In this post, I would like to review the budget-friendly Innova ITX9600 Heavy Duty Inversion Table. We will take a look at the features and benefits of this inversion table and see if it might be a good fit for you.
Inversion uses gravity to your advantage which can help realign your spine and take pressure off of your discs, giving them a chance to recover. By elongating the spine while inverted, you can give your back a much-needed break.
If you suffer from back pain, whether its muscle soreness or a more severe issue like a herniated disc, speak to your doctor and find out if an inversion table might be a good option for you.
Contents
Specifications
Product: Innova ITX9600 Heavy Duty Inversion Table
Rating: 90 out of 100
Company: Innova Health and Fitness
Dimensions: 46 inches D x 28 inches W x 63 inches H
Product weight: About 50 pounds
User height: 4’10” – 6’6”
User weight limit: 300 pounds
Features
Backrest
The backrest, where you actually lay down is a comfortable foam-covered table. A nice bonus on this table is the movable headrest. The headrest pad is adjustable to three different positions so you can find just the right fit. This is a feature not found in many inversion tables.
- Ergonomic and Reversible Ankle Holding System (Ankle Holders can trade places)
- True Balance System for easy inverting
- Six (6) Position Adjustable Pin System with added Patented Protective Cover for easy positioning
- Large, Comfortable Backrest with Adjustable Headrest
- Accommodates users 4ft-10in to 6ft-6in with a 300 lb Weight Capacity
Ankle support system
To me, the ankle support system is significant on an inversion table. This is what is holding your body weight while you are inverted. You want to be comfortable and secure.
For starters, this unit comes with an adjustable height footrest so you can move set the footrest exactly where you need it. People are different heights, so being able to adjust the foot height is a nice feature.
Another unique feature is you can choose from two options with the reversible ankle holding system. There are two U-shaped holders and two foam rollers.
You have the option to set the table up with the U-shaped holders in front of your ankles, and the foam on the back, or the other way around. This reversible ankle system allows you to customize the fit.
The locking mechanism leaves a little to be desired in my opinion. I prefer a long, extended handle to release your ankles from the unit.
As someone who has used an inversion table while recovering from a back injury, bending over to release your feet from the locked position is not always an easy thing to do. This especially holds true if you are tall.
The mechanism seems to work well enough, but again, I prefer a more extended handle.
User height adjustment
Adjusting the user height is pretty standard with this inversion table. You pull the locking pin and set the height according to how tall you are. You may have to make adjustments, as everyone has a different center of gravity.
You should be able to raise and lower yourself in and out of inversion by moving your arms. Setting the user height appropriately will help you get this movement right. So, if you are 5’8” tall, you may need to set the height at 5’9” depending on your center of gravity. You will get the hang of it!
Inversion angle adjustment
Inversion tables are built with two different methods for adjusting the angle at which you are inverted. One uses a tether strap that allows you to set any angle you want. The other way is a preset mechanism with a locking pin. This table uses the latter approach.
The preset angles of inversion are 15, 30, 45, 60, 85 degrees with the option for full inversion. This push pin, preset system is excellent for most people.
I honestly prefer the tether strap, only because I am coming off of an injury where I had to make very minor adjustments to may angle of inversion. I started off about 15 degrees, then I moved to 20 degrees, etc. So my incremental increase was very small. Again, the presets are probably fine for most people, I just happen to prefer the tether strap.
Assembly
The inversion table does require assembly. It’s much easier if you have two people to help, but it can be done on your own. Remember to read the directions that is super helpful.
Assembly is also an option to purchase separately if you so desire.
Storage
Ah, here we go, storing your inversion table, not always the easiest thing to do. You can remove the side pin, and the legs fold up, but it will not fold completely flat.
Inversion tables are robust and are challenging to store, under a bed for example. They are an awkward shape and can be pretty heavy. This combination makes it a challenge to store them. This is especially true if you are recovering from an injury, trying to fold up an inversion table and fit it under the bed is hard.
I do fold my inversion table up and just lean it up against a wall in my office. It does get it somewhat out of the way, and I can move it away from the wall when I want to use it. I used to try to get it under the bed, but it just wasn’t working for me.
