inversion therapy at home.
Our second favourite inversion table is the YOLEO Gravity Heavy Duty Inversion Table, delivering extra wide tubular steel frame, adjustable headrest pad and chuck buckle with safety lock.
We also like the Confidence Inversion Table for those on a budget. It’s a no frills option but should still be sufficient for you to get some basic inversion therapy. If you’re just after some basic self-love and maintenance, this is the perfect option without breaking the bank.
References:
https://www.healthline.com/health/inversion-therapy
https://www.webmd.com/back-pain/what-are-inversion-tables#1
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/back-pain/expert-answers/inversion-therapy/faq-20057951
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321724
Looking for something different? Why not check out our mini stepper reviews or folding exercise bikes?
Last update on 2024-06-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
