Can You Exercise With a Hernia? A Surgeon Explains Safe Workouts

Having a hernia does not automatically mean you have to stop exercising. In this video, Dr. Jordan Shively, a general and robotic surgeon, explains how to safely navigate workouts with an unrepaired hernia. From cardiovascular activities like walking and swimming to heavy weightlifting and targeted abdominal exercises, learn how to modify your routine to avoid unnecessary straining. Dr. Shively breaks down the difference between strengthening your core and actually repairing the fascial defect, why weight belts won't fix the underlying issue, and the three most important questions you need to ask yourself during every workout. Note: The advice in this video applies to UNREPAIRED hernias. If you have recently had hernia surgery, always follow your specific surgeon's post-operative instructions. Chapters 0:00 - Introduction: Can you exercise with a hernia? 0:29 - What cardiovascular and daily activities can you still do? 1:04 - Will exercise or core strength repair the hernia defect? 1:31 - Heavy lifting: Can you lift weights with a hernia? 2:41 - Are abdominal exercises (planks, sit-ups) safe? 3:20 - Can working out make a hernia bigger? 3:45 - The 3 crucial things to monitor while exercising 4:35 - Do weight belts or compression garments help? 4:47 - Red flags: When should you stop exercising immediately? 6:00 - Unrepaired hernias vs. Post-surgery exercise guidelines 6:20 - Bottom line and summary #Hernia #HerniaSurgery #FitnessAdvice #GeneralSurgery #HerniaRepair #SafeExercise #Weightlifting #CoreWorkout #HealthEducation #DrJordanShively