How SpaceGym Helped Me Rehabilitate After a Hernia Operation
Prologue and disclaimer: as a qualified fitness instructor and having studied Sport Science Lloyd had a good foundation to self-prescribe a safe and controlled recovery program for his own personal circumstances following his hernia surgery. His case study below is only for reference and not to be taken as medical advice. SpaceGym urges anyone considering using our product to rehabilitate any medical condition to first seek advice from a medical professional. SpaceGym accepts no responsibility for any injury that could arise from in proper use of our equipment and/or failure to follow instructions from a licensed medical practitioner.
A year ago to this very day I experienced a terrifying collision while pushing my surfing limits on a small island off the coast of Sumatra, Indonesia. Not from a surfboard or the seabed but from getting caught out by a rogue giant wave that punished me in a Godly fashion- something resembling a sock being sledgehammered before thrown in a washing machine running at full tilt!
Shortly thereafter, I began to experience severe pain in a ‘sensitive area’ which prompted a challenging journey to diagnose the underlying issue.. After consulting multiple doctors and experiencing two incorrect diagnoses of prostatitis, which led to months of lifestyle adjustments, the true issue, an inguinal hernia was eventually identified..
With symptoms rapidly worsening and the NHS refusing to operate until the thing strangulated and I was on my deathbed I grudgingly paid to have the operation carried out privately.
It was during my recovery that I caught up with an old friend and business mentor who told me about his new invention, SpaceGym. He insisted on sending me one to help speed up my rehabilitation, so here I am sharing my rehab journey and where I utilised his new flywheel trainer innovation to support this.
My Rehab Journey – the first few weeks
I of course followed the strict doctor’s orders to do nothing but rest for at least two weeks following the surgery. Once these two weeks had passed I went to see him again to inspect the wound and told me it was time to start moving around and doing some light activity but was not to lift anything heavy or do anything strenuous for another 6 weeks.
After being bed bound and not leaving the apartment for two weeks I was desperate to get out and started a schedule of a gentle swim each morning followed by three daily gentle walks spread throughout the day.
Hernia Rehabilitation – 3 weeks on from surgery
It was 3 weeks from the operation that I felt ready to unbox my SpaceGym flywheel trainer, I had already read all the instructions back to front and had watched all the video guides so had a good understanding of how I could cautiously implement resistance training into my other activities.
I started out with some very light upper body exercises, training my arms with movements like bicep curls and shoulders/back with military and shoulder press exercises. I was still somewhat nervous to do anything that would engage my tender core or flex my hips where the scar was still healing.
With the SpaceGym cord already set relatively long for these exercises I was able to just leave the handle resting on my sofa to avoid the painful bending down to retrieve it from the base before each workout. As I felt my strength returning I could slowly increase the resistance simply by engaging the flywheel with a little more exertion, which in turn leads to an increased resistance and recoil. To me it’s this adaptive resistance that makes the product so unique. The harder you pull the cord, the harder it pulls back.
While I enjoyed my little walks around my apartment building and was fortunate to have access to a pool for some gentle laps this didn’t give me the workout I knew my body was craving. SpaceGym really helped fill that void in a way that only a physical therapist might have been able to replicate, perhaps by handing me weights that I couldn’t otherwise safely (or comfortably) reach down to pickup and then put down again.
Final Stages of Rehab 6-8 weeks from the hernia operation
During these final few weeks of recovery my goal was to attempt to regain my fitness as best I could to prepare my body for a return to my favourite activities; golf, padel, squash and of course surfing.
This meant longer and faster swimming sessions incorporating breathwork, anticipating the impending return to the waves. I continued my upper body SpaceGym training regime and started to implement some very gentle full body movements like deadlifts, again the adaptive resistance from the flywheel was pivotal in ensuring that I didn’t overdo this while allowing me to gradually increase the force.
Summarising SpaceGym’s Impact On My Recovery
Being an active individual the thought of being out of action for two months was daunting to the say the least and I was eager to do whatever I could to speed up the recovery
There’s no doubt in my mind that the SpaceGym flywheel trainer played a key role to not only rebuild my strength but also the psychological benefits of being able to still exercise while recovering and boost my confidence in feeling fit and able to return to my favourite sports when the time came.
Returning to Golf After Hernia Repair
Golf was an interesting one, I had read mixed views on when it would be safe to start swinging a club again. Some doctors suggested that 6 weeks on from surgery would be enough, others suggested 8 weeks as a minimum. Knowing that I am unable to resist the temptation to swing at full tempo when presented with a propped up shiny ball and an enticing wide-open, long fairway, I decided to eer on the side of caution and wait the full 8 weeks.
Even after 8 weeks I was very careful to not overswing, especially when driving. Any golfers reading this probably won’t be surprised to learn how slowing my swing speed helped improve my game enormously!
Returning to Padel After Hernia Repair
Given the general lower intensity of padel I felt confident to start playing again after 6 weeks but remained cautious for the first month or so as to ensure I didn’t slip or fall over which the doctor had repeatedly insisted was the worst thing that can happen when recovering from a hernia op.
Retuning to Squash After Hernia Repair
I was careful to wait the full 8 weeks as insisted by my doctor before setting foot on the squash court again. The intensity of both striking the ball and rapid change of direction, jumping, collisions with walls and other players are all less than ideal when your body is not yet back to full strength following any injury or surgery!
As with golf, I was careful with not to overhit the ball and with padel I tried hard to remain upright at all times for another month or so after getting back to the sport.
Returning to Surfing After Hernia Repair
I felt safe to hit smaller waves again after 6 weeks but due to the unpredictable nature of the ocean I thought it best to be careful and hold off until a full two months had passed before getting back in the sea.
Even now I remain careful not to push myself too hard but am gently returning to larger more critical conditions. It’s essential to be able to remain calm when things get serious so I’m prepared to take the time building back up to heavier conditions again one day.
In Conclusion: The Transformative Role of SpaceGym in My Recovery
To this day I continue to train with my SpaceGym roughly 3 times per week. I was never one for the gym but have become somewhat hooked to the afterburn the flywheel resistance provides! I sometimes take it out of the apartment to the park or just down the pool area of my apartment building as a way to get a good workout and a break from my home office. I even took it in the car just last week when visiting family for a few days as to ensure I have a means of stretching out and stress release after the long journey.
Reflecting on my journey, it’s clear that the SpaceGym flywheel trainer was more than just a tool—it was a crucial element in my rehabilitation process. Its adaptive resistance provided a safe, effective way to rebuild strength without risking further injury.
As I returned to my favourite activities, from golf and padel to surfing, SpaceGym continued to support my ongoing fitness goals, proving its value beyond the initial recovery phase. Whether you're recovering from an injury or simply seeking a versatile fitness solution, I highly recommend exploring what SpaceGym has to offer. Always remember to consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new exercise regimen. For me, SpaceGym didn’t just aid in my recovery; it transformed how I approach my fitness and well-being.