Customer Reviews

Paradigm 100 Inversion Table System

5 star:		(25)
4 star:		(18)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Pros
It works, period
Inexpensive
Folds up up against wall

Cons
No anti-skid rubber stabilizers
Just a little bit more money gets you an even better model
Adjusting the table is a bit harder than the manufacturer implies

I've been using the Paradigm 100 Inversion Table for a good six months now and I've found it to be even better than expected in terms of results. I used to crack my neck all the time (stress) and I've found that I almost never do that now. I use the table to do a form of sit ups which has resulted in increased strength all the way around - neck, back and abdomen.

I was able to pick this up as a Gold Box deal (100 bucks) so I thought it was a real bargain. A few days later the 500 model was selling for the same price so I wasn't happy. Even now, as of this writing, there's less than $30 difference between the two.

For that little bit of extra cost you get more padding around the ankles (I wear heavy socks and haven't had a problem - but other reviewers have), anti-skid rubber stabilizers (why this isn't standard on the 100 is beyond me!), and larger/easier to use arm rails (easier to pull yourself upright). For me when the difference was $80 (initially with the GB deal) I was willing to sacrifice these extras. But the difference at regular prices just isn't that big considering what you get. Don't get me wrong, I found the Paradigm 100 to be a great product, but the 500 model is just better and you don't pay that much more to get it.

The "Paradigm 100 Inversion Table System" is a surprisingly well designed unit that works exactly as advertised. It came in a very large box (recommended to "team lift") with an intimidating set of assembly instructions. The instructions looked scarier than they were in reality and the unit went together fairly easily in about 30 minutes.

I highly recommend reading the instructions before using the inversion table, unlike what I did :-) The instructions suggest starting off slowly and using the included strap to limit the degree of inversion and total time until you become use to the effects. You can increase the degree and time as you acclimate to being upside down for long periods. From my personal experience, starting off too aggressively will likely leave you light headed and with sore ankles.

My 2nd time on the unit, my back stretched nicely and "popped" in two places (a very good thing!). Using the machine twice a day has helped to loosen up my back and has relieved much of my lower back pain.

My entire family has tried the unit with varying degrees satisfaction, ranging from indifference (my wife) to loving it (my teenage daughter). On that note, my daughter likes to stretch out on the unit before bed time by slowly changing the amount of inversion. She says it helps to relax her before going to sleep.

Our only complaint is that the holder does place a lot of pressure on your ankles in the most extreme inversion. One thing that does help is to place a folded washcloth on the pressure points before locking in place.

The unit takes up a good bit of space when it is assembled, but does fold down (into two pieces) fairly well for storage.

This is a great value for the money and has likely saved me more than the cost in chiropractor bills.

Highly recommended!

Easy to set up. All the tools you need come in the box. Easy to use. Been reliable so far. Only problem I have is that the foot rest doesn't come close enough to the ankle padding, so no matter how tight I can get the ankle padding, I slide a little when I get towards maximum rotation.

This table is a great product and built sturdy too. Only issue I have is the ankle strap. I'm not sure if it's the design or the material, but it does hurt after a few minutes. Other than that, I do feel comfort on my back after using it.

Short Version: If buying for back pain I would highly recommend this as an option as long as your Dr. says it will not make your situation worse.

Long version:

First my history: I bought this out of desperation. Have had excruiating 'burning' legs and soles of feet (and occasional sore back for 2+ yrs. First went to a podiatrist (thinking I had foot issue) Two corisone shots later(over a 12 mth period)he suggests 'maybe it's my back'. Another 6 mths later (I'm lazy/frustrated easily and dealing with an HMO.) I finally got an MRI. 2 buldging discs and 1 herniated in lower back. Since then I started with physio = no positive result or any change at all. Then I had 2 epiderals about 1 month apart. Result was 'weirdness' pain relief. Day after it was like my nerves were saying 'you are in pain' but the nerves couldn't quite make it hurt with the 'usual' burn. Unfortunately both shots wore off within several days or so and the pain returned. I scheduled a 3rd shot but at that appt I asked the Dr. what he thought of 'streching/zero gravity' devices. (His office does not offer this treatment.) He suggested that it would do no harm but was unlikely to help because of the type (or location) of the nerve pressure from the herniated disc. And he explained how expensive chiropractor visits for this would be. So out of desperation (and budget)I started reading about inversion tables at Amazon. I was impressed with all the positive reviews for most every table regardless of manufacturer. I took a chance buying this one - figuring it was cheaper than one Chiropractor visit = little to lose.

The unit: Recieved it as scheduled. Instructions are clear and the build took under two hours. Looks solid but I do not like the sleeves that cover the 'point' of the A frame. Looks cheap... but then consider the price.

Usage: I am not a cautious person with 'new toys'. I had read the Amazon reviews (and the instruction manual) and read a lot about starting with a moderate incline. I did that for the first several two minute tries. But I kept adjusting the safety strap to invert further on the first day/evening. The strap is now set for steep inversion. And I went to town staying inverted that way for about 5 minutes on day one. I definately felt something in my back. Not pain - but a significant pulling/stretching. I DO NOT RECCOMEND STARTING LIKE THIS TO ANYONE. I am an idiot. Clear enough? But I was fine - or so I believed. The next morning I used it again - at the same steep incline - and felt the same sensation. About an hour later I went to pick something up off the floor and bent at my waist. Sure enough - my back went out on me and hurt like hell. I decided to try the inversion table and I could feel my back stiffening while I was trying to lock my feet in. I inverted moderately and cycled upright about 10 times. My back still hut - but I could tell the pain had peaked. From that point on the back pain has lessened (This is day two...I'm able to carry light thins and easily trot around.). The interesting and positive thing is that my feet have begun to burn less. This is now the evening of the second full day that I have used the inversion table. Today I went to an Arts & Crafts festival and walked around for three hours with very very little foot burning!! That has not been the norm over the last 2+ years...except right after the first cortisone shot from my podiatrist!!!