Conclusion Innova ITX9600 Heavy Duty Inversion Table
There are a lot of positive customer reviews for this inversion table. I think it is a decent option. sciaFor me, I prefer a longer, extended handle ankle release and I am not sure how well the foam rollers for your feet will hold up.
Pros
- Lots of positive customer reviews
- Reversible ankle holding system
- Reasonably lightweight table at about 50 pounds, some weigh a lot more
- Supports up to 300 pounds
- Very inexpensive
Cons
- You have to assemble it
- Can be a challenge to move it or store it under a bed
- Ergonomic and Reversible Ankle Holding System (Ankle Holders can trade places)
- True Balance System for easy inverting
- Six (6) Position Adjustable Pin System with added Patented Protective Cover for easy positioning
- Large, Comfortable Backrest with Adjustable Headrest
- Accommodates users 4ft-10in to 6ft-6in with a 300 lb Weight Capacity
If you are looking for a very inexpensive inversion table, this may be a good option for you. If you have the funds, there are some better options available, like the Ironman Gravity Inversion Table 4000.
If this is a short-term unit for you and you do not plan on keeping it after an injury, for instance, it might be a good option from a price standpoint. For me, it’s lacking a few features, but I think it’s a good entry point.
Thanks for sharing your knowledge on the inversion table, I often see it at the gym and have no idea what it is.
I use the cable machines a lot because it helps take stress off certain areas which I struggle with. I will definitely try the inversion table next time and see how I like it.
Hi Linsey,
Inversion tables are really meant as a way to treat back pain. A lot of people use them to stretch out tight lower back muscles, and also to help recover from back injuries. The inversion table offers a way to elongate your spine and give your discs a chance to recover and rejuvenate. I know some gyms have inversion tables and people use them to stretch and some even do sit-ups. For me, it’s strictly a way to help out with back pain. Thanks for stopping by, I appreciate your comment.
I’ve seen these lately, in particular the Teeter ones that are seen on TV. I’ve wondered how much they collapse for storage. In this unit, you indicated that you could remove the side pin to fold it up, but do you know how much space it would take up folded up? Ideally I’d like to take something like this an have it fold up where I can secure it via a hook system to the wall and have it not take up much space at all.
Thanks for this review.
Thanks Dave, I appreciate your comment. As for storage, you may be able to attach something to the wall, to hold it, but honestly just folding it and leaning it up against the wall works for me. The manufacturers try to make these tables seem so portable and storable, but that has not been my experience. Sure you can store it under the bed, but usually, you end up having to lift up a corner of the bed, in order to slide the table under. So, I recommend using it in a room where you can have easy access to the table and don’t mind it being in the corner. Let me know if you have any more questions!
Great post Steve.
I am happy to see more innovation with these tables, and any new features. The only that I have ever tried belonged to my cousin and it was a pretty basic model.
Are there any concerns with ear popping when upside down? Or blood pressure concerns? I am asking because I did have the ear popping on my cousins table and she was the one that was concerned about her blood pressure…and the weirdness of being upside down. I am ok with that part lol
Hi Irma, thanks for stopping by. Yes, there are blood pressure concerns and you should definitely consult with your doctor before using an inversion table. There are certain conditions that are not conducive to inverting. Circulatory problems are one such condition, so check with your doctor going forward.
Yes, there are tables with more features and there are still some very basic models as well.
Please let me know if you have any more questions, I am here to help.
My friend suffers from back pain sometimes. I remember years ago, it was so bad that some family members were wondering if surgery would be necessary. However, with the help of a chiropractor, the problem gradually diminished. It’s a pity we did not know about this inversion table at the time. Not too late to get it though, so I will definitely share this post.
Hi Carol, thanks for stopping by. I have been working with a chiropractor consistently over the past few years, every couple of months. He is the one who showed me how to properly use an inversion table. I am glad your friend is doing better now. Definitely have your friend check with the chiro and see if inversion therapy is right going forward.
Hi
do you have any new favorites?
What are your thoughts on the ITX 9900? I am debating between the ITX 9900 and Iron man for my husband. Open to other suggestions as well