Gently....gently...
 

So here's the sitch. I'm trying to find some gentle exercises to begin strengthening my abdominal area. I've been medically cleared to resume normal activities, but those muscles are so weak I've pulled them twice in the last couple of weeks just sneezing. Suggestions? They didn't have any.

What did your doctor say? Are you seeing a physical therapist? If so, I'd ask them first, before starting any exercises. Probably any exercise that isn't loading bearing would be a good starting point, like just tightening the stomach muscles, bridges or gentle crunches. Again, though ask your doctor first.

Doc just told me to resume normal activities. Wasn't a gym goer before and there isn't one around here so it's not going to happen. Even crunches are a bit much. No physical therapy. What are bridges?

basic bridge exercise

Good suggestions.

It sounds like that area's been through a lot of trauma recently. I would focus more on a gentle stretch/yoga routine for your whole body, instead of doing a lot of core-specific exercises. Targeting areas around and away from the core can still assist in its recovery. Maybe you can find a good yoga class in your area.

http://www.netflix.com/Movie/Crunch-...-Yoga/70025006

Yoga would be a good choice, but only if your doctor clears you for it. Honestly, get on the phone to your doctor's office and tell him what you are planning to do and see if he approves of it. I know with abdominal surgery it takes awhile to heal and the last thing you want to risk is herniating around the area that was cut. That and any exercise class is going to ask if you have any special areas of concern and when you tell them you've had abdominal surgery, they will probably want a doctor's note releasing you for exercise. I know it's frustrating, but it would be more frustrating to end up having to have surgery again to repair damage done by doing too much too soon.

Thanks for the suggestions. I will be seeing him in a couple of weeks so it's no problem to wait for a bit more. I'm rather tired of feeling like a slug though.

Listen to SMMY's advice, you do not want an abdominal hernia s/p surgery, as you think your recovery time is slow and long now...

Take your time. I read your other thread, your body's been through a lot. Listen to it carefully. Respect it.