Teeter EZ-Up Gravity Boots

I've only used these for a week, but a friend has an identical pair that I've used many times, so I knew I would like this product when I bought it. Very comfortable and well built. This is the kind of quality product I'm always happy about after my purchase and these make me smile every time I put them on. It's good to know there are still companies out there that don't make garbage just trying to turn a quick buck. This fact alone earned them 5 stars, but these also perform just as I hoped. I love the challenge of using them and can hardly wait to get back to the gym to use them.Now for a few notes for those considering buying so they know what to reasonably expect. These will feel a little tight after hanging there for a bit, but keep in mind the physics involved. Your entire body weight is being held up by a small, albeit well-padded surface area between the top of your ankle to about 6-7 inches above that. It HAS to feel uncomfortable after a certain amount of time, but this is actually a GOOD thing. The reason being is that it isn't good for you to hang upside down too long anyhow and the benefit for decompressing your spine doesn't take that long (only about 4 minutes of plain hanging out to decompress). This product works well enough for me to get rid of my inversion table all together, so that is saying something in itself. It also will force me to keep my lazy butt in shape over the undemanding use of an inversion table, which quite literally requires no fitness of any kind. I'm a runner and I lift weights, so decompression is a must and incredibly relaxing once you get used to being inverted.TIP: For those looking to do some abs, oblique or back workouts, I can tell you that this device works very well! The entire length of the body of the abdominal muscles seems to be worked by the lift, but they are not for the feint of heart.For those looking to train their body, keep in mind that for inverted sit-ups with this product, you will need to adequately develop what I believe is called the sartorius muscles in your leg. This is the muscle that raises your thigh straight up out in front of you, like a kicker in, well, almost any kicking sport or martial art. To train for this very demanding part of the lift, I recommend gripping a pull-up bar with your hands, allowing your body to hang and then lifting both legs at the same time, keeping them straight, so that your toes come up to at least above your waist and hold for 1 count, but ideally raise your toes up to being even with your nose. Don't swing your body when you lower your legs as many people do with this lift, but use your abs to keep your body steady and controlled as you lower your legs back to the starting point. If you can't do the lift I have just described, just bend your knees as you do this lift until these muscles are trained enough to keep your legs straight for the lift. If you can't do the lift with your knees bent, you have no prayer of doing ab workouts with these. Inverted sit-ups are more difficult than the leg lifts I described above, even if done correctly. Just being honest! :) If you do not take some measure to train this muscle, whether by doing the lift I described or some other variation, you will be extremely sore for days. Also, remember to stretch this muscle out immediately after you are done with this lift.My last, but most important suggestion, is that you either have a spotter help you or tie a small rope from the bar you are using so you don't get stuck upside-down. Your abs will get tired and having a safety rope of some kind is a good idea, but you can also press your hands against the back of your leg to help you perform a crunch to get back up to the bar and lift the hooks back off for a dismount.

I bought these about a year ago when I threw my back and was in bed for almost a week.I found information about Vax-D Therapy where they put you on a modern day rack system to stretch your back. I was getting ready to schedule an appointment when I found other people saying to save your money and buy an inversion table.The Vax-D was prohibitively expensive so I started looking into Inversion Tables. I was trying to figure out where to put an inversion table when I remembered the old "Gravity Boots" from the 1980's.Space was an issue so I decided to try these boots instead of the table.I ordered them shipped Next-Day because I was desperate.I used them 3 times a day and the next day I already felt better. I felt so much better that I thought the boss would think that I made up the bad back story to miss some days at work.In about 3 days I was almost back to normal.Working a desk job, I really should use them every day and I only remember to use them when my back starts hurting again.I don't use the "Removable calf loops" anymore, but they were great when my back was out, since I actually held on to them to pull myself back up.This is not for the Faint-Hearted so people who whine about them not being safe should just buy an inversion bed. This would be much gentler for them and much easier to use too.Don't let the plastic construction fool you. These things are very sturdy, very comfortable and very safe. -- I've never felt that they would give out, break or come loose on me.I highly recommend buying the Inversion Rack -> Teeter Hang Ups EZ Up Inversion RackI kicked myself for getting it -- You don't want to go through the trouble of finding an alternative way to hang from when this you could've bought that rack in the first place.I took the time to write this review because I'd like other back pain sufferers to know about this option that they can do at home at their own time.Again, if you're not scared and you still have the stamina to pull yourself back up when you're done, these are Highly Recommended.If you're scared, get an inversion table and save yourself the doctor or chiropractor bills.

I AM BATMAN! These Teeter Hang Ups are just what I needed to help with my back pain. I do a lot of dead lifts and squats so my spine is constantly taking a compacting toll. These are comfortable to use once you find the sweet spot on your shins to fix them to. I think that they look goofy so I don't take them to the gym but pair them with a pull up bar at home instead. WARNING: I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND USING THIS PRODUCT ALONE. If you are to fatigued to pull yourself up then that could lead to a very bad situation. Remember to either have someone there or affix some rope or something to your bar to help you pull yourself back up if you are too tired to do so. Over all great quality and you can literally feel your spine decompressing as you hang there. You can also do crunches and reverse squats while hanging. I do it for about 3 minutes a day twice a day but I should do it more as it is so relieving. I swear I am getting taller too!

Bottom line, they work for doing sit-ups and fit on most door-way pull-up bars. No they're not the most comfortable things in the world, but inverted sit-ups aren't the most comfortable exercises to begin with. Wear sneakers, stick the tongue between the top of your foot and where the plastic hook bit, that will make sure the boots don't slip and you don't hurt your ankles. Size-wise, they are more limited by the size of your calves than your ankles. For reference, the largest my calves get is about the width of a 2L soda bottle, and I have an inch of so of extra room on the clips. The calf attachments don't do much, they're nice to have if you're just starting out. I've never tried any other brand for comparison, but at this point I don't think I need to, these are fine.