Obsession Fitness | Exercise Equipment, Home Gyms » back pain

What are the Benefits of Inversion Table Therapy and is it Safe?

Steve — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 17:55:36 +0000

Inversion Tables have been making waves recently for their contribution to the alleviation of back pain. These devices can now be purchased by individuals who want to try non-invasive treatment methods before they opt for surgery, and they have been producing remarkable results. It is important, however, to take the necessary precautions when using an inversion table to ensure your safety.

What is Inversion Therapy?

Back pain can be largely attributed to the compression of the spine. An inversion table will allow you to widen the spaces between your spinal disks. How does it do this? It’s pretty simple – by eliminating the effect of gravity. Inversion tables are basically padded, pivoting beds to which you strap your feet and ankles, and once safely secured, you pivot the bed to the desired angle of inversion. The force of gravity and your own weight will be sufficient to stretch out the spine. Resulting benefits include improved circulation, flexibility and posture and relief from muscle tension and back pain.

Is Inversion Therapy Safe?

Inversion table therapy should be built slowly as little as one minute per session to start. This gradual process will prevent injury. When used correctly, this form of therapy is safe, but you will still need to consult with your medical practitioner before you choose to make use of it.

There are cases in which inversion therapy can present a danger to your health. When you are inverted, your heart rate will begin to decrease and there will be a rise in blood pressure. If you have high blood pressure, glaucoma or heart disease, you should not make use of this form of therapy. If you are pregnant, you should first consult with your doctor. When beginning inversion therapy be sure to have someone standing by, in case assistance is required to get out of the table, or if health problems are experienced.

Are the Results of this Therapy Permanent?

This form of therapy can greatly alleviate back pain, but it is not necessarily permanent. In order to achieve permanent or long lasting results, patients will need to make use of a comprehensive treatment plan by combining inversion tables with other appropriate treatments.

Many people have found that they no longer experience debilitating back pain after a few weeks of therapy on inversion tables. It is important to remember, however, that individuals suffering from health related problems should always consult with their doctor before using alternative forms of therapy, or they might end up injuring themselves further as a result.

Total Core Extra Exercise Machine | Fitness IQ 360 Degree Waist Slimming Abdominal Trainer

Steve — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 19:59:02 +0000

Traditional abdominal floor exercises like crunches and sit-ups tend to exert excess strain on the back, neck and entire spine. The Total Core Extra is designed to reduce or eliminate this stress, while effectively targeting the entire mid-section.

The Total Core Extra’s padded power coils provide assistance on the way up during an ab exercise and steady resistance on the way down, while engaging all core muscle groups in the abdominals, obliques (sides) and lower back.

The lightweight but stable solid steel construction helps maintain perfect form, while the thick padded seat and back cushion provide a comfortable cradle during a workout.

Durable silicone wheels provide smooth and supported movement on any surface. The assembly folds for easy storage and transport.

A comfortable abdominal trainer can make working out more enjoyable and motivating, helping to get started and continue a regular routine.

Total Core Extra Product Details

Compact abdominal crunch exercise machine
Reduces stain on back and neck
Works abs, obliques and lower back simultaneously
Power coils assist on the way up and provide resistance on the way down
Padded seat and back rollers provide a comfortable cushioned workout
Folds flat for easy storage
Balance Ball and Pump
10-day Quick Start Guide and Common Sense Meal Plan
Slimdown workout DVD
Total Core computer device to track your progress

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Click here for the Total Core Extra on Amazon
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Lynx Portable Back Stretcher | Relieve Back Pain and Improve Posture

Steve — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 22:52:56 +0000

For those averse to inversion, the Lynx Portable Back Stretcher is a viable alternative. While the benefits of inversion therapy are superior, this is an effective approach if you’re uncomfortable strapping into a table and hanging upside down.

The Lynx Back Stretcher uses manually adjusting leverage handles to relieve back pain and decompress and realign the spine. This contraption is solidly built with thick aluminum and features contoured foot supports to secure the ankles while in use. It’s easier on the knees than using an inversion table.

The Lynx easily adjusts to fit almost any user and can lengthen the skeleton by 1 to 1-1/2 inches, increasing flexibility and relieving spinal pressure.

