What angle should I invert at?

Start with a small angle

Nobody we found recommends starting upside down.

• WebMD: "Don't lean back all the way. Try to just tip back at a 30-degree angle, or as little as 10 degrees if you're an older adult."
• Teeter's FitSpine manual: "Start at a modest angle (20 to 30 degrees) for the first few weeks or until you become comfortable with the sensation and operation of the equipment."
• Cleveland Clinic describes tipping "from a slight recline up to a 180-degree position, based on your comfort level", and says to follow your table's instructions.

Working up

Teeter says to advance to greater angles only once you can fully relax, to "advance slowly and listen to your body", and notes that "many users never do more than 60 degrees, and that's just fine." Cleveland Clinic and Healthline both mention 60 degrees. Healthline describes a study that used 60 degrees, and Cleveland Clinic says research suggests three minutes at a 60-degree tilt is the "sweet spot", while noting that studies find mixed results. Treat that as a reference point, not a target.

Full inversion is optional

Teeter's manuals describe full inversion as something to attempt only when you are comfortable with partial inversion, and say you should not try it until you can fully relax at 60 degrees. Tables are balanced differently, and full inversion changes how you get back upright, so read your manual first.

Angle scales are not the same on every table

This trips people up. Teeter's FitSpine manual labels full inversion as 90 degrees, with 0 degrees as horizontal. Cleveland Clinic describes a range up to 180 degrees. Some tables count from upright, some from horizontal. Before you follow any number from an article, work out how your table's scale works, using its manual and angle markings.

How to set and limit the angle

• Use the angle limiter your table provides. Teeter calls it an angle tether, and says to attach it for your first sessions to stop the table rotating too far or too quickly.
• Move your arms slowly. Teeter says the faster you move, the faster the table rotates.
• Set your height and balance adjustments first. Teeter says improper settings can cause rapid inversion or make returning upright difficult.
• Bring your body back up slowly, and rest briefly just past horizontal on a Teeter before standing, to help prevent dizziness.

Common questions

What angle is best?

There is no single best angle. The sources we read give starting points and say to go by comfort. Cleveland Clinic reports that research results are mixed.

Is 180 degrees better than 60?

We found no source that says so. Teeter says many users never go past 60 degrees.

What if I feel dizzy?

Teeter's manuals say to return to upright straight away if you feel pain or become light-headed or dizzy. Read our safety page.

Gear that helps

Look for an angle limiter or tether and clear angle markings. Compare options in best inversion tables or best folding inversion tables.