Best exercises that don't work your core

[Rezzy139]

Hey guys,

I recently did surgery on my abdomen and my doctor advised me to not lift weights for a month and when I start to, to ease into it.

Its been a month today so for this week I want to do a full body workout, but only do exercises that minimally stress my core. Any recommendations on a workout plan?

[TolerantLactose]

Rest up for the month. You're stronger on virtually all exercises when you brace your core.

[radrd]

If it's been a month and you're cleared to ease back in, I would start with arm movements and probably overhead press and bench press with a braced core to see how it feels, but not put myself in any real danger doing back squats or deadlifts. Lunges and maybe dumbbell, trap bar, and/or belt squats could be OK for lower body. I'd do lunges soon and maybe wait a couple more weeks on squatting movements.

The key is that you must start bracing your core and strengthening those muscles again. Not doing so could actually lead to injury. The last thing you want to do is lift and try not to engage your core.

[SuicideGripMe]

Yeah man, do a week of just bar work and maybe 95 lbs. Work the movements, get back the form, make sure nothing feels out of whack. Then slowly build back up. Don't rush things.