Teeter DEX II Review: Inversion & Core Training in One Machine

Exercising your back is just as important as exercising everything else.

After all, without a strong back you can’t have a strong core. If you’re looking for an advanced home exercise machine to work out your back as well as other muscle groups, the Teeter DEX II is an excellent choice.

This article will tell you everything you need to know about this training system.

Things to Consider Before Buying a Hyperextension Bench

Before telling you all about the Teeter DEX II, you should probably know a few things about this type of training system.

To start, I’m going to point out that this type of training system is not for beginners.

It’s an advanced system for people who are at least at a mid-range fitness level.

This system is also not suitable for people with back issues.

It’s extremely intense and using it could cause more harm than good. However, if you have back issues and are intent on using it, at least consult with your doctor first.

The Teeter DEX II is a hyperextension bench plus an upper body training system all rolled into one.

I’ll point out a few things you need to know before buying a machine like this, then in the next section I’ll tie it all together with the Teeter DEX II.

Stability

The first thing you really need to focus on is the stability of the machine.

It’s going to be supporting your entire body while you do some serious movement on it. You don’t want to worry about falling on your face while exercising.

First, make sure it’s made with high-quality steel and that it has some pretty good weight to it.

A light machine isn’t going to do well holding you while you’re essentially swinging on it. Try to get one that’s at least 50 pounds.

You need to also make sure that it has good, thick, wide legs for base support. The closer the legs are together, the less stability you’ll have.

Padding

You’re going to be placing the weight of your body on the bench and leg supports.

Just imagine what it would feel like to have your body pressing into hard, sharp steel.

You need to make sure the padding is very thick. Make sure it uses good material and that the stitching is impeccable.

You don’t want something that will quickly start falling apart.

Adjustability

Cheap hyperextension benches may not be adjustable.

Getting a non-adjustable hyperextension bench is a bad idea.

For one, if more than one person is using it, the other person may not be comfortable in the same position you are.

Another thing to think about is that over time your comfortable position may change as your fitness level changes.

Avoid this problem by getting an adjustable bench.

Introducing the Teeter DEX II

Quality and efficiency are two great words that you can use to describe the Teeter DEX II.

It’s a remarkable home exercise machine that allows inverted decompression & extension.

The Teeter DEX II is much more than a hyperextension bench. You can truly get a full-body workout as well as lower back pain relief on this machine.

Pros

• Registered with the FDA as a 510(k)-medical device.
• Made with a heavy-duty steel base.
• Comes with a five-year warranty.
• Lower handles help with a variety of tasks.

Cons

• It’s expensive compared to other hyperextension benches.
• Can block the femoral artery if not used properly.

Features and Benefits of the Teeter DEX II

Stable, Ergonomic Design

When using a hyperextension bench, you need to be able to trust it to be stable.

The Teeter DEX II is one of the most stable benches out there.

The support legs are designed to extend from the machine at an angle, creating a triangular shape.

Any engineer can tell you that triangles are the strongest shape when it comes to designing structures that need to support things.

Another small nuance that creates extra stability is the fact that the legs angle outward at the bottom.

This creates an even wider bottom for more support.

The front legs angle out at 90-degrees. This creates two flat support beams that serve as anti-tipping devices.

You can invert, lean, and move with confidence knowing that the Teeter DEX II isn’t going to flip over.

If this isn’t enough, Teeter has taken their design to the next level by making the machine ergonomic.

The lap pad is specially designed to make sure the emphasis is placed on your core and back where it should be, and not on your thighs which can be uncomfortable and even painful.

Both sets of handles are curved in a way that allows you to grip them in a natural manner without having to twist your arms or hands in awkward positions.

Even the leg supports are designed to be placed behind your knees instead of your ankles.

Most people are stronger behind their knees than their ankles, so you’ll be able to support yourself more.

Lower Handles for Additional Exercises

The lower handles are what sets the Teeter DEX II apart from typical hyperextension benches.

The first purpose of these handles is to provide you with an additional way to support yourself as you decompress.

The second purpose is to allow you to do upper body exercises.

You can do exercises like stretching, dips, push-ups, and band work.

That means you can work out every muscle group in your body with this one machine.

Comfort and Durability

With a machine like this, you must be comfortable when using it or it’s simply going to hurt.

Teeter uses extra thick, contoured foam padding for the lap pad and has padding on all handles.

This padding also makes the handles non-slip for safety.

The feet of the machine have rubber grip to protect your floor and keep the machine from sliding as you move around.

The steel base is covered with a powder-coated, non-scratch finish so it stays looking good for the duration of the machine’s life.

FDA Registered

Being registered as a medical device through the FDA is a big deal.

When a product is marked with the FDA as a 510(k) medical device, you can rest assured that it has been thoroughly reviewed by the FDA and has been deemed safe as well as effective at what the manufacturer states the product can do.

While the Teeter DEX II is an exercise machine, it’s technically listed as a decompression and inversion machine.

It can be used for therapy as well as exercise. You can trust that this machine does what it says it will do.

What People Are Saying About the Teeter DEX II

Review #1 – John M. 

A Magical Device for Health

So much more useful than the hang-by-the-ankles kind. Plus, this is so friendly and effective you use it religiously – like every day. I have been using mine every day for decades. I wouldn’t be without it.

Review #2 – Roxanne M.

Yes Yes Yes

This helps my back. I feel taller lol. I am saving money on chiropractor visits. When I get the beginnings of pain I have a nice long stretch on this and I’m ready for the day. I am blessed by this inversion system. Good buy. Worth it.

Review #3 – Charles M. 

Safer and Better

This was recommended by my chiropractor. He has one in his office that I use prior to therapy. He wanted me to use one every day. I bought one and it makes a difference. I have tried inversion incline boards. NG. This is way better, easier to use and way safer. It will keep your neck and back vertebrae from getting worse and seems to make the spacing better. Use 1 to 3 times a day for no more than 3 minutes is what the chiropractor told me.

Alternatives to the Teeter DEX II

There isn’t really a comparable machine to the Teeter DEX II on the market because it’s unique in design, but there are other training systems that can give you a similar workout.

I found a few that are interesting and effective so you can compare the Teeter DEX II to what’s on the market.

Stamina 3-in-1 Core Training System

The Stamina 3-in-1 Core Training System is closer to a Roman Chair than a hyperextension bench.

However, you can still work out your back and lower body muscles.

The bench is adjustable, so you can level it for other exercises like bicep curls, bent-over rows, split squats and more.

This bench has a built-in ab arc on the end so you can get a great ab workout anytime, while folding up for easy storage when finished with your workout.

STEALTH Core Trainer

The STEALTH Core Trainer isn’t a bench, but rather a small apparatus for planking.

As you probably already know, planking is an intense, low-impact exercise that can work every muscle group, especially your abs.

The STEALTH Core Trainer makes planking more comfortable so you can focus on the exercise and not the pain in your hands and arms.

There is also a space built into the equipment to place your smartphone so you can watch a video or play a game while you’re planking.

Ironman Inversion Table

The Ironman Inversion Table is properly branded – this is a serious and intimidating machine.

The quality is there – it’s built like a tank.

The comfort is there also. It has extra thick padding. This is an inversion table, not an exercise machine.

Therefore, you won’t work out any muscle groups. However, it’s an excellent pain reliever because it’s a champ at decompression.

Final Thoughts on the Teeter DEX II

This is a great machine to have at home.

It’s both an exercise machine that targets all muscle groups and medical device so you’re getting a lot of bang for your buck.

It’s built well, uses high-quality parts, and even comes with a five-year warranty.

Everything about the Teeter DEX II is exactly right.