Can you do squats after abdominal surgery? Your guide to safe recovery

September 22, 2025 •

4 min read

According to surgical recovery protocols, early strain on healing abdominal tissues can significantly increase the risk of complications such as a hernia recurrence or a wound reopening. This makes answering the question, 'Can you do squats after abdominal surgery?', critical for any patient planning their post-operative fitness journey.

Quick Summary

It is generally unsafe to perform squats immediately after abdominal surgery; most surgeons recommend waiting at least 6 to 12 weeks before reintroducing bodyweight versions, with the exact timeline depending on the surgery type, incision healing, and individual recovery progress. Gradual reintroduction with proper medical clearance is vital to prevent complications.

Key Points

Timeline Varies: The safe return to squats after abdominal surgery depends on the type of procedure, extent of the repair, and your individual healing progress.
Medical Clearance is a Must: Never begin squats or any strenuous exercise without explicit clearance from your surgeon or physical therapist.
High-Risk Early On: Performing squats too soon can increase intra-abdominal pressure, potentially damaging healing tissues and causing complications like hernia recurrence.
Phased Approach is Safest: A gradual, step-by-step reintroduction of exercise, starting with light walking and progressing to bodyweight squats, is the recommended method.
Listen to Pain: Any sharp pain or pulling sensation in the abdominal area while exercising is a signal to stop immediately and rest.
Start Bodyweight Only: When cleared, begin with partial bodyweight squats, using a wall or chair for support, before considering adding weights much later.
Focus on Form: During early squats, concentrate on using your legs and glutes, keeping core bracing gentle to avoid straining the healing incision.
Substitute Effectively: Use safe alternatives like pelvic tilts and glute squeezes to build strength during the early recovery phases.

Understanding the Risks of Early Exercise

After abdominal surgery, your body undergoes a significant healing process. The surgical site, whether it involves a full incision or smaller laparoscopic entry points, needs time to repair and regain strength. Performing squats too early can introduce a number of serious risks:

Increased Intra-Abdominal Pressure: Squats require bracing your core, which increases pressure within the abdominal cavity. This pressure can strain or damage healing tissues and sutures, potentially causing a hernia recurrence or the surgical wound to re-open.
Muscle Strain: The core muscles are heavily involved in stabilizing the torso during a squat. Engaging these muscles too soon can pull at the weakened abdominal wall and lead to pain, damage, and delayed healing.
Fluid Accumulation: Excessive strain can sometimes lead to seromas (fluid collection) or hematomas (blood collection) near the surgical site, which may require further medical intervention.
Compromised Healing: By stressing the area, you redirect your body's resources away from tissue repair. A smooth recovery is the best way to ensure optimal healing and long-term results, especially in cosmetic procedures like a tummy tuck.

Your Phased Return to Squats

Instead of a single, definitive answer, a phased approach to resuming squats is safest. Always consult with your surgeon or physical therapist before beginning any new exercise.

Phase 1: Weeks 1–4 (Early Recovery)

Activity: Focus on rest and light mobility, such as short, frequent walks around the house. This aids circulation and prevents blood clots.
Exercises to Avoid: All strenuous activities, including squats, heavy lifting, twisting, and intense abdominal exercises.
Key Focus: Prioritize hydration, nutrition, and following all post-operative instructions for tissue repair.

Phase 2: Weeks 4–8 (Intermediate Recovery)

Activity: Gradually increase walking duration. Some surgeons may clear patients for light, seated mobility exercises or gentle Pilates, avoiding deep core engagement.
Introducing Squats: Bodyweight squats may be introduced around week 6 to 8, but only with your doctor's clearance. Start with partial-range squats while holding onto a stable support like a chair or wall.
Important: Focus on proper form, controlled movements, and listening to your body. Any pain, pulling, or discomfort means you should stop immediately.

Phase 3: Weeks 8–12 and Beyond (Advanced Recovery)

Activity: With clearance, you can begin light resistance training. Start with lighter weights (e.g., dumbbells) and gradually increase resistance.
Weighted Squats: You may be able to progress to weighted squats after the 12-week mark, depending on your surgeon's assessment. Listen to your body and start with very low weight.
Ongoing: Full recovery of core strength can take up to two years, so continued patience and gradual progression are key to preventing injury and ensuring a full return to your fitness routine.

Surgical Procedure and Its Impact

The type of abdominal surgery you have undergone is a major factor in your recovery timeline. Here is a comparison of typical guidelines, though individual healing will always vary.


