The two most common pieces of inversion equipment are the inversion table and gravity boots. both devices put the user in an upside down position to allow the spine to stretch; this is particularly useful for sufferers of back pain and spinal compression, though using such equipment can be dangerous and sometimes painful. The use of inversion equipment should only be taken up after consulting a doctor about its effectiveness and applicability to the sufferer's problems. An inversion table is the more stable option out of the two devices, and beginners would be best suited to it. Gravity boots can be more difficult and strenuous to use.
The most convenient and easy to use piece of inversion equipment is the inversion table. This device is essentially a metal frame with a backing known as the bed attached to a central pivot point. The bed is affixed to the metal frame at its center so it can be inverted when a user is lying against it. The bed has two harnesses at its bottom, one for each foot. The harnesses are generally padded for comfort. When the user affixes himself into the foot harnesses, he can then invert the table, causing his feet to be at the upright position and the head to be at the lowest position. This is considered inversion, and it allows the muscles around the spine to stretch, which in turn allows the spine to relax and spread.
Gravity boots are inversion equipment that do the same thing as an inversion table, but the method by which the user gets into the inverted position is much more difficult. Gravity boots require a chin-up bar or other fixed bar by which the boots and the body can be hung. The gravity boots are padded boots that fit firmly around the ankles, and a J-shaped hook protrudes from the front of them. This is the hook that will wrap around the chin up bar. The bar itself should be set at a height only slightly taller than the user's standing height. The user must be able to reach his or her legs upward to get the J-hook around the chin-up bar. Once in position, the user can simply dangle from the bar, or he or she can do exercises such as sit ups from the upside down position.
As a general rule, inversion equipment should only be used with a spotter standing nearby. Blood rushes to the head during inversion exercises, which may cause the user to pass out or become dizzy. While inversion can stimulate blood flow and oxygen delivery to the brain, it can also be harmful to people with high blood pressure or other medical conditions.
