Items To Pay Attention Before you Buy a Used Inversion Table

There are a few specific items that you must pay attention to before any purchase.  Frankly, many of these items need to be looked at before buying any kind of fitness equipment, but especially this one since you will be hanging upside down on the machine.

1. What does the frame look like?  Make sure you go beyond looking at which type of frame the inversion table has (i.e. one that is static, or one that folds).  While important, what really matters is how good of shape the frame is in.  Make sure it’s basically like new, or pass and get a new one.
2. Are the platforms and clamps in proper working order?  Again, this is extremely important.  Not only do you want to make sure that the clamps are working properly, but make sure the padding around the ankle area is still in decent shape.  Nothing is worse than trying to invert on a machine that hurts your ankles every day.
3. What kind of shape is the back pad in?  The back pad should be in good condition.  Really, you don’t move a lot on that pad, and as such you generally are not wearing it down that much.  If the pad is worn, that can be an indication that the rest of the machine may be very well used and worn itself.
4. Finally, if the specific inversion table has a motor, make sure that it works very well.  You don’t want to get stuck in a position that isn’t comfortable because the motor breaks down.  For me, if you are looking at a used inversion table for sale then I would go with one that doesn’t have a motor (I don’t think they are needed anyways)

Should I really Buy a Used Inversion Table, or Should I just Buy a New One?

Obviously this one will be answered differently based on a lot of different factors.  However, I think many times it’s smarter to just buy a new one.  I happened to purchase a used teeter inversion table (the F7000S) and love it, but the one I found was in perfect condition, had only been used a few times, and I trusted the owner completely (I worked with her and new she wasn’t lying), and she gave me a great, great deal.

Overall, you can find great deals on used inversion tables, but just be careful - do your homework and make sure you really are getting the deal that you wanted - and make sure you don’t get stuck with a lemon or you will regret it.

There are many pro inversion tables available for use and as with any type of equipment you would like to purchase it is important to do research and determine which one is right for you.  In this article we will compare two different tables and their features.  Both tables have great customer reviews and are highly recommended.  The first is the health mark pro inversion table.  This table is a more basic model, and with the more basic model it has a lower price tag. This model has many features that make it a worthwhile purchase.  There are 4 different angles that can be locked in that can help control your speed and angle of inversion.  This can make the process of inverting more comfortable for you.  This model is made of high quality materials that will increase its longevity.  The split leg design allows the increases the frame strength and stability.  This model is a very good starter model to determine if inversion therapy is for you and if it relieves your pain or helps you feel better.

A second model from health mark is the pro max inversion table.  This is an upscale model that retails for around $800.  The main upgrade in this model is the ability to invert face up or face down.  This gives you the flexibility to choose the position that is most comfortable for you and provides you with the most relief.  This table is also equip with pads so that a massage therapist can provide a massage in the inverted position. It also has an extra angle in incline to help you control your speed of inversion.  Another upgrade of this model is the extra padding around your ankles and knees that provide you with more comfort and support. 

Either health mark pro inversion table model is a good choice and provides you with inversion therapy that can greatly reduce your back, neck and headache pain.  The health benefits of a fitness pro inversion table makes this purchase a good investment.  Inversion table therapy is a good way to relieve pain and be able to resume your normal daily activities that pain was getting in the way of.

There are many lynx back stretcher reviews online that allow for an overall view of what customers think of this product.  There are mainly very positive reviews that highlight the health benefits that they have experienced from using the device.  When looking to buy lynx portable back stretcher you should expect to pay around $100.  This is a great price for the benefits that come with using the back stretcher. 

Some of the many benefits and features of this device include self induced traction that allows you to control how much stretching is done, spinal decompression, spinal alignment, reduction of back pain, improves your posture, increases flexibility, and promotes relaxation.  The lynx back stretcher review indicates that this device is very well made and includes contoured adjustable foot supports; nylon covered handles its own travel bag and is made of sturdy aluminum material that will last through many stretches.

After determining you would like to purchase the lynx and you receive it, it is important to follow the simple directions for use so that you do not get injured using the device.  The most time consuming part of the set up process is adjusting the back stretcher to fit you so that you get the maximum benefit from the traction process.  First you need to open the ankle supports and the handles in order to get ready to use the device.  Next it is important to extend the main shaft and adjust the handles.  When you are adjusting the handles it is important that the handles fit snugly against your hips so that you can obtain an effective stretch, if they are too loose or are in the wrong position you will not get the maximum benefit from your treatment.  Next it is time to adjust the main shaft length.  When the lynx is stood on its end from the ankle supports it should reach your hips.  Now it is time to lie down and begin stretching.  Once your ankles are secured in the device and you have grabbed the handles it is important to note that your arms are bent between 15 and 20 degrees, if they are bent more or less you will not receive the full benefits of the stretch.  When you are actually using the device it is important to hold your stretch for 5-10 seconds and then rest, repeating two or three times for each treatment.  The lynx back stretcher is a great device when used properly and can really help relieve back pain.

