Is it safe to exercise with a hernia? | Top Doctors (2025)

New Year is the time most people focus on ramping up their workout routine. However, for those living with a hernia, they need to be careful not to aggravate the condition.

Working out when you have a hernia can be both painful and dangerous. Here, we’ll look at whether it is safe to work out when you have a hernia and the key things you’ll want to keep in mind.

Is it safe to exercise with a hernia?

While caution should be taken, it can be safe to exercise with a hernia. However, there are certain exercises that should be avoided. Understanding which exercises you should avoid is key to working out safely.

Another thing to keep in mind is that it is advisable to work out under the guidance of an accredited physiotherapist or qualified personal trainer. They will be able to show you which exercises are safe. Generally speaking, the following exercises should be avoided:

• Crunches and other core exercises
• Contact sports
• Heavy lifting exercises

The above exercises can put extra pressure onto the abdomen, causing the hernia to worsen. So, it’s important to focus on exercises that produce low intra-abdominal pressure.

Understanding the different types of hernias

Another thing that affects the exercise you should do is the type of hernia you have. There are six main types but the most common is the Inguinal hernia. It is estimated that around 25 per cent of men will suffer from this type of hernia in their lifetime. It occurs in the groin area and most clear up by themselves.

Femoral hernias are less common and mostly develop in women. They also occur in the groin and they can be a cause for concern due to how close they are to the femoral artery. Exercising with this type of hernia can be dangerous so it is advised patients undergo surgery to remove it before partaking in a workout routine.

It’s important to establish what type of hernia you are dealing with before you come up with an exercise plan.

Tips for working out with a hernia

There are some tips you can follow to ensure your safety when exercising with a hernia. Avoiding the exercises mentioned earlier is the first thing to remember. The main exercises you should focus on include things like aerobic exercise, glute bridges and postural strengthening exercises.

Making sure you don’t overdo it, is also essential. You should take it easier on yourself until the condition has resolved.

Unfortunately, not all hernias will disappear on their own. There is also always a risk they will worsen when you start working out. Therefore, it is advised that patients seek treatment for their hernia prior to exercising. This is the only way to guarantee your safety.

Book a consultation today with Alan Woodward to see which treatment plan would be best to eliminate your hernia.