The frame folds to 20″ x 11.5″ x 3.5″, weighs just 5.5 pounds and comes with a nylon travel bag for easy storage and transport.

Also see our Inversion Table reviews.

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Teeter Hang Ups EZ Up Doorway Inversion Rack | For use with Gravity Boots

Steve — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 23:47:29 +0000

We’ve extensively reviewed the benefits of inversion therapy and the many available inversion table brands and models.The Teeter Hang Ups EZ Up Inversion Rack is an alternative for those wanting something more affordable or who lack the space for a full inversion table.

The EZ Up Inversion Rack is intended for use with the Teeter Hang Ups Gravity Boots

The rack installs at the top of standard door frames 28 to 36 inches wide, similar to doorway chinup bars. Unlike the easy-mount chinup bars, an inversion rack must be securely attached with brackets and screws to the outside of the door frame. It can be unlocked and removed from the door but the brackets are “permanent.” When in place the rack will not interfere with the normal function of the door.

Foam hand grips and a dual bar design make mounting and dismounting more comfortable. While inverted you can perform exercises core like crunches and full range situps. The bar can also be used for pullups when not inverted.

Unlike inversion tables that make it easy to pivot into an inverted position, a rack and gravity boots require effort and a strong core to get into position. This method is recommended only for those already in good shape. Weight capacity is 250 pounds.

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Inversion Therapy Table | Health Mark Heavy Duty Model for Back Exercise & Stress Relief

Steve — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 21:48:48 +0000

The Health Mark Pro Max sells for about twice the price of the most popular inversion table models from the bestselling brands. So what makes it’s different?

The construction and stability of the Health Mark are among the best available, supporting up to 600 pounds, compared to the 300 pound limit seen on most inversion tables. Although there may not be a large market for users over 300 pounds the weight capacity says something about the engineering quality of both the frame and the pivot assembly.

There are 5 preset angles and 25 available height settings to accommodate users of up to 6 feet 6 inches tall. The table locks into place at the chosen angle as you lean backwards, without being concerned about balancing the machine.

Other features include easily accessible front and rear ankle brackets, a rolled thigh and knee support, a foam-padded back support and a crescent-shaped head/face rest.

The design accommodates both a face up or an inverted face down position. Each position and exercise is designed to release stress compression, fatigue and lower back pain, improve circulation, stimulate blood flow for increased mental awareness, and improve posture.

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Click here for the Health Mark Pro Max Inversion Therapy Table
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ProForm CoreMaster Ab Bench | 3-in-1 Flexible Abdominal, Oblique and Back Trainer

Steve — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 20:45:58 +0000

Here’s another “As Seen On TV” fitness product that gets a marginal recommendation. For those who need extra support in the lower back and spine while exercising the mid-section, the ProForm CoreMaster Ab Bench is a good choice.

The 3-in-1 design works all muscle groups that make up the core, isolating the abs, obliques and lower back, without the need to move to another machine or even shift positions.

The patented Spine Design technology allows the back panels of the bench to flex and move independently of each other, following the natural curvature of the spine through the full range of an exercise.

The three available workouts include a forward crunching motion to work abs, rotating side to side to train the obliques and leaning backwards to work the lower back muscles.

The design is most appropriate for average to tall users. Smaller framed users may not optimally line up their core with the back panels.

The ProForm CoreMaster Ab Bench comes fully assembled and folds flat to fit under a bed or in a closet. The package includes a workout DVD and an eating guide with 60 recipes and an 8-week meal plan. Weight capacity is 300 lbs.

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Find the ProForm CoreMaster Ab Bench on Amazon
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Body Champ Inversion Gravity Table | IT8070 Bargain Back Therapy

Steve — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 23:01:06 +0000

The Body Champ IT8070 is a simple, no frills inversion system that serves its purpose — to help reverse the negative effects of gravity by decompressing the spine. It may not compete with well known industry leaders but does provide the therapeutic benefits of inversion at a very low price.

The table is relatively lightweight but strong and sturdy enough to accommodate users between 4′ 8″ and 6′ 8″ and weights of up to 250 lbs.

Inversion angles are managed using an innovative pull-pin adjustment mechanism. The increments are not as precise or easy to adjust as high-end models but the table does lock firmly and safely in place.

