Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

To start off with, I want to say that I bought this table AND a $22 back stretcher (Magic Back Support) to see which one was going to benefit me more in the long run. I've been in the military for quite some time and developed back problems over the years and never got any real relief except for the occasional mall massage or chiropractor visit. I learned to ignore it because in the back of my mind, I was a young 20 year old kid who was always going to be in good health. Now 8 years later, I'm paying the price of my naivety and trying to fix the damage done over the years. I bought my table at Dick's sporting goods because it was cheaper (on sale) and was very confident it would quickly fix my problem (well it doesn't; it takes time, kids). My first impression of the 70 pound box was not a good one because it looked like it had seen more combat than I have. It was busted with holes and tears (courtesy of UPS) but I didn't care too much because as it turns out, the teeter works pretty well without the box after assembly, unless you're one of those individuals who keeps the box because you swear you'll use it in the future and you store it in your garage for 13 years until you realize it only had one true purpose in life. Looking inside was overwhelming because there were so many pieces to this table, but I was eventually able to figure it out. I know you're probably wondering, "why didn't you just follow the instructions??" but those instructions SUCKED - and that's just putting it nicely. It was really frustrating trying to follow the "steps" but after many ungodly phrases and spikes in my blood pressure, I was able to start my inversion journey. Anyways, I'll start off with the good. 1. It is sturdy and will easily hold up to 250 lbs. This is what you want when you're thinking about investing in an inversion table because it will give you the confidence to eventually fully invert and can prevent you from earning a neck brace. 2. It folds so that it can be put away in a corner or closet, BUT IT IS STILL A SEMI-HEAVY TABLE-about 60 lbs. Also keep in mind that the ankle part sticks out about 8 inches, so this isn't a table you can easily fold and slide under your bed (unless you have a very high bed). In addition, many inversion tables do not fold, which translates to taking up more space. 3. I'm fully convinced that Teeter is one of the top of the line brands for inversion tables because they use quality material. Once assembled, it is easy to use, but DO NOT RUSH into fully inverting. This is a mistake I made in a desperate attempt to relieve the tension in my back. While I was able to fully inert after day one, I wouldn't recommend until you're comfortable bringing yourself back up. Yes, it takes a little muscle to pull yourself up, but you can do it. 4. While the ankle straps are a little painful (especially when fully inverted), I've come to the conclusion that this is the small price you pay BUT the Teeter is probably the one that hurts the LEAST compared to other inversion tables. I say this because when I compared this table to the other $100-$200 tables, they didn't have the cushioning or support that this table does. I found that wrapping a towel will ease the pain, but you will get used to it and be glad feel MUCH safer strapped in these than another other cheaper table. I almost went the cheap route, but I'm glad I didn't! Now for the bad. :( 1. It takes up quite a bit of space. The table can hold up to a 6ft 5in person, but you need about 8 feet across so that when you're inverting you don't hit anything on either side. It's also about 2 and half to 3ft wide. I also mentioned that it is about 60 lbs, so it's a little hard to move by yourself. I recommend dedicating a space of its own because moving this table around gets old fast. 2. Some of the parts don't line up (at least my didn't). If I'm spending a lot of money on a product, I expect everything to fit as it's supposed to. That being said, I was able to force some of the screws in place until they set and was able to use the table. 3. I mentioned this earlier, but it's strenuous on the ankles. However, this is a small price to pay for a healthier back. And no, this isn't a "it hurts good" sensation, it's a "WTF am I doing to myself" feeling because it numbs your ankles and you look like a newborn giraffe when you immediately try to walk after you get off the table; however, if you wait about 30 seconds, you'll be fine and get used to it. Overall, the Teeter lives up to its expectations. From my experience, the first use I noticed a difference, but that feeling of it "working" went away within a few days, but that's not to say it actually stopped. Expect a sore but tolerable back for a week and a half or two, as your back is getting used to the stretching. Don't buy this table if you're limited on space and consider a back stretcher instead. Also, remember that it takes time to feel actual results. Eventually, I stopped slouching and have improved my posture and even sleep better. My back feels much better than it has before and I highly recommend this table for those with back issues. Though there are other cheaper inversion tables on the market, remember that this one has all the bells and whistles you want in an inversion table - the bridge to arch your back, the pressure point balls - and I guarantee that it will pay for itself if you're a frequent chiropractor visitor like I was.