If you have experience with back pain, you are likely aware of how inversion tables can alleviate this pain.
However, people are not always privy to the many other health benefits of an inversion table.
Below, I will discuss these benefits and review some of the best tables available. An inversion table is a device that allows a person to invert with the head lower than the feet.
This position alleviates pressure on the discs between vertebrae in the spine. This pressure can be caused by afflictions like slipped discs, compressed vertebrae, surgery, or simple gravity.
Though spinal pain or injury is a typical reason people purchase inversion tables, they offer many other health benefits to those who do not have such injuries.
Read on to learn about the different benefits of inversion therapy, and find out which inversion table is right for you!
The following table quickly compares the most important features of each Ironman inversion table we reviewed.
Quick Comparison Guide
| Model | Ankle Lock: | Back Support: | Inversion Lock: | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ironman 5214 IFT 4000 | Palm Activated Ratchet | Memory Foam with Heat | No | Check price! |
| Ironman 5402 Gravity 4000 | Palm Activated Ratchet | Memory Foam | No | Check price! |
| Ironman 5201 Gravity 1000 | Spring Loaded Pin | Nylon Covered Frame | No | Check price! |
| Ironman 5211 IFT 1000 | Spring Loaded Pin | Memory Foam with Heat | No | Check price! |
| Ironman 5600 iControl 400 | Extended Lock Out Pin | Memory Foam | Yes | Check price! |
| Ironman 5800 Gravity 3000 | Palm Activated Ratchet | Memory Foam | No | Check price! |
| Ironman 5620 iControl 600 | Extended Lock Out Pin | Air Tech Memory Foam | Yes | Check price! |
Ironman Inversion Tables Reviews
The following are our top 7 Ironman tables for inversion therapy. There are models to meet any need. Some are more basic and some have more bells and whistles.
Ironman 5214 IFT 4000 — Best Overall Inversion Table
The Ironman 5214 IFT 4000 adds an extra perk to inversion therapy offering infrared heat in the padded foam backrest.
This table gives you the ultimate experience in pain relief and relaxation.
Invert to nearly any angle using the extra-long padded handles to slowly adjust the table.
This table offers 180-degree inversion with a 2.5-inch memory foam backrest. The ankle locks are the most comfortable and ergonomic with a palm activated ratchet release.
When turned on, FIR (far infrared rays) heat diffuses deep into the muscles without skin tenderness, allowing for heat and inversion therapy at the same time.
There is no locking mechanism to set the inversion at a specific angle, but there is a strap to keep the bed from inverting too far.
An easy-to-use LED panel and a remote control allow you to adjust the temperature of the heated backrest.
Perhaps because this sturdy table can support up to a 350-pound person, it is one of the largest tables we reviewed at 83 pounds.
Its hulking presence can seem bulky in smaller areas. Because of its size, it can be difficult to store or relocate without taking it apart.
Overall, this $300 table is moderately priced for what it offers; heat therapy and stable inversion. If you are using an inversion table for a “bad” back or to aid in surgical recovery, the Ironman 5214 IFT 4000 will meet all your needs.
- Incorporates heat and inversion therapy
- Easy lock/unlock ankle braces
- Bulky and heavy
- Takes a long time to heat up
- Cannot be easily folded for storage
Ironman 5402 Gravity 4000 — Best Value Inversion Table
The Ironman 5402 Gravity 4000 has many of the same features as the IFT 4000 except for the FIR heating element.
For just under $200, the Ironman 5402 Gravity 4000 is a great value!
Steel tube construction with sturdy rubber on the bottom, make this unit extremely stable.
This is another large table able to support up to 350 pounds. It has a wide backrest made of 2.5 inches of memory foam covered in vinyl.
A lumbar pillow is attached to the backrest with Velcro and can be easily removed if preferred. The Ironman 5402 Gravity 4000 has easy to grip handles to pull up from inverting.
There is no locking mechanism to hold inversion at a specific place, but it does include a strap to prevent over inverting and flipping the table. It also has three positions to increase or decrease your inversion range.
It also offers the palm activated ratchet ankle locks with a long release handle. This long handle is helpful to release your legs without having to bend over too far.
The Ironman 5402 Gravity 4000 will fold up for storage but it is still to bulky to fit underneath a bed.
For the price, this is a stable inversion table with a sturdy, comfortable backrest. If you do not need the added benefit of heat with your inversion therapy, the Ironman 5402 Gravity 4000 will save you $100.
- Great value
- Easy lock/unlock ankle braces
- Adjustable inversion range
- Folds up easily for storage
- Bulky and heavy
- Does not lock into inversion
Ironman 5201 Gravity 1000 — Most Portable Inversion Table
If you need a solid inversion table but do not want to spend a lot of money, the Ironman 5201 Gravity 1000 is the way to go.
Priced just below $150, it is an affordable option for basic inversion therapy.
It is one of the lightest tables on our review at 46 pounds.
It is made of tubular steel with rubber pads on the bottom for stability.
