Teeter Hang Ups Review of the EP550 Inversion Therapy Table

Rank	Name	Details
1	Teeter Hang Ups EP-950 Inversion Therapy Table	Visit Site Detail
2	Teeter Hang Ups EP-550 Inversion Therapy Table	Visit Site Detail
3	Ironman Gravity 4000 Inversion Table	Visit Site Detail

Teeter Hang Ups EP550 Inversion Therapy Table – Stretch Out That Compressed Back

I heard of inversion tables a few years ago when I stopped working retail and started working at an office. It just destroyed my spine, so I started going to yoga with my friend, and I found some exercises where I really felt like my spine was aligned correctly. The problem was that I didn’t have the back strength to be able to do these for more than a minute. So I asked my yoga teacher what I could do, and she gave me a whole list of options. Turns out that inversion tables can give you that same alignment, but you don’t have to use your back strength to hold it.

I started looking at inversion tables, and I was surprised how robust they were because I thought they were just see-saws with straps. In reality, there are so many features that can differ between tables, and it can really change your experience. The Teeter Hang Ups EP550 Inversion Therapy Table has a really great combination of features that make it the best inversion table for wide range of bodies and needs.

What should you look for in an inversion table?

At the basic physics level, I was right – inversion tables really are see-saws with straps – but they’re comfortable, durable, ergonomic, highly controllable see-saws with different kinds of straps. Each of these features differs between tables, so you should always look at:

The inversion angle
The backrest
The straps for your feet
The frame
How to assemble and store it

What’s Your Angle?

The inversion angle is the number of degrees that the backrest rotates. It takes time for your body to adjust to inversion, so the less experienced you are, the flatter the angle you should aim for. The EP550 measures its inversion angles from the horizontal position. It has an EZ Angle tether strap that hooks onto the front crossbar and the bottom of the backrest to control how far back you go with preset angles of 20, 40, and 60 degrees. That’s a lot of flexibility, but you can also customize it if you want to.

In addition, this inversion table can do a full 90 degrees – that’s full inversion, feet pointed towards the ceiling, crown to the ground, spine completely stretched. You shouldn’t fully invert without someone there, just in case, but when you can, it’s amazing.

Back It Up

The backrest of the Teeter EP550 is some kind of space-age technology that is completely supportive but also bends when you need it too. It’s kind of hard to explain. It has a smooth surface, not squishy, so your body just slides into place while you’re inverting and you don’t have to squirm around to get the maximum stretch. It’s kind of like a mesh, so your skin won’t stick to it like it does to the car seat on a hot day, and which is really great if you plan to do exercises while inverted.

CLICK HERE to see consumer reviews of the Teeter EP550

The Flex Technology backrest doesn’t bend while you’re inverting, but it does when you’re stretching and exercising. It’s not bending exactly – it’s more like the backrest gives a little and then springs back – but you never feel unsupported. There’s an adjustable head pillow too if you don’t plan on spending all your time fully inverted.

Strap ‘Em In

Your ankles will be carrying a lot of your weight through this whole process – all of your weight if you go 90 degrees – so it’s important that they be protected and supported. Rather than actual straps, the EP550 has a flat platform that you place your feet on, and a curved foam-padded bar that presses on the top of your feet. This keeps your feet at a comfortable 90 degree angle in relation to your legs without any effort from you. It takes a little while to get used to relaxing your legs, but when you do you’ll get a much better stretch. If you plan to do a lot of full inverting, you can also get a pair of Gravity Boots, which distribute your weight throughout your feet, ankles, and calves so you can invert for longer periods of time.

I Was Framed!

It looks thin and light, but the Teeter EP550 is not flimsy. It’s all steel, and it can hold up to 6.5 feet and 300 pounds. That’s a lot of weight to invert, but it can handle it. There are handles on the side that help you control your inversion – you really only need to put your arms up to tilt back, but some people like to take it slow, and it’s also comforting to know that with those handles there, you won’t ever get stuck. You can also adjust the cam lock roller hinges to control how fast the rotation is. The base is really wide, and the corners have rubber feet that keep it from moving around or marring your floor. It feels safe, and it is. I don’t know what you’d have to do to get this table to tip over, maybe a circus act.

Some Assembly Required…

… but not much. It comes mostly assembled, and the rest is easy. There are printed and DVD instructions, and it’ll take you a half-hour at most. When you fold it up, it takes up about 8 square feet and it’s about 5.5 feet tall. You could store it behind a sofa or maybe under a bed, but there’s really no point in storing it since you’ll want to use it every day.

But Wait, There’s More!

The Teeter Hang Ups EP550 Inversion Therapy Table comes with a five year warranty (on all parts) and a DVD with back-strengthening exercises. That last one is really important. It’s not just enough to stretch your back. You also have to strengthen all the little muscles around your spine so you can continue to support yourself through the day, otherwise no amount of stretching in the world is going to heal you. So if you do the back exercises in conjunction with stretching – and they’re really easy, don’t worry – you’ll see improvements much faster, and the relief will last longer. There are also a lot of accessories you can get depending on what you plan to mainly use your table for – stretching or exercising.

Be Careful About…

The ankle platform can be uncomfortable if you aren’t wearing proper footwear. Thick socks and supportive shoes will help. Check out the Gravity Boots if you plan to do a lot of full inversions. Also, it’s always best to stretch while warm, no matter what kind of stretching. Don’t invert first thing in the morning. Move around a little, do some vacuuming, some gardening, and then when you’re a little warm, your inversion will be twice as effective and it’ll feel better too.

Where Can I Learn More?

The Teeter EP550 consistently earns 4.5 out of 5 stars among major online retailers. To learn more about practically any product, check Amazon first. Here are some comments from other reviewers:

Don’t settle for a substitute!
I wonder why doctors don’t recommend this more to their patients…
I’ve been using this model of the Teeter for a few months now and it is AWESOME.
This product actually brings relief and makes me functional.
My body feels light and full of energy. And I sleep SO MUCH better!!!

Where Can I Get It?

Sports stores sell this inversion table for anywhere up to $400 (or more!). Amazon always has great discounted prices and offer FREE SHIPPING on this item.