Cannot do squats because of Hernia. Need advice

[zasmith92]

Hello, so Ive started weightlifting fairly recently and am still a novice..all my knowledge and my program is taken from Mark Rippetoe's books (Starting Strength and Practical Programming). That being said I have a torn muscle and hernia and therefore cannot do squats and especially not the deep squat. I am bummed because I realize how important and vital the squat is. I am wondering if there is any insight to exercises I can do that may supplement...obviously no single exercise will be sufficient, so a combination. My hernia w/ muscle tear is aggravated by any sort of squat motion and huge pressure put on my core. Thanks!

[Proposturalized]

Have surgery to repair said hernia and wait a few weeks for it to heal. You'll be much better off getting it repaired than going half ass in the gym in fear of further tearing it.

[zasmith92]

Have surgery to repair said hernia and wait a few weeks for it to heal. You'll be much better off getting it repaired than going half ass in the gym in fear of further tearing it.

Unfortunately I can't have it repaired until december break because of college.

[hotspur]

Unfortunately, any exercise that creates a valsalva maneuver is at least at risk for making the hernia worse. In of itself, a hernia isn't bad until it becomes strangulated. Leg presses, leg extensions, and hamstring curls are probably you're best bet (since I'm assuming a doctor told you not to squat). In all lifts you do, make sure you are exhaling during the contraction phase, and this will lower your abdominal pressure (thus decreasing you risk of worsening the hernia). You're best bet is to fix it asap.

[PeterGibbons316]

Agree with others, if you have a hernia you shouldn't be lifting at all. Get that **** taken care of before you do any lifting.

[BloodFireDeath]

Unfortunately, any exercise that creates a valsalva maneuver is at least at risk for making the hernia worse. In of itself, a hernia isn't bad until it becomes strangulated. Leg presses, leg extensions, and hamstring curls are probably you're best bet (since I'm assuming a doctor told you not to squat). In all lifts you do, make sure you are exhaling during the contraction phase, and this will lower your abdominal pressure (thus decreasing you risk of worsening the hernia). You're best bet is to fix it asap.

This. Also look into hernia belts for the time being, and core strengthening exercises.Try to avoid constipation. A solid belt should get you on your way, wrap it tight and the hernia wont even come out.
BTW what sort of hernia is it? Direct/indirect?

[aman88]

yeah man definitely get it repaired then talk to a doctor about dos and donts before lifting again.