More people every day are discovering the many benefits of inversion therapy. From back pain relief to increased blood circulation and improved posture, the health advantages of this unique fitness routine are seemingly never-ending. Other surprising health benefits of inverting include:
- Headache reduction – due to the stretching of the spine that happens when you invert your body, pinched nerves may be freed and muscles and ligaments that can spasm (causing headaches) get a good stretch.
- Increased circulation and lymphatic system stimulation – blood flow is improved, bringing more oxygen to the brain and allowing the lymph system to more efficiently remove toxins from the bloodstream.
- Improved digestion – the movement of waste matter through the ileocecal valve is assisted by gravity, allowing trapped and old material to be eliminated, which improves overall health and energy levels.
- In his book, “The Gravity Guiding System, Turning the Aging Process Upside Down”, Robert Martin points out that people who routinely use inversion therapy experience 14% better brain function. This means increased alertness, focus, and accuracy – all from simply turning your world upside-down, literally.
In fact, there is evidence that humans have been following in bats’ footsteps since the Stone Age! Whether you have a lingering injury or simply want to stretch your spine in order to maximize fluid flow around vertebrae in order to prevent future problems, you might want to try out the Innova ITX9700.
The price range of inversion tables varies from just under $100 to nearly $1000. Innova makes a range of tables from around $100-$200. The Innova ITX9700 is the top model in Innova Health and Fitness’ ITX line; the current Amazon price is right around $115, making it an affordable option in the home inversion market.
About the Innova ITX9700
With the wide range of available tables, you want to be sure that the one in which you invest your hard-earned money has the features you need and comfort you want so that it doesn’t get relegated to the fitness equipment graveyard (otherwise known as that corner of the room where discarded clothing collects).
One major benefit of this mid-priced table is that, unlike many inversion tables, this one can support up to 300 lbs. That’s a significant plus for larger people who may be afraid to try traditionally sized tables, but want to see if their aches and pains can be alleviated by this low-intervention home therapy.
The frame is made of strong 1.5” square steel tubing, engineered in a double U-frame configuration which maximizes the base width and creates a stable foundation for the table. This full-width base stabilization is typically only found on more expensive, high-end brands like Ironman and Teeter Hang Ups, making it an extra bonus on the Innova ITX9700 without breaking the bank.
The extra-long non-slip handles offer both safety and comfort, allowing you to easily recover from your inversion.
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Adjustability
Another safety feature, which is considered by many to be superior to a tether strap design, is a five-position locking pin that adjusts the inversion angle. While this design may not have the extensive range of in-between angles offered by a strap, it also doesn’t come with the risk of slippage. Most people do not need anything outside of the standard 15, 30, 45, 60 and 85 degree angles of inversion, so you probably won’t find this to be an inconvenience in any way.
The height settings are also adjustable, allowing for use by people from 4’10” to 6’6” tall. Changing both the height as well as the maximum inversion angle is easy and fast, which means that multiple household members can enjoy the Innova ITX9700 a big wrestling match with the table every time another person has been there first.
The ankle holders have four cups that fully encompass the ankles, offering more security and better stability during inversion than do foam rollers. The ankle lock and release on the Innova ITX9700 is a pull-pin, which, even though it doesn’t have the ratchet system of some of the more expensive tables, is still smooth and easy to operate.
Extras and Comfort Features
For those who want to really maximize their stretching, the Innova ITX9700 features a rear curved stretch bar. The memory foam backrest offers plenty of padding for maximum comfort while inverting. And with this table, you get an added bonus – a lumbar pad that will hold a hot or cold compress (compress not included). Brutal exercise session and want to chill out on the table while applying heat to your aching spine? This table allows you to easily do so.
Overview of Features and Specs
- Steel tube framing with wide-base design
- Memory foam backrest with removable padded head pillow for added comfort during inversion
- Curved rear stretch bar with soft touch foam handlebars
- Universal lumbar pad for cold/hot compress (compress not included)
- Five position adjustable pin for safe and simple setting of maximum inversion angle
- Adjustable for users from 4’10” to 6’6”
- Supports up to 300 lbs. of weight
- Dimensions – 63”h X 28”w X 46”d
- Weight – 55 lbs.
What Customers Say about the Innova ITX9700
Out of just over 190 Amazon reviews at the time of this writing, this inversion table garners an excellent 4.5 star rating. Users are happy with the ease of assembly (the consensus is this takes about an hour to accomplish), comfort level and results obtained from use. One purchaser, Daniel, had this glowing feedback – “Had really bad lower back pain. After three days at five minutes a day it was almost completely gone. The product itself is very well put together and sturdy.” The majority of reviews reflect a similar reaction to the Innova ITX9700.
The Lowdown
Overall the Innova ITX9700 Memory Foam Inversion Table with Lumbar Pad for Hot and Cold Compress is a good value with desirable features at an affordable price. The unique addition of the pocket for hot or cold compresses makes this table multi-functional and sets it apart from most of the inversion tables on the market. The use of padded ankle cups as opposed to foam rollers offers added stability in order to prevent sliding down the table while inverting.
If you’re in the market for a lower-end price tag with upper-tier features, this table fits the bill. It boasts many of the added elements of pricier inversion tables (memory foam padding, full four-part ankle cups and best of all, the ability to apply heat or cold to your back during your inversion session) without the painful hit to the wallet. Assembly is simple for most people and the unit is well-made and sturdy enough for a variety of users. All in all, this is a good model for beginner and veteran inverters, with the happy customers to prove it.
*Use of inversion tables is not recommended for pregnant women or those with heart or eye health issues (because of the added pressure put on the eye when the body is upside-down). Always talk to your healthcare provider before instituting a new health regimen.
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Assemble instructions did not come with my Inversion table. Where can I get them?
Hi Karen, we are only a review site so we don’t have any contact with the manufacturers or sellers. I did some Googling for the instructions but couldn’t find anything, sorry. You might try contacting the manufacturer, they should be able to send you a link to the PDF of the instructions I would guess.