Inversion Chair: The Pros and Cons

If you have any interest in inversion therapy, you probably already know about inversion tables and benches. What you may not know is that inversion chairs/recliners also exist. The most obvious difference between an inversion chair and table is that the chair doesn't allow you to hang freely during inversion, since you are in a sitting position. Unlike inversion boots and tables which allow full, 90-degree, inversion, a typical inversion therapy chair only allows an inversion of about 70 degrees. So why would anyone pick an inversion chair over an inversion table, you ask?

Most of the people who choose to go with the chairs are either afraid of falling to the ground or have really painful ankles which would make hanging upside down by the ankles extremely uncomfortable. Recliners have several safety belts including one that goes over you lap making you feel more secure. In addition, doctors often advice individuals who have certain back problems and heart problems to use chairs for inversion therapy.

Contrary to popular belief, just because the chair doesn't allow 100% inversion doesn't mean that the degree of spinal decompression will be affected. That's because the degree of spinal decompression depends as much on the amount of weight below the lower back during inversion as it does on the angle of inversion. Therefore, whether you use a chair or a table, the amount of weight below the lower back will remain the same. The prices of inversion recliners are just about the same as those of inversion tables. For this reason, price isn't really a factor to consider when choosing between inversion tables and chairs.

Obviously, one of the most notable disadvantages of an inversion recliner is that you can only invert to about 70 degrees. Though this will not affect the degree of decompression, you may not receive the full benefits of inversion therapy. Secondly, it is nearly impossible to perform back strengthening exercises while sited. Thirdly, being strapped to a chair by the ankles isn't exactly the best experience. For most people, it feels as if they are being held against their will thus they may end up having a panic attack.

In conclusion, if you are a perfectly healthy individual, you would be better off using an inversion table or bench. This way, you can enjoy a wider range of inversion therapy benefits for roughly the same price. If you are a little nervous about using an inversion table on your own, try visiting a gym and using an inversion therapy table under the supervision of a certified trainer.