This 8 week program* is written to fill in the gap after you are “cleared” for exercise post tummy tuck. This is when most guidance ceases and you are left to fend for yourself and figure out what to do next. Feeling supported in your return to the fitness you love is such a huge part of making this process not only more enjoyable but also more productive. The program is written with specific warm ups, strength, and workouts to build this foundation.
The process of returning to exercise post tummy tuck can be complicated in ways different from other surgeries. After going through this myself, I knew there was a need for a program this like this one. You may have weird nerve pains that can feel concerning along with fear of ruining the repair. Or you may feel fine but then the risk of overdoing it becomes a factor. So, the program goes back to the basics of each movement. Spending time rebuilding your foundation along with being patient and intentional pays off dividends. And, feeling supported during a time that is rarely talked can make a world of difference in your recovery journey.
This isn't just a program; there are videos and notes throughout that will instruct you when you can try breath holding again, what mental challenges you may be facing, and many other movement strategies/modifications/progressions needed for each exercise as you recover from this surgery. I have provided many options as healing is not often linear and each day might feel a little different during these 8 weeks.
***Disclaimer: You must be cleared for any and all exercise, including core exercise, by your surgeon to start this program! Even if you are cleared, when you start this program and how you progress through it is highly dependent on each individual.
***This program is NOT for someone that is new to functional fitness movements; it is written for the intermediate/advanced athlete that was using barbell for lifting, running/jumping, and doing gymnastics before surgery.
A1
Goat Bag Hinge
2 x 10
A2
Weighted Marches
2 x 10
A3
Pulsing Lunges
2 x 10
A4
Wall Shoulder Taps
2 x 10
A5
Mini Band Walk
2 x 30
B1
Single Leg Balance
1 x 0:30
B2
Double Leg Calf Raise
1 x 25
B3
Butt Kickers
1 x 25
B4
Heel Slides
1 x 20
C
BB Deadlift
4 x 10
Strength/Power
D
Week 1 Upper Body Circuit
It is suggested to do these exercises seated if you are feeling vulnerable and/or you are starting this program right after you've been cleared. Both seated and standing are options for this circuit depending on these factors. 4 Rounds for Completion 8 DB Strict Press 8 DB Tricep Extension 8 DB Bicep Curl
Week 1 Workout A Circuit
E
You can do this workout as 3 rounds for time OR you can set the clock for 8-10 minutes and see how many rounds you can get. This will depend on how you are feeling as I don't want you to be moving super fast at this stage yet. 50 Ft. Farmer Carry with 2 DBs 8 Kickstand DL (right) 50 Ft Farmer Carry 8 Kickstand DL (left)
A1
Goat Bag Hinge
2 x 10
A2
Weighted Marches
2 x 10
A3
Pulsing Lunges
2 x 10
A4
Wall Shoulder Taps
2 x 10
A5
Mini Band Walk
2 x 30
B1
Single Leg Balance
1 x 0:30
B2
Double Leg Calf Raise
1 x 25
B3
Butt Kickers
1 x 25
B4
Modified Bird Dog
2 x 20
C1
Frog Pump
4 x 12
C2
Tempo Chair Squat
4 x 5
D1
DB Floor Press
3 x 10
D2
Bent Over Row (with knee on bench)
3 x 10
E1
Curtsy Lunge
4 x 12
E2
Wall Push Ups
4 x 10
A1
Goat Bag Hinge
2 x 10
A2
Weighted Marches
2 x 10
A3
Pulsing Lunges
2 x 10
A4
Wall Shoulder Taps
2 x 10
A5
Mini Band Walk
2 x 30
B1
Single Leg Balance
1 x 0:30
B2
Double Leg Calf Raise
1 x 25
B3
Butt Kickers
1 x 25
B4
Heel Slides
1 x 20
C
BB Deadlift
4 x 10
Week 1 Upper Body Circuit
D
It is suggested to do these exercises seated if you are feeling vulnerable and/or you are starting this program right after you've been cleared. Both seating and stands are options for this circuit depending on these factors. 4 Rounds for Completion 8 DB Strict Press 8 DB Tricep Extension 8 DB Bicep Curl
Week 1 Workout A Circuit
E
You can do this workout as 3 rounds for time OR you can set the clock for 8-10 minutes and see how many rounds you can get. This will depend on how you are feeling as I don't want you to be moving super fast at this stage yet. 50 Ft. Farmer Carry with 2 DBs 8 Kickstand DL (right) 50 Ft Farmer Carry 8 Kickstand DL (left)
A1
Goat Bag Hinge
2 x 10
A2
Weighted Marches
2 x 10
A3
Pulsing Lunges
2 x 10
A4
Wall Shoulder Taps
2 x 10
A5
Mini Band Walk
2 x 30
B1
Single Leg Balance
1 x 0:30
B2
Double Leg Calf Raise
1 x 25
B3
Butt Kickers
1 x 25
B4
Modified Bird Dog
2 x 20
C1
Frog Pump
4 x 12
C2
Tempo Chair Squat
4 x 5
D1
DB Floor Press
3 x 10
D2
Bent Over Row (with knee on bench)
3 x 10
E1
Curtsy Lunge
4 x 12
E2
Wall Push Ups
4 x 10
Lisa Ryan
CF - L2 , Pregnancy and Postpartum Athleticism Coach, Tummy Tuck Specialist, CrossFitter for over 25 years
This phase of recovery is rarely talked about-but it’s one of the most important. You don’t have to guess, hold yourself back out of fear, or risk doing too much too soon. With this guidance, you can rebuild safely, confidently, & intentionally.
Get Post Tummy Tuck Return to Functional Fitness Program