Like the prior models, it does not allow for locking into inversion. It does fold up easily for storage and assembly is straight-forward.
A drawback to the Ironman 5201 Gravity 1000 is its lack of a sturdy backrest. The backrest consists of a sheet of nylon pulled over the frame of the unit with no padding.
This makes the support bar hit users right in the middle of the back in certain angles. This nylon tends to stretch out over time, making the support bar even more of a pain.
The ankle locks can hurt the feet more than others while inverting and they can be difficult to adjust for multiple users.
A spring-loaded locking pin is used for locking the ankles in place. The release lever is low, so it could be hard to reach for those with severe back pain.
Being the best priced table has its limits and this one is evident in the backrest. If you do not plan to invert for long periods of time, this table could work for you.
It is also more portable than most others, making it ideal if you need to store it away.
- Least Expensive
- Sturdy, stable table
- Easily folds up for storage
- No solid backrest
- Does not lock into inversion
- Ankle supports can hurt
Ironman 5211 IFT 1000 — Best Priced Inversion Table with Heat
Like the Ironman 5214 IFT 4000, the Ironman 5211 IFT 1000 offers both heat and inversion therapy in one.
At just under $200, it is nearly $100 cheaper.
It uses the same FIR (far infrared rays) that can diffuse deep into the muscles without bothering the skin.
The heating unit has an LED panel and remote control for easy operation while inverted.
This unit weights just 50 pounds and will support up to 300 pounds. Unlike the rest of the inversion tables we reviewed, this one does not come with a powder coated finish.
This means that it is not scratch resistant. The table is still built with the same sturdy steel so this doesn’t compromise the stability.
It uses pin locking mechanism to lock the feet, and the ankles are supported by rubber cups and foam rollers. The pin release lever is located low on the machine, meaning you have to bend over significantly to free yourself.
If you want heat therapy along with inversion but not the hefty price tag of the Ironman 5214 IFT 4000, then the Ironman 5211 IFT 1000 is your table! It is smaller and easier to fold up and would be ideal for a smaller person.
This unit quickly and easily folds up for storage, but like its brethren, it is still too bulky to fit under a bed. It is important to note that adjusting the range of inversion requires the table to be disassembled. This can be a tedious and time-consuming process.
- Incorporates heat and inversion therapy
- Sturdy, lightweight
- Easily folds up for storage
- Does not lock into inversion
- Not scratch resistant
- Adjusting inversion range is difficult
Ironman 5600 iControl 400 — Best for Inverted Exercising
The Ironman 5600 iControl 400 has that sought-after feature absent in many inversion tables: an inversion lock system!
The iControl disc brake system allows you to lock into any inverted position, making it an ideal table for inverted exercising.
Crunches, sit-ups and even reverse squats can be performed easily with this table.
This locking feature allows for easier mounting and dismounting. For just under $200, you get a 1.5-inch steel frame capable of supporting up to 275 pounds.
This table is mid-range for weight at 66 pounds. Relocating it would be slightly difficult, but it does fold up for storage.
It has a 1.5 inch foam backrest and comes with a convenient “cup” holder. It uses a pin-lock ankle system with an extra long handle so you do not have to bend over as far to release yourself.
The ankle cuffs are made of a hard rubber and can be uncomfortable for long periods of inversion.
If you want an inversion table less for therapy and more for health and fitness, the Ironman 5600 iControl 400 might be for you.
With the disc braking system, you are able to invert and lock at nearly any angle, adding as much or as little intensity to your workouts as you’re comfortable.
- iControl inversion lock system
- Extra-long ankle release lever
- Ability to exercise while inverted
- Hard rubber ankle supports can be painful
- Comes fully disassembled
Ironman 5800 Gravity 3000 — Sturdiest and Most Stable Table
This model is made to support taller, heavier people.
Likes the others, it is made with a tubular steel frame with rubber stabilizers on bottom.
The backrest is 2.5 inches of memory foam and is extra wide. This table can support up to 350 pounds.
The Ironman 5800 Gravity 3000 uses a strap tether to adjust how far the table inverts.
This is the only way to “lock” inversion for exercise, and you are limited to very few, mostly upside-down options.
This table uses the palm activated ratchet to release the ankle locks. This is, by far, the easiest way to free yourself from the table. They use molded solid rubber for the ankle grips that can cause irritation with extended use.
This table can be hard to fold up due to its weight of 67 pounds. However, for just over $220, this is a solid, sturdy table that will offer substantial pain relief.
- Easy release ankle locks
- Sturdy for larger people
- Ability to exercise while inverted
- Hard rubber ankle supports can be painful
- Heavy to fold up or relocate
- No inversion lock
Ironman 5620 iControl 600 — Most Comfortable Inversion Table
Just under $300 gets you a 1.5-inch by 2.5-inch oval steel frame capable of supporting up to 300 pounds.
The backrest offers 2.75-inches of “Air Tech” memory foam.
