The term “gravity boots” brings to mind futuristic images straight out of cartoons like the Jetsons. However, inversion gravity boots are actually a viable medical/exercise device that is used in inversion therapy to aid in curing a variety of medical issues. It is a great alternative to drugs that can cause intense side effects and surgery. A study released by Newcastle University in England actually found that people that were regular participants in an inversion therapy program, reduced their need for back surgery by 70 percent. For those who aren’t familiar with the term inversion therapy it is basically hanging upside down in an inverted position and has been used in some form or another for several centuries. It’s most recent incarnation came into existence about 20 years ago.

Inversion therapy can aid a person in ways other than back pain though. It has been shown to decrease stress, increase circulation, improve posture, and help people to think more clearly. It is used by athletes as well the more infirm.

Gravity boots are pretty much just what they sound like, a boot. The boot usually is accompanied by ankle supports and some sort of rack. You can probably tell by this description that gravity boots allow for much more “free” hanging inversion than inversion tables or inversion boots. These boots can also be used to do inverted sit-ups and squats furthering the great health benefits that they offer.

It is advisable when using gravity boots to wear extra thick and comfy socks so as not to rub your ankles and your feet as your ankles will be essentially supporting all of your body weight. Also, make sure that you secure the rod you intend to hang from very securely. You want it to be a few inches more from the floor than your height, but make sure it’s not too high.

Gravity boots have become increasingly popular due to exposure in the popular media. The U. S. Army uses them, and at least one producer will ship them to APO addresses for minimal cost, The author of the Da Vinci Code praised them and they have been shown in movies such as the American Gigolo (made in the 80s). In The Da Vinci Code the protagonist hangs upside down from gravity boots in order to think difficult problems out. This is actually just another benefit of inversion therapy. The inverted position increases oxygen and blood flow to the brain which can help a person to think more clearly and more sharply.

One of the bigger draws of gravity boots as opposed to the inversion table and chair is its price. Inversion tables start at around $150 while you can find gravity boots for around $80. However, gravity boots seem to be known more as an exercise tool than as a component of inversion therapy. They are useful in both ways.

About the Author: Jannet is a physical therapy guru who writes about how to buy gravity boots and buy back stretchers and then use them in a fitness routine.