Let's be clear: I do not know if this progress will continue. I do not know if I happen to be experiencing relief from the 2nd epideral shot (it's been 2+ weeks) I don't know if it's psychosomatic. I don't know if it's not a combination of all of the above. All I can say is that I most certainly feel a difference that was not there before I used the inversion table. My buttocks still burn a bit. My feet have given me a few fleeting moments where I thought it would get worse - but did not... and I am thrilled.

My tips/advice: First issue to solve is the amount of pressure on from the clamps pushing on the top of your foot. I have tried several cheap solutions. What I settled on is: I put on hightops. Then then I slide a dr schools 'gel' insole under the shoe tongue. Then I tie my shoe to prevent slippage. Then I tighten the clamp down as tight as it will go. This is try at your own risk. I accept no liability for using my stupidity or trying to understand my instructions. All I can say is that it works for me and has lessened (but not eliminated) a lot of the 'top of foot' pressure issue.

EDIT 1: It's now a week and the fast benefit I experienced after one day has not progressed - but I am not disappointed. I've experienced and maintained about a 20% reduction in pain and that's a great thing. I've used no pain meds during this week - and that's a first in a long long time.

EDIT 2: (08-08-09) Still like it a LOT. I have figured out a better method using this table to hang with less discomfort for longer. First I use a regular running shoe. Then I cut two 6 inch squares of 1/4 inch high density foam. I fold it in half and place it along the top of my shoe. NOW...the 'trick' is I turn the top part of the clamp so that it will press against the top part of my foot (rather than clamping it tight against the top of my ankle). I then press it down against the front of my angle BUT by turning it this way ONLY THE EDGE of the top clamp is pressing against my leg/ankle. HOWEVER when you turn upside down the length of the top piece rests against your topfoot (and also under the foam) so the WEIGHT is evenly spread out over a flat surface RATHER THAN JUST HAVING THE EDGE OF THE CLAMP DIG INTO THE TOP OF YOUR FOOT. ***The only thing to remember is to keep your foot at a right angle as much as possible*** It works well and I can hang for a good 30 minutes this way before my ankles hurt from the clamps. And once again let me add: This is try at your own risk. I accept no liability for using my stupidity or trying to understand my instructions.

Every so often, about once every two months, I would throw my lower back/ hips out of alignment from weightlifting. I bought this product because of a recommendation a doctor gave me. After using it for 10 minutes a day for 1 month I went back to see my doctor and was excited to hear her say that my back didn't look anywhere close to the same! This product has single-handedly helped to rid me of back pain. I still use it at least three times per week to help maintain my back health and would highly recommend it to others who suffer from low back pain. As with anything, first check with your doctor to see if you should use it.

Completely satisfied with this product and glad I didn't buy a more expensive one. It gets the job done.

i got this table about 2 weeks ago and i love it
i had been going to the chiropractor 2 times a week for over 7 months.
i spent close to $2000 and got some relief but not as much as i got in 2 weeks of doing inversions.
it works well..its made well.... and it was easy to put together.

I have always wanted an Inversion System and finally got one thanks to a Gold Box deal on Amazon. With being a Prime Member I got a good price and it was shipped to me for free (so to speak - after all you do have to pay to be a Prime Member). It arrived nicely, was fairly easy to assemble and before I knew it I found myself hanging upside down. So far I have absolutely no complaints about it. It is the first Inversion Table I have every used, so I probably don't really know what I should be complaining about, but I do know that I hang upside down comfortably and can feel my body stretching out and it feels nice. Easy to use, very easy I had thought it would be more complicated, and no I have never gotten stuck upside down. The system is designed pretty much in a way that there is no problem with that. It is faily imposing in size, but then I don't have a lot of big equipment in my house, and it is not extremely heavy - perhaps about 50 pounds. I have had this for a couple of months and am glad that I got it. In a short time it gives your back and neck a real break.

I don't know why inversion tables aren't in every airport, hotel, gym, school and home! They are by far the most powerful modality for self-healing your back that I have ever found. My life was plagued by my bad back. Surgery followed by years of weekly acupuncture, chiropractic, massage and still horrible 6 week or longer episodes...you get the picture. I could not rely on my body and had to cancel important events, or show up crooked. And oh my gosh the pain!

Everything changed when I got an inversion table. Not at first. Takes a couple of weeks, and you must not use when you are in pain. My experience is that you should wait until the spasms are over, then use daily and GENTLY. Still in pain, there is a great chance hanging just irritate the musicles and nerves that need to calm. That's what happened to me. I made the spasms worse. (If you do use, stay on the horizontal.)

Also, and this is essential--when they sell these things on tv they always show these people showing off hanging upside down. It looks terrifying, and I would not do that in a million years.

My instruction book said there were no added benefits from hanging 9o degree vertically. So I don't. I set a comfortable 35 degree angle, just a gentle slope. I get a wonderful and gentle whole body stretch downwards (towards my head) and I did getthat blood to head rush at first.(Not so much now) I also only do it about 2 to 3 minutes daily, and still get GREAT benefit.

In fact, not hanging upside down for 20 minutes is probably the key to doing it daily. And what a nice total stretch. Lastly, when I get out off and out of the table, I bend my knees and then stand up. I also bend my knees to balance the table.