One particular piece of equipment for back stretching is the lumbar extender back stretcher.  This piece of equipment is popular for its portability as well as its effectiveness in stretching and realigning your back muscles to provide the most back comfort possible.  There are many possible problems that can cause back discomfort including overstretching, poor alignment, and rigid muscles.  These problems can occur from daily back use and can be fixed by just a few minutes a day on a piece of back exercising equipment that specializes in stretching your back.  The lumbar stretcher is beneficial because it has different levels of stretching that you can go through as your back becomes healthier and more easily stretched.  These different levels allow you to improve your back health with each subsequent use of the device.

There are many other back stretch equipment out there and it is imperative to do your own research in order to find the one that is right for you.  It is also important to follow all of the instructions included with the device you choose in order to gain the full benefit from the stretching.  If you do not follow the simple instructions then all of the work you are doing will be undone.  The other benefit to back stretching equipment is that there are effective devices that fit every budget. 

The DRX9000 spinal decompression machine is one alternative for treatment.  This machine is highly technical and when ran by a trained professional can truly help with relieving of back pain.  This machine is thought by many to be just a traction machine, but it is instead a highly sophisticated machine that relies on computerized data to help it determine the amount of traction needed to help relieve the compression on your back.  This machine takes into account the patient’s weight and angle of pull to determine the amount of decompression that is needed for the best pain relief. 

Many people with chronic pain consider purchasing their own spinal decompression machine for home use in order to have the resources they feel are necessary without having to pay a doctor for treatment.  This is especially true for patients where spinal decompression is not covered by their insurance companies.  However, many insurance companies will cover the treatments under rehabilitation services.  If this is not your case however it is important to do your own research as well as consult with a physician before determining if this option is right for you.  The problem with home treatment is that you take out the professional from the equation and have to rely on the machine to give you the guidance you need.  Also when you are running the spinal decompression machine you may not get the results you want and therefore you need to consider your options before looking at the spinal decompression machines for sale in your area. 

Spinal decompression is a good option for people with chronic back pain.  Back pain is a very dehabilitating problem that can cause a decreased range of motion and really limit your abilities depending upon your lifestyle.  Also the medication that is required to take to get any relief can really affect your life because they can cause drowsiness.  Home spinal decompression is a viable option for some and can really relieve back pain, it is just an idea that needs to be researched fully in order to ensure that you will get the full benefit from the treatments and get the full worth from the money you spend.  Back pain is a very prevalent problem in the world today and can be treated noninvasively in some cases.

Mastercare makes many different types of tables and each table has different uses that are appropriate for different users.  An inversion table mastercare makes will insure that it is of good quality no matter which model that you choose.   The first option is the Mastercare MINI Standard Inversion Table.  This inversion table is a great option for people that move around a lot or that live in tight quarters as it is a very compact model that can be transported fairly easily.  This smaller model still encompasses all of the benefits of a full sized model and should do just as good of a job of relieving your back pain as a full sized model.  The next option is the Mastercare Back-A-Traction CN-A1 Inversion Table.  This table is unique in that it allows you to relive your back pain on your back or on your stomach as you are inverted.  The multiple positions allowed with this table can enable you to relieve back pain that may have different characteristics and qualities depending on the day.  A third option is a deluxe model that allows you to have the ultimate control over your therapy; it is called the Mastercare Back-A-Traction The Swedish Back Care System Inversion Table.  This table has a moving back rest that responds to your movements to provide the necessary support and comfort during the therapy process. After researching all of the mastercare inversion options you can determine which model is right for your needs and that will enable you to have the most back pain relief.  Another benefit to investing in your own inversion table is the money you will save from having to visit a doctor for therapy and/or medication to relive pain that you can relieve yourself at home.

After fully inverting on day 2 I was completely ready to do the same on day 3, and I was going to incorporate slightly swinging back and forth into the routine to better stretch my hips and lower back areas.  However, I didn’t realize how hard it is to hang upside down while congested and stuffed up.  Even though I felt fairly comfortable on my Teeter F7000S inversion table, I still didn’t want to go fully inverted without having about 2 minutes to allow my body to slowly adjust to the change.  It was in those two minutes that I realized this was not going to be as easy as it was the previous two days.

I found it much more difficult to breath while congested and hanging upside down, and I may have decided to skip the day except for the fact that I felt so great after my first two days (in other words I was very lucky this didn’t happen to me on day one).  So I powered through it - breathing slowly and only out of my mouth I fully inverted and hung for a total of 5 minutes.  While this was a little bit less than what I wanted to do, I was glad I at least got five minutes of inversion table use in.  

