Ironman IFT 4000 Inversion Table – Is It Worth It?

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Hello everyone, today I am going to review the Ironman IFT 4000 inversion table.  This inversion table has a very unique feature that can help to provide some much-needed pain relief.  If I have piqued your interest, please keep reading, and we will dive into this unique model from Ironman.

There are a lot of inversion tables out there to choose from. Most offer the same primary function, which is to put you in a decline position with your feet higher than your head.

Inversion therapy can be an effective way to help out with back pain.  Inversion therapy uses gravity to your advantage to help elongate the spine and relieve pressure from your discs.

I have been dealing with back problems for most of my adult life and have tried a lot of different treatments over the years.  I was recently introduced to inversion tables and am happy with the results.

I own an inversion table and use it frequently to help with my chronic sciatica.

Specifications

Product: IRONMAN IFT 4000 Infrared Therapy Inversion Table
Rating: 92/100
Company: Ironman
Dimensions: (Open) 80 inches H x 17 inches D x 26 inches W – (Folded) 49 inches D x 26 inches W x 65 inches H
Product weight: About 75 pounds
User height: Up to 6’6”
User weight limit: 350 pounds

Features

Backrest

This unit has a 2.5-inch thick memory foam backrest and is equipped with Far Infrared Ray (F.I.R) heating.  A built-in heating unit provides gentle heat to help soothe achy muscles.  This is what sets this table apart from some of the competition.

Far Infrared Heating is different from a traditional heating pad in that it penetrates deep below your skin to reach areas that a regular heating pad can’t reach.

For ease of use, the table comes with an easy-to-read LED display which allows you to control the temperature and time for the heat.  You can adjust the time up to 60 minutes and the temperature from 90-140 degrees.

The LED display is on the back of the inversion table, and the heat does take about 10-15 minutes to warm up.  The really nice part is that the unit comes with a remote control so you can adjust the time or the temperature remotely, while you are inverting.

So, this infrared heat feature has been really well thought out and designed within the unit itself.  You will just need to make sure you have the table set up near a power source so you can plug it in.

Ankle support system

One part of an inversion table that I like to pay particular attention to is the ankle locking system.  You want a comfortable and secure fit since your body weight will be pulling against this area.  The ankle support system also helps to distribute your body weight evenly.

The ankle holders on this unit have a cup on the front and back that will provide a secure and comfortable hold.

 

If you are not accustomed to using an inversion table, you may find the ankle holders awkward or uncomfortable to start.  You are literally hanging from your ankles and it can take a few tries to understand how the table works and to find your comfort zone.

One thing I highly recommend is to wear shoes and socks when you are inverting.  I have gone barefoot many times and end up regretting it.  It’s worth the extra time to lace up your athletic shoes, trust me.

An extended handle is one of my “must-haves” as well.  This is what allows you to lock and release your ankles from the inversion table.

The longer handle requires less bending over to secure your ankles as well as releasing yourself when you are done.  I can tell you from my experience, that when you have a back problem, sometimes bending over can be a real challenge.

This extended length handle can be really, really helpful in those situations where bending over is difficult.  I have been there, I know!

The ratchet mechanism allows you to have the secure fit you require.  You don’t want to clamp the ankle supports too tight, but you also don’t want to be held too loosely.  With this locking system, you can get just the right fit.

Tether strap angle adjustment

Inversion tables come with different ways to adjust the angle at which you invert. Typically they come with a tether strap or a push pin design with preset angles.  The preset angles are commonly 15, 30, 45, 60, etc.

This particular table comes with a tether strap style adjustment.  The advantage of this type of angle adjustment is that you can set the table to whatever angle you want it.  You are not limited by the preset angle.  The disadvantage of this setup is that you don’t know exactly what angle you have set.

