Teeter Hang Ups F5000 Inversion Table Review
Back Pain vs. Inversion Tables
I have I heard that inversion tables can help with back pain. Since I sit at a desk all day, I often have pain from tension in the upper back and shoulders. I did yoga for a while, to relax the muscles, and had some decent results, but it can be a pain to try and go to a yoga class regularly. And although I have some home yoga tapes, I never seemed to get around to doing it; it's hard to get excited about following a tape.
I was a little worried that inversion tables would turn out to be gimmicky and not really help. But I figured since the F5000 Inversion Table offered a 30-day window where I could return it if I was not satisfied, I would try it. If it helped, I would keep it. If not, I would send it back.
Me vs. the F5000 Inversion Table
After ordering the F5000 from Amazon, it took a couple weeks to arrive. It was relatively easy to put together. The table can hold up to 300 pounds and support people up to 6 and a half feet in height. It comes with foam ankle clamps, but I've heard others recommend grabbing a pair of inversion boots for extra security and comfort. The clamps have been enough for me. Fully assembled, the F5000 takes up more space in my condo than I thought it would, but that's OK since it can be folded and tucked away.
The first time I used the inversion table, all the blood rushed to my head, and I felt dizzy. Fortunately, there are foot harnesses to keep you from falling into a crumpled heap on the floor. After that, I decided to back off a bit. You can adjust the F5000 to any angle. Starting from horizontal, I set the decline to a little below horizontal. That was much more comfortable. From there, I gradually progressed to a steeper angle until I could hang fully upside down.
From the beginning, I could feel the relaxation taking effect as the inversion table stretched the muscles all up and down my spine and through my legs. The increase in blood and oxygen to my head also made me feel more alert when I got up. I moved the F5000 into my home office, and now use it a couple times a day for a few minutes at a time. I find it very rejuvenating. Even though inversion tables seem to be recommended mostly for people with lower back pain, I have found it very helpful in reducing overall tension in my back and neck, thus eliminating the pain I was feeling in my upper back. I also seem to have fewer headaches. Perhaps those were caused from tension as well.
The nice thing about the F5000 Inversion Table is that it is sturdy enough to be used for exercise. You can do decline sit-ups or crunches. You can also twist to hit the obliques. I think cheaper models might not be stable enough for this.
Even though I was skeptical about inversion tables helping my back pain in the beginning, I have been glad to be proved wrong. If you are considering buying the Teeter Hang Ups F5000 I hope you have as good an experience as I am having with it.
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Teeter Hang Ups F5000 III Inversion Table.
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