The safety strap helps manage your desired angles and a safety lock keeps the inversion system secure when not in use. The U-shaped handrails are a nice addition and help further ensure stability and safety during inversion.

The back cushion is made of high density foam, rather than the mesh design seen on some tables, but provides a good level of comfort. However, the foam rollers at the base are known to cause strain on the ankles and feet during inversion, depending on your weight and height. Adding your own padding around the rollers in the form of a small pillow or towel will help alleviate any discomfort.

People with high blood pressure, eye diseases or who are pregnant should consult a doctor before beginning inversion therapy. All users should progress slowly by starting at low angles of inversion. It may also take some time to get acclimated to the sensation of being upside down.

Given the price, this product gets a marginal recommendation for its simplicity and functionality. Those looking for a professional or higher quality alternative should see our Teeter Hang Ups and Kettler APOLLO inversion table reviews.

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Teeter Hang Ups Gravity Boots | Inversion Table or Doorway Rack Back Therapy & Ab Training

Steve — Thu, 21 May 2009 23:22:38 +0000

These Hang Up Boots are designed for use with the Teeter F5000 Inversion table, reviewed here. If you can’t afford an inversion table they can also be used with the EZ-Up Inversion Rack.

The Teeter Hang Ups Gravity Boots add comfort to inversion therapy by distributing the weight across the foot and lower leg using thick, firm cushioning. The boots are lightweight but very sturdy.

The fine tuning buckles are very similar to those on ski boots, using micro-adjusting ratchets to create a secure and snug fit. Removable calf loops increase comfort and further reduce the load by forming a 2-degree bend in the knees.

For most, inversion takes some getting used to but feels wonderful once accustomed. Ease into the therapy at first with short sessions. Also, if using the EZ-UP Rack be sure you have the strength and stamina to pull yourself back up when finished inverting.

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Diamondback Fitness 900Sr Step-Thru Recumbent Exercise Bike | Indoor Bicycle Luxury and Comfort

Steve — Sat, 16 May 2009 20:14:47 +0000

This is our first look at Diamondback, a respected manufacturer of institutional and home cardio equipment for over 30 years. So what does the 900Sr Step-Thru Recumbent Exercise Bike have to offer?

The most distinguishing asset of this bike is the Comfort-Plus extra-wide seat. This is an excellent feature for riders with back problems who can’t tolerate an upright bike position, or for those who just want extra support and comfort. The high-tech, ergonomic mesh seatback includes lumbar support and quick height adjustment.

The step-thru design makes it easy to mount the bike and the self-leveling foot pedals include adjustable straps for extra stability.

The efficient eddy current brake system provides up to 16 levels of resistance making it easy to find the ideal level for your needs.

Program types include manual, random, fat-burning intervals, fitness test, glute max hill climb, strength, target heart rate, heart rate intervals, and custom trainer. The blue backlit alphanumeric LCD console displays time, pulse, calories, intensity level, RPM, speed, distance, and watts.

Other features include a plug-in jack for MP3 players, contact pulse sensors in the hand grips for reading heart rate, and a Polar-compatible wireless heart rate receiver.

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Kettler APOLLO Inversion Trainer Fitness Table | Back/Neck Pain Relief, Stretching & General Health

Steve — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 22:35:52 +0000

The price tag on the Kettler APOLLO is nearly double that of other popular inversion tables previously reviewed here. So what do you get for twice the price?

First off, this German built machine is well constructed, strong and stable. Robotically welded “tunnel design steel tubing ” provides superior strength, stability and safety.

The Kettler APOLLO also uses a unique adjustment mechanism for precise incline control. Rather than the nylon straps used on other tables this one incorporates steel bars with adjustable pins. The table can be inverted 180 degrees and beyond, locking itself securely in place in seven fixed positions.

The adjustable footplate provides quick height adjustment using a safety push-button latch release for easy entry and exit. The table is also designed for comfort with a long, thickly padded backboard and soft front and back ankle rollers.

Okay, so what’s the down side? Assembly is not as easy and straight forward as we’d like. Plan to spend about 2-3 hours before climbing aboard and getting inverted.

For those unfamiliar with inversion tables some of the benefits include relief from back pain and discomfort associated with nerve pressure, muscle spasms, and disk compression. They can also be used for general stretching, abdominal exercises and core training.