This allows you to comfortably invert without disrupting air flow to the backrest.
This technology cradles the head and neck for ultimate comfort while inverting.
The Ironman 5620 iControl 600, like the Ironman 5600 iControl 400, has the disk braking system to allow you to lock into any inversion angle.
This is a great feature for those who like to exercise on their table, or for those who want to slowly try different angles.
This table also offers the palm activated ratchet release for ankle locks. The long handle makes it easy to reach without bending significantly.
The ankle supports can be uncomfortable with extended use. The table can be folded down but it is relatively heavy at 66 pounds.
If you need a larger table that offers the ability to lock the inversion angle, the Ironman 5620 iControl 600 is best for you! Though pricier than other models, it is made with the thickest steel tubes and has the largest backrest.
- Disc brake for inversion lock
- Sturdy for larger people
- Ability to exercise while inverted
- Hard rubber ankle supports can be painful
- Heavy to fold up or relocate
Tell Me More…
Maybe you’ve never experienced back pain, or you have, but you never knew how an inversion table could help you. Maybe you’re interested in learning more about increasing your overall health and wellness or exercising with an inversion table.
Here, we will discuss how an inversion table works, who may benefit from owning one, and what to know before you buy one.
How Can an Inversion Table Help Me?
Briefly, we mentioned that inversion tables turn you into a position where your head is lower than your feet. There are many levels of inversion and it is important to slowly figure out how far back you should go.
Slipped or Herniated Discs
Once you find a comfortable inversion angle, you will remain in that position for a limited amount of time. Your body weight and gravity work together to gently stretch your spine relieving any pain and pressure from slipped or herniated discs.
Discs are cushions of cartilage between each vertebra in your spine. Sometimes they will slip or bulge out of position allowing the vertebrae to rub together causing intense pain. Inversion therapy helps to relieve this pain.
Lymph, Blood, and Organs
Inversion therapy is also helpful for blood and lymph circulation. It can “loosen up” pooled blood and/or lymph fluid. Inverting is also good for “decompressing” internal organs.
Gravity itself puts pressure on our organs causing them to compress into each other.
Bringing Oxygen to the Brain
The heart has to work hard to pump oxygen-rich blood against gravity to the brain. When inverted, more blood will easily make its way to the head, bringing oxygen and important nutrients with it.
Maintaining Your Height
Most of us are aware that we shrink a few inches as we age, but did you know that there is also a daily shrinkage happening? While we sleep, our spines stretch out, and we wake up at our tallest height.
Over the day, gravity pushing down on us makes us lose up to ¾ inch from our height. Inversion therapy helps not only to maintain your daily height, but also maintains height as we age.
Stress Pain and Relief
Some of us hold our stress in our necks and shoulders, leading to painful upper backs. A good stretch just always feels good. This is the same with inversion therapy. It feels good and can relax you while reducing stress.
Upside-Down? No, Thanks!
Many people think of inversion therapy as hanging from your feet with only ankle locks keeping your head from hitting the floor.
While this can certainly be accomplished for some individuals, most of us will benefit from less extreme inversion.
But is it Safe?
In fact, it is unsafe to jump into complete inversion. This can aggravate existing conditions like glaucoma, high blood pressure, and heart disease. It is very important to begin therapy slowly.
Only slightly lowering your head below your feet to find a position in which you’re comfortable. You can slowly work your way up to more aggressive angles as you become more adjusted.
So What are the Best Features to Have on an Inversion Table?
Features are dependent on each individual’s desires and needs. Someone who will be using their table for exercise will definitely want to find one that locks into inversion.
Someone who wants both heat and inversion therapies in one will benefit from one of the Ironman IFT models.
Some features to consider before purchasing an inversion table are important for everyone and include:
- Weight Capacity – You need to be sure the table you choose can support the user’s weight. This usually isn’t a problem since most tables are built to handle 250-350 pounds.
- Length – Most tables support heights between 4’9” to 6’6”.
- Overall Table Size – Inversion tables tend to take up a good amount of room and are usually hard to store. It is important to be sure you have somewhere to use it before making the purchase.
- Price – You can find some great deals on inversion tables, but as the adage goes, you get what you pay for. It is important, for example, to make sure there is an actual backrest or a fabric cover over the steel frame.
Conclusion
All of the Ironman inversion tables are made of steel and are extremely sturdy and stable. Finding the best one for you is mostly a personal preference.
Each model we reviewed has its own unique perks and drawbacks. If you’re still on the fence about purchasing an inversion table, this comparison can help.
You need an Ironman Inversion Table if:
- you have painful herniated discs
- you want relief from general back pain
- you want to maintain your height
- you want to improve your circulation.
You do not need an inversion table if:
- you have a health condition like heart disease, glaucoma, or high blood pressure.
With all the available Ironman inversion tables, you are certain to find the model that meets your needs. With your newfound knowledge on inversion tables, it’s time to go purchase yours! Get ready to have your world turned upside-down!
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