<s>[INST] Hello doctor, I underwent surgery for umbilical hernia. Kindly let me know some exercises to strengthen the abdominal muscles. [/INST] Hello. You must take complete rest for one week, and no exertion up to one month. After one month, you may get back to normal activities without restriction. It is advisable to start the routine work slowly and gradually. It is not advisable to do abdominal crunches after hernia surgery, even when fully recovered. There is a common misconception by patients that strengthening the abdominal muscles will help prevent a future hernia. But this is not true. The abdominal muscles have nothing to do with hernia. Hernia develops because of the weakness in the abdominal fascia. Fascia is the dense sheet that encases muscle and attaches muscle to bone. Fascia is rich in collagen. Exercise does not strengthen fascia but may weaken it. Consult a general practitioner online for further follow up --> </s>