Summary

Basically, when I was asking people how to us an inversion table it had never even occurred to me that being congested would affect you, but it does.  However, don’t let that stop you - it really isn’t that hard to get through.  Afterward you will feel great, relaxed, stretched out, and possibly even a little less congested (I know I did for some reason, it was a great side-effect of inversion table use, at least that one day).

Using and Inversion Table - Day 2

Day 2 was even better than day one.  I wasn’t nervous at all about how to use or how to adjust the inversion table.  I did make one slight adjustment so I could more easily invert 100%, as per the instructions which I left attached to the table (it’s always best practice to leave those attached to the table to make it easy for others to make these adjustments and just in case you have forgotten them, but you can also find inversion table instructions for most brands online in case something happened to yours).   Basically, I adjusted the roller hinge to the top or ‘A’ setting, which is the most responsive setting and is suggested for those who do want to fully invert.  I was tempted to only invert about 70 degrees again, but decided that since everything went so well on my first attempt that I would leave it open for me to try full inversion if I so felt like it.

Once again, I took it slow.  Not quite as slow as the first day, but it still took me about 1 minute to invert to 70 degrees.  At that point I decided to rest in that position until I felt fully comfortable, or about 3 minutes, and then decided to let go (metaphorically speaking of course) and fully invert!  That was  rush, literally, to my head.  Going from 70 degrees to a fully inverted position is a very big difference.  At this point I felt slightly nervous, since I was just hanging there, and even though I had a spotter I decided to check and make sure that I was able to get back up easily (which I was) before coming back down again fully.  I then hung for 2 more minutes (for a total of about 6 minutes), and then slowly came up again to give my body time to adjust as I did in day 1.

There were three main differences I found between full inversion and partial inversion:

1. The blood rush to the head was much greater.  However, after relaxing and taking a few deep breaths this wasn’t bad at all.  After the 2 minutes I was almost completely adjusted.
2. My feet felt slight discomfort.  Again, I decided to go without shoes since I preferred that way from day one, but I did adjust to the discomfort (I wouldn’t call it hurting my feet) rather quickly as well after about 1 minutes.  I did do an ‘inverted push-up’ very carefully to relieve the pressure once from my feet.
3. I really started to feel the benefits of inversion tables.  The stretch was amazing on my lower back, my legs, neck, and shoulders - and I felt even better than when I came up after day one.   I had been told that I wouldn’t be able to fully relax and stretch my body for a few days (which was true in hindsight), but I really enjoyed the full inversion almost immediately.

Summary

While it might not be as easy for everyone to adjust to inversion therapy, it really was much easier than I thought it would be.  Just continue to take things slowly and follow your doctors orders to make sure you don’t get hurt.  At this point I would still recommend against doing much more than just hanging straight down (no inverted sit-ups or crunches or swinging from side to side yet).

How To Use An Inversion Table Starting Day 1

First of all, you need to get your doctor’s approval.  I had recently undergone a physical and knew I was good to go.  However, that did not prevent me from taking things slowly the first day.  It is very highly recommended to take things slow to let you adjust to handing upside down.  Basically, after  I set up the inversion table (the Teeter F7000S is extremely easy to set up - anyone can do it) I read through all the instructions, which are attached to the inversion table.  This part is very important, as there are different settings for each table that need to be adjusted according to your height and weight.  You don’t adjust them properly then you will not be able to invert properly, since an inversion table basically works like a teeter-totter and needs to be properly balanced to do so.  This brings up a good point - make sure your inversion table will support your height/weight profile (and this goes both ways - being too big or too small for the table).  Some tables will only allow users who weight 250 lbs., so if you are over this amount you need to pay extra attention before you purchase an inversion table.

Next comes the ankle and leg holds.  You want to make these as snug as possible so there isn’t a lot of slipping and so you are being held up instead of you hanging by your ankles.   These clamps were very easily adjusted for me and I felt very comfortable in them.  However, I didn’t follow the directions here for a reason.  The directions said to have tennis shoes on and clamp my ankles down, but I found that to be fairly uncomfortable and preferred instead to simply wear socks.  That way I got a little padding to protect my skin and hair from pulling and my ankles did not hurt at all.   For you it may be different, but I would recommend trying each of those three options out to find out which one you like best.

Last, of course comes the actual inverting.  This was quite fun the first time for me, partly because I took it nice and easy.  The Teeter F7000S has a strap that you can clip into the underside of the table to prevent you from inverting fully, and for the first run I decided to go this route - a good idea.  I inverted slowly, starting at a slight inversion degree from level, and increased my decline about 10 degrees every 30 - 45 seconds (basically enough time to allow my head to adjust to the increased blood flow) until I reached about a 70% decline.  I then hung for a total of 5 minutes and slowly came up at the same rate I declined.

