How to Work Out with a Hernia

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Hernias are a serious condition, but you don’t have to put your exercise routines on hold if you have one. While it’s always best to consult with a doctor or medical professional first, there are plenty of ways you can stay in shape while managing a hernia . Don’t worry—we’ve answered all your frequently asked questions, so you can stay safe and healthy during your workouts.

Question 1 of 6:

Can you exercise with an abdominal hernia?

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  1. Perform workouts that don’t put a lot of strain on your abdomen, like basic aerobics , breathing exercises , and glute bridges. To be extra cautious, work with a doctor or exercise physiologist as you plan out your exercise routines. [1]
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Question 2 of 6:

What exercises are safe to do with a hernia?

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  1. Running and dancing are considered safe, as are yoga and water aerobics. Recumbent bike workouts are also safe, since they provide a lot of support as you exercise. [2]
    • Don’t do any dance moves that involve a lot twisting—these can create extra strain.
    • Always talk to your doctor first if you aren’t sure about a certain exercise.
Question 3 of 6:

Are squats safe to do?

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  1. Medical experts agree that body weight squats are perfectly safe while you have a hernia. However, don’t lift weights during your squats, as this can create extra strain on your body. [3]
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Question 4 of 6:

Can you do push-ups with a hernia?

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  1. Medical experts don’t recommend doing exercises that require a lot of pushing, like push-ups or shoulder presses. [4]
Question 5 of 6:

What other exercises should I avoid?

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  1. Experts advise against heavy weight-lifting, which can put extra strain on your body. Workouts that require a lot of pulling, like oblique twists and pull-ups, or activities that require a lot of punching or kicking, like wrestling, aren’t a good idea, either. [5]
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Question 6 of 6:

Can I exercise after having hernia surgery?

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  1. During the first 6 weeks, focus on exercises that don’t create a lot of pressure on your abdomen, like walking . Stay away from strenuous exercises that could create extra pressure around your abdomen, like sit-ups, Pilates, heavy weightlifting, and swimming.

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      Expert Interview

      Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about exercising safely, check out our in-depth interview with Zheni Stavre, MD .

      References

      1. ↑ https://opt.net.au/optimum-life/safe-exercise-hernia/
      2. ↑ https://aaptiv.com/magazine/modify-exercise-with-hernia
      3. ↑ https://opt.net.au/optimum-life/safe-exercise-hernia/
      4. ↑ https://aaptiv.com/magazine/modify-exercise-with-hernia
      5. ↑ https://aaptiv.com/magazine/modify-exercise-with-hernia

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