Can I exercise with an umbilical hernia?

A hernia will result when a structure/organ squeezes through a fragile area of the muscles. When it comes to an umbilical hernia, a portion of the intestine will squeeze through the abdominal muscles, close to your belly button.

In adults, factors that can put on an increased abdominal pressure can lead to an umbilical hernia.

Examples include:

  • Heavy lifting
  • Pregnancy

According to medical experts, exercise can aggravate the umbilical hernias and so, care needs to be taken to save yourself. So, talk to your physician before starting to exercise with an umbilical hernia.

Below are the few tips for exercising with an umbilical hernia:

Wearing an umbilical hernia belt:

Make sure you wear an umbilical hernia belt during all the exercise sessions. This will help support your abdominal muscles and prevent your hernia from getting worsened during exercise. You can purchase an umbilical hernia belt from the online store here.

Using weight machines and/or seated exercises:

Standing exercises will force you to involve the abdominal muscles, which in turn will increase the pressure that is applied in your torso, thereby aggravating your hernia. Exercise machines will help isolate your muscles with a little-to-no engagement of your abdomen.

Avoiding certain types of exercises:

You are advised to avoid exercises that flex or extend the spine.

Examples include:

  • Crunches
  • Oblique exercises
  • Back extensions

In general, don’t work your abdomen until after your hernia is completely healed.

Concentrating on Aerobic Exercises:

Aerobic exercises such as walking and running are advisable. As these exercises do not put as much strain as your resistance on your abdomen, you can continue to do them.

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