Exercising After Surgery

Exercise after surgery is a delicate balance. You don’t want to strain yourself, but you want to get back in the game. Here are some tips to find that balance after surgery:

Tips for Returning to Exercising after Surgery

• Listen to your body. You’ll know when you’re ready or not, and if you feel you’re doing too much, stop. Exercise can slow the healing process, so be cognizant of your “push” level.
• Take it slow. Return to easy workouts for the first few days with some low-grade cardio and moderate strength training. You’ll want to ease yourself back in the game.
• Proceed with an abundance of caution. If your doctor says you’re good to go, add in an extra day or two. There’s no rush. Your workouts will still be there in a few extra days.
• Just because you can do something doesn’t mean you should. Don’t go run a 5k the day after you’re cleared. Run a mile instead.

It was so good to feel my heart rate elevated again. I didn’t realize how much I had missed it. I waited an extra day before I worked out. Then I only did mild cardio and my squat program. I’m taking tomorrow off and will return to a real workout on Monday.

I should be cleared on December 11th, so until then I will be cautious. Listen to your doctor. Listen to your body. Soon enough, you’ll be back!