How to Lift Weights After a Hernia Repair

According to the American College of Surgeons, a hernia is a fairly common injury which occurs where a small tear is created in the abdominal wall, allowing a portion of the bowels to escape through, pushing against the lining of the skin. A hernia must be repaired through surgical means, as the abdominal wall is unable to heal on its own. While you can go back to lifting weights following your hernia repair, you should take care to avoid placing excessive stress on the muscles of the abdomen.

Things You'll Need

• Weights

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Instructions

• 1

  Follow your doctor's express instructions regarding the suggested rest period following surgery. While you may feel up to lifting weights long before your "official" recovery period is over, waiting until you receive the green light from your health care provider can help to minimize your chances of reopening the injury and necessitating another surgery. Although you might be eager to mitigate any strength losses due to the surgery, patient waiting can help provide for your sustained long-term health.

• 2

  Resume your ordinary exercise routine, but aim to begin by lifting at least 20 to 30 percent less weight than you did prior to the surgery. Ease yourself gradually back into your lifting routine to avoid overstressing the muscles, potentially leading to a recurrence of your hernia or another injury. Take a few weeks to slowly climb back to your pre-hernia working weights, adding a few extra pounds to the bar with each session as your comfort level increases.

• 3

  Avoid any exercise that places undue stress on the site of your injury. While this will naturally vary depending on the site of the incision, common exercise to avoid for the time being are most abdominal movements and any exercise that increases levels of intra-abdominal pressure, such as heavy squatting or dead lifting.

  Remember to lift with your head instead of your ego--be willing to forgo these exercises for the time being in pursuit of an easier recovery from hernia repair.