What to do during recovery

firef1y72

I'm ten days post op for an open umbilical hernia repair and allowed to resume some exercise. Before the op I'd got in to stronglifts and made reasonable progress (Squat 50kg/OHP 22.5kg/row 37.5kg/bench 32.5kg/dead 60kg) and everything I had read was that I would be able to return to using light weights after the ten days, thinking light is subjective and I'd be able to return to the bar (10/20kg). But I have very specific instructions of nothing over 5kg until 4 weeks post op, so even the bar is out for another 2.5 weeks.

So what I was thinking of doing is some cardio (urgh) in the form of the bike and rowing machine and then using the wooden warm up pole to work on form (I squat very differently with a bar on my back to without), finishing off with some isolation work and benching with some very light dumbells (2-3kg).

Does this sound like a reasonable plan, or should I just stick with cardio?

pondee629

" But I have very specific instructions of nothing over 5kg until 4 weeks post op, "

Perhaps you should go to the medical professional who gave you the above instructions with the question what you can do?

lorrpb

It's best to get your post op instructions from the surgeon rather than the Internet. I can't imagine why 20kg lifting would be recommended 10 days after an open hernia repair. It's only 2 more weeks, be patient and focus on your health.