Home inversion therapy is becoming more and more popular as people seek out simple, non-medical solutions to their back, nerve, and joint pains. According to a clinical research study published by highly respected Newcastle University in England in 2007, inversion therapy prevented 77% of a study group from having to undergo painful, dangerous back surgery. In contrast, among the group of subjects that received only physical therapy (as opposed to physical therapy plus inversion table therapy), 78% of people who had been told they needed back surgery did indeed end up needing to go through with the procedure. These are startling results and have led to an upsurge in people with back pain trying out this low-intervention therapy.
A Blend of Performance and Value
Tables range in price from about $100 all the way up to $700+. The Ironman High Capacity Gravity 3000 Inversion Table (also known as model number 5800) is on the more affordable end, coming in at just under $200. The table comes with a host of features for comfort and convenience, without giving you sticker shock. Made by Ironman Fitness (affiliated with the Ironman Triathlon), maker of award-winning fitness equipment, it’s no surprise that this product is engineered to give you reliable performance and durability. The Ironman name is synonymous with endurance, stamina, and quality throughout the entire fitness industry.
Whether you’re looking to relieve back pain caused by extended sitting or standing, help joint pain and inflammation that comes with age, or increase your circulation and improve your posture, the Gravity 3000 will be a valuable partner in your fitness goals. While some inexpensive tables only hold up to 300 lbs., the Ironman High Capacity Gravity 3000 supports up to 350 lbs., offering a reasonably priced option for a variety of body types. Not only can the Ironman inversion table elongate your spine and improve blood flow, it offers a bevy of other unexpected benefits as well:
- Improves lung function by recirculating blood that pools in the lower lungs
- Improves heart function due to giving the heart a rest while inverting (this important muscle doesn’t have to work as hard when you’re upside-down)
- Lowers stress and improves sleep
- Improves flexibility
- Builds core muscle strength (especially when combined with inversion exercises)
So what are you getting when you purchase this table? Let’s take a look at some of the helpful features designed to allow you maximum benefits while offering enough comfort to keep this piece of equipment from becoming a clothes hanger in the corner of the bedroom.
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Reliable Support
Larger people might shy away from trying inversion therapy for their back pain because, let’s face it, hanging upside down on a board mounted between what looks like swing-set bars sounds like a venture that could end up in a fall on the head. Not with the 3000, however – its powder-coated steel frame construction offers strength and stability for people weighing up to 350 pounds. In addition, unlike some of the more inexpensive tables, the Ironman features tough rubber grips at all four corners, which maximizes the width of base; this accomplishes two things – the grips keep the unit from sliding on hard floors while you’re inverted, and the widened base creates even further stability.
Padded Comfort
For those of us who aren’t itty bitty skinny minis, the 2 ½” memory foam padded backrest seems like a dream, providing ultimate comfort to a wide range of body types. You’ll particularly appreciate this feature when not in a full 180-degree inversion, because more of your body weight will be leveraged against the backrest.
The extra-long handles allow for easy recovery from inversion, and the foam padding on them is yet another comfort touch. For the ankles, you won’t find slippery foam rollers on the Ironman High Capacity Gravity 3000. The ankle cushions actually surround the entire ankle, bracing them easily and comfortably in ergonomically molded foam. You won’t worry about falling out or your feet slipping – causing you to slide down the table – and the extended knee-high lock and release bar with patented ratchet system makes getting in and out a breeze (no bending and straining to unlock your ankles).
In addition to all of these comfort features, the sides of the frame at hip-height are covered in vinyl so that you don’t pinch a hand or finger in the frame.
Adjustability
Whether you’re 4’10” or 6’6”, the Ironman High Capacity Gravity 3000 can accommodate you. The three settings for starting angles allow you to pick the one that’s best for you. The easily adjustable safety tether allows you to dictate just how far you’re willing to go by letting you set the maximum inversion angle.
Overview of Features of the Ironman High Capacity Gravity 3000:
- Extra-wide tubular steel frame for ultimate strength and support
- Memory foam backrest
- Extra-long safety handles with foam covering for added comfort
- Durable rubber non-skid stabilizers, designed to prevent the unit from moving while you’re inverted
- Ergonomically molded ankle cushions for ultra comfort and security
- Full 180-degree inversion capability
- 350 lb. weight limit
- Three separate adjustments to allow for different starting angles
- Easy folding for storage
- Adjustability for people up to 6’ 6” tall
- Adjustable tether system that allows you to control the maximum angle of inversion
- Patented ratchet system that facilitates safe and comfortable locking and unlocking of the ankles
- Scratch-resistant powder coat finish
- Vinyl side covers for added safety for fingers and hands
- Dimensions when assembled: 65”h X 26”w X 49”d
- Dimensions when folded: 80”h X 26”w X 17”d
- Product weight: 67 lbs.
What Customers Have to Say
It’s tough to find anyone with a bad thing to say about this model. This isn’t surprising, given the reputation of the Ironman name, and the table’s Amazon feedback rating reflects that brand reliability factor. With over 200 reviews at the time of this writing, the Ironman High Capacity Gravity 3000 inversion table boasts a 4.5-star rating and a flood of comments praising its economical and functional value.
One user, LP, who – by his own account – measures up at 6’2” and 320 lbs., has this to say: “I have a lower back injury from a farming accident and when the pain comes back, this unit helps alleviate it very effectively. It also helps with some hip joint pain as well.” Others are impressed with the table’s solid construction, like Bruce, who says “this thing is solid. I am not concerned about falling off or having this collapse under my weight.”
While there is a distinct lack of cons to this inversion therapy table, some users do comment on the fact that its weight and width prevent you from easily folding and storing it away in the closet each day. However, this is a well-known issue with almost all inversion tables due to their size and construction, so choosing another model probably wouldn’t solve the problem. It’s better to just designate an area in the house to keep your table all the time, since you’ll probably be using it every day.
*Please consult a health care provider before starting any new fitness routine. Inversion therapy is not recommended for people with glaucoma, hypertension or other heart problems, or women who might be pregnant.
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