Hello,
I have a question in regards to weight training and a suspicioned hiatal hernia. (Hiatal hernias have a long history in my family that can be traced to my grandparents, both of my parents, and other relatives.) Due to this, I want to take precaution with my exercise program.
I am a white male, 31 years old, 6'2", 178 lbs, fairly good shape, and I enjoy physical exercise. However, lately, when I go to eat, I've been noticing that it feels like I have a very small lump behind the lower sternum when I swallow. Recently, I've been noticing that I need to burp more frequently than usual and that I've been having a light burning sensation just above my stomach. Sometimes, when I swallow, it can feel like the food has hit a small "speed bump" right before it hits the stomach.
Anyways, here's my question: What exercises can I do to flatten my stomach without potentially creating the hiatal hernia (or if I have one), to make it worse? Are stomach crunches acceptable? I used to do situps. Are these a complete no-no?
Any info would be greatly appreciated!
Thank you much,
Dusty
Arizona, USA
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