My Reaction/Experience

Inverting on the inversion table felt amazing.  I suffer slightly from sciatic pain, neck pain, and shoulder pain and all three felt better almost immediately.  I felt like my body was finally loose and the blood flow seemed to improve as well.  I didn’t have any problem adjusting going down or coming up, although I imagine I would have had major issues with this had I not taken it so slowly.   Bottom line, I was hooked just after one try - no inverting one time didn’t get rid of all my slight pain and discomfort, but I did feel better, more relaxed, and ready to go back to work.

Summary and Tips for Proper Use of Inversion Tables:

In order to have a good experience your first time using an inversion table, do the following:

1. Get your doctor’s blessing - no one should use an inversion table without getting clearance first.
2. Find out if you are more comfortable with socks or shoes
3. Invert slowly, in increments of about 10 degrees, so your body and head can adjust to the increased pressures.  There will be increased blood flow to your head, so this is important to adjust to so you don’t pass out.
4. Have someone spotting you until you are comfortable with the machine.

If you follow these tips for using an inversion table I think you’ll find that 1) your ankles won’t hurt, 2) you won’t pass out, and 3) you will thouroughly enjoy your experience.

Purchasing an Inversion Table

The first thing I needed to do was to purchase an inversion table. Once again, I started online trying to find a good review of the latest inversion table models available. The best place I found was amazon.com - that was the best site to see not only the cost of inversion tables but also which ones were best sellers and got the best reviews from actual buyers. The inversion tables I was considering were:

Teeter Hang Ups EP-950 Inversion Therapy Table - This table has the most and best reviews.  Of course, my first thought was that was due to the fact that it’s THE name brand (Teeter, who basically invented these), and is sold on TV with tons of brand recognition.  However, after looking into it more I quickly saw that its not just the brand name that makes this model so popular.  One of the main advantages of the EP-950 is that is has a flexible back via its patented ‘Flex Technology’, which is a very nice feature for those who don’t want to invert 100% (this doesn’t really do anything when you are fully inverted).  It also comes with traction handles build into the machine (which is great), folds up easily for storage, and overall a very comfortable table for inversion therapy.  The price tag is around $399 - not bad for everything you get.

The next table  I considered was the Teeter Hang Ups F7000S Inversion Table.  This inversion table has the next best rating in terms of number and quality score, which shows that not only is Teeter a very well-known brand but that they also make very good tables.  The Teeter F7000S is really your basic inversion table, but is very popular for a few reasons.  First of all, it’s very well constructed.  Inverting in the F7000S is very smooth and balanced - you can tell it’s well-constructed.  The foot/ankle holds are very comfortable, and it’s also super easy to fold up the table or even separate the two parts for quick and easy storage.  The price tag - you save $100 from the EP-950, spending around $299 (you can find refurbished models for even less).  The downside?  You don’t get built in traction handles, but those can be purchased for under $30 on Amazon.

The Ironman Gravity 2000 Inversion Table was the first inversion system to come up which wasn’t a Teeter product and got terrific reviews.  When I first saw the Ironman 2000 inversion table my first thought was - “Wow, great reviews (all 4 or 5 stars), looks to be very similar to the Teeter F7000S, and I can get it for only $175?  Sounds like a great deal!”.   Frankly, that’s basically what you will find in all the reviews.   Most people find they can set it up quickly, that it’s very sturdy, and does a great job at a fraction of the cost of the Teeter.   The main drawback to this model are a lack of traction handles, and I don’t believe that you can purchase any with this model.   Really, it’s a lot like the F7000 series from Teeter, with the main difference being how your feet/ankles are clamped (which you can see very easily when comparing pictures)

There were a couple of other models that I looked into such as the Weslo Inversion Flex System and the Kettler APOLLO inversion trainer table, but I really found that I liked the three above the best - and I had three basic choices - the high end table, the mid-range name brand, and the mid-range value.

My Purchase Decision and Recommendation

So which one would I recommend and which one did I purchase?  For me, I thought the best model was the Teeter Hang Ups F7000S for a few reasons:

1. I didn’t feel I needed the ‘Flex Technology System’ offered by the higher-end EP-950.  I prefer to use the table hanging fully upside down, and I won’t need to bend the table back in that position.
2. I can add the stretch traction handles for only $30, which is something I really wanted
3. Everyone loved it

However, if you are someone who will not be inverting fully then it may be well worth the extra $100 to go with the EP-950, and if you are on a tighter budget then you really can’t go wrong with the Ironman model either.