Defining the angle with the tether strap will take some trial and error until you find just the right spot.  My advice is to start at a shallow angle and see how that feels.  You can move to a steeper angle as you become more comfortable using the inversion table.Ironman IFT 4000 Inversion Table

User height adjustment

This inversion table has preset height adjustment settings.  You adjust this setting depending on how tall you are.  There are adjustment settings all the way up to 6’6”.  So, if you are tall, you are covered.

You just pull out the locking pin, slide the shaft to the appropriate height, and you are done.  If you are in between heights, you may have to adjust to one inch higher or lower.  For example, if you are six foot one and a half inches tall, you may need to set the table at six foot two inches.

You will know if the adjustment is the right height if you are able to move your body up and down with your arm movements.

Assembly

Well, the fun part is you get to put this unit together!!  Yes, it does require assembly.  If you choose to do so, you can pay for assembly, but where is the fun in that?

Assembly is not too bad, it should only take about an hour. I will tell you that it is easier to build if you have a helper.  So, you may want to enlist a friend or family member who owes you a favor.

Storage

This unit does not fold flat for storage.  Honestly, these tables are not very easy to store in general. First off, the tables are pretty heavy and awkward to move.  If you have a back problem, that only makes moving the table that much more difficult.  Anyway, that is just my two cents.

To store my table, I fold it up as much as it will fold, and I lean it against a wall.

Handles

The Ironman IFT 4000 comes with long, extended handles that help you up if you need it.  The handles are padded for extra comfort.

There are also grab handles on the bottom of the unit, right by the floor.  These can be used to hold onto and get an extended stretch in.  You can extend your arms overhead and stretch side-to-side.  The grab handles also help if you want to completely invert, all the way upside down.

Construction

Ironman has built this unit with a durable tubing steel frame construction for added support. This unit can support up to 350 pounds.

The feet are made of rubber, non-skid floor stabilizers so the unit will be stable and not scratch your floor.

Conclusions: Ironman IFT 4000 inversion table review

This table has a lot going for it.  The infrared heating adds an element that a lot of inversion tables do not have.  Of course, you are going to pay more for this feature.

You will love the extra-large memory foam backrest as it provides a comfortable and solid place to lay down.

I believe this table is well built and will last for years and years.  The only reason I gave it a 92/100 rating is the added expense the heat option brings. Not everyone will want to spend the extra money for this feature.  Without this feature, there are other very comparable tables.

Pros

  • Sturdy and well-built table
  • Heating element for added therapeutic benefits
  • Extended handle ankle lock system
  • Very comfortable bed
  • Supports up to 350 pounds

Cons

  • Heating element brings in the possibility of electrical components failing
  • Expensive compared to other tables
  • Not portable

Ultimately it’s up to you what features you need.  I can do without the heating element, but for some, this is a great addition.

I hope you gained some valuable information from this review so you can make an informed decision.

Be sure to check out our other inversion table reviews.

If you have any questions or comments, please leave them below, and I will get back to you as soon as I can.

 

4 thoughts on “Ironman IFT 4000 Inversion Table – Is It Worth It?”

  1. Thanks Steve,

    I suffer from ongoing lower back sciatica complaints as well, so found your article particularly interesting.
    Your review is very detailed and your personal usage comments really help.
    The sales video for the inversion table does a good job as well.
    Agree on on the infrared heating may no be everybody’s first choice, as you pointed out in your review.
    Not much to not like about your review.

    Regards,
    Martin

    Reply
    • Sorry to hear about your sciatica pain Martin, I deal with that too. I appreciate your kind words. Please let me know if you have any questions, I am here to help.

      Reply
  2. Wow, this looks like an interesting tool.
    I like to try out new workout tools and this one I haven’t see yet.
    I’ll have to check out your article on how Inversion tables work but it looks interesting to me.
    Is it safe to have it around children ?

    Reply
    • Thanks for stopping by Stefan. Depending on how old the kids are, they might think this is a teeter-totter, so keep an eye on them. There are very few moving parts, but again, young children can certainly get into everything. Let me know if you have any more questions.

      Reply

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