Feature	Hernia Repair	Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)	Laparotomy
Key Concern	Prevent re-herniation by avoiding pressure on the surgical site and mesh repair.	Preserve muscle repair (e.g., diastasis recti) and avoid straining incisions and skin.	Protect deep abdominal tissues and ensure internal incision healing is complete.
Typical Squat Timing	Around 6–8 weeks for bodyweight, with weighted squats depending on mesh and repair.	Often 8–12 weeks for bodyweight squats, requiring longer wait for heavy weight.	Can take several months; depends heavily on the extent of the internal surgery.
Full Strength Return	Varies, but many can return to strenuous activity within 2–6 months.	Full core strength can take up to a year or more.	Can take up to two years for full core strength and recovery.

Safe Alternatives and How to Reintroduce Exercise

Rather than pushing for squats prematurely, you can focus on exercises that promote healing and strengthen your body safely.

Weeks 1-4: Short, frequent walks; deep breathing exercises (diaphragmatic); gentle ankle pumps and leg slides while lying down.
Weeks 4-8: Core Bracing: Practice isometric core tightening (pulling your belly button toward your spine) while lying down or sitting; Glute Squeezes; Seated Leg Extensions; Pelvic Tilts.
Weeks 8+: Bodyweight Hip Lifts/Bridges: Gradually build strength in the glutes and hamstrings without excessive core strain; Wall Push-Ups; Light Upper Body Resistance (e.g., bicep curls with light dumbbells).

Reintroducing Exercises Safely

Start with bodyweight: Begin with partial, controlled bodyweight squats, holding onto support if needed.
Focus on form: Concentrate on engaging your glutes and legs, not your core. Your core should be braced but not strained.
Monitor for pain: Stop if you feel any pulling, sharp pain, or fatigue in your abdominal area. Mild tightness can be normal, but sharp pain is a warning sign.
Gradual progression: Increase the depth and repetitions slowly over several weeks. Add light weights (dumbbells) only after you are pain-free and cleared by your doctor.
Listen to your body: Recovery is not a race. Everyone heals differently, and patience is the most important part of the process.

Conclusion: Prioritize Healing Over Speed

In short, while it is possible to eventually do squats after abdominal surgery, the timing and progression are crucial. Ignoring medical advice can lead to serious complications that prolong recovery and compromise results. Prioritize your body's healing process by following a phased approach, starting with gentle mobility and gradually reintroducing bodyweight exercises before attempting weighted squats. Always have a discussion with your surgeon or physical therapist to ensure your return to exercise is safe and effective. For more information on general post-operative rehabilitation guidelines, you can consult this detailed patient protocol from the AHSQC.

Frequently Asked Questions

For most hernia repair surgeries, doctors advise waiting at least 6 to 8 weeks before attempting bodyweight squats. If mesh was used or the hernia was extensive, a longer waiting period of several months for weighted squats may be necessary. Always get clearance from your surgeon first.

Safe alternatives during early recovery include light walking, pelvic tilts, glute squeezes, ankle pumps, and gentle core bracing exercises while lying down. These help rebuild strength and stability without straining the surgical area. Your physical therapist can provide a tailored list.

No, it is generally too early for bodyweight squats at 4 weeks post-surgery. Most protocols recommend waiting until 6–8 weeks, and only with medical clearance, to ensure the abdominal wall has had adequate time to heal. Early movement should be limited to gentle walking and core-bracing exercises.

You are ready to attempt squats when you have received clearance from your doctor, your incisions are fully healed, and you can perform basic movements without pain or discomfort. Start slowly, and if you experience any pulling or sharp pain, you are not ready yet.

Procedures that involve significant abdominal muscle repair, such as a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) with diastasis recti correction or a major laparotomy, typically require the longest recovery time. Returning to strenuous exercises like weighted squats might take 3 to 6 months or even longer.

Pay close attention to any sharp pain, a pulling sensation, or swelling around the incision site. These are clear signs that you are pushing too hard. It's also important to check for any bulging, which could indicate stress on the abdominal repair.

Yes, wearing a compression garment as directed by your surgeon can provide support and comfort when reintroducing activity, including light bodyweight squats. It helps reduce swelling and provides gentle stabilization to the core as you regain strength.

While laparoscopic surgery is less invasive, it still requires proper healing. Doctors typically advise waiting at least 6 to 8 weeks before introducing squats, especially if any abdominal wall repair was performed internally. Follow your surgeon's specific timeline.