30 October 2020


6 exercises to avoid after a boob job


Exercising after a boob job

If you’re just getting used to the gym, words like `rest`, `recovery`, and `recuperate` will make you do a little mouth sick. After spending weeks (or months) climbing weights and improving your personal best, the last thing you want to do is rest and risk undoing all your hard graft. But if you are planning a boob job, you need to take your 6-week recovery period seriously. Never mind delayed muscle soreness- you’ll have the weight of two brand new boobies to deal with! We’ve chosen 6 popular exercises to avoid after a boob job (and why you shouldn’t do them).

Pulling

1.Pull-ups (inc. assisted)

What is a pull-up?

Nope, we’re not talking about Pampers! If you can do five pull-ups or close, you’re in great shape. This pull strengthening exercise involves lifting the weight of your body while dangling from gym equipment such as chin-up bars, monkey bars, bands, and rings. You can also do assisted pull-ups, which involves perching your knees on a seat to help lift the weight.

Which muscles does it use?

Pull-ups and assisted pull-ups work your back, biceps, and forearms. Engaging your core muscles will make each rep (movement) tighter and more effective.  

Why shouldn’t I do it?

If you are opting for a boob job, you will be advised not to raise your arms above your head for a minimum of two weeks. After your full 6-week recovery period is over, your surgeon will advise you to resume your normal activities (or what is normal for you!). Putting too much pressure on your upper body during recovery can damage your implants, increasing the risk of flipping and rippling. Working your upper body too much also heightens the risk of lateral displacement or `bottoming out`, which is where the implant slips down and the top portion of the breast flattens out.

2.Rowing

What is rowing?

Much like the sport, the rowing machine involves using your arms, shoulders, chest, and upper back to drive power forward. Except for you’re holding a bar instead of oars, which we could argue a different motion to actual rowing. It’s a form of low-impact cardio.

Which muscles does it use?

Rowing uses mainly your arms and upper body. Like many pull exercises, it’s also a great workout for your core and middle body.

Why shouldn’t I do it?

Although rowing is low-impact, it relies largely on your upper body. We are interested in the chest here- which needs to be well-rested while you’re in your recovery period. Rowing could affect your incisions or increase the risk of your implants changing position, especially during the first two weeks after your boob job. The pulling motion is one to avoid until you are comfortable and happy with your recovered breasts.

Pushing

3.Shoulder press

What is a shoulder press?

Dumbbells are generally a good movement to start back with- you are in charge of the weight and can go lower or higher to what is comfortable for you. A shoulder press involves holding a dumbbell in each hand, starting on top of your shoulders and extending to above your head to straight arms.

Which muscles does it use?

A shoulder press works your triceps, pectoral and surprise surprise- your shoulder muscles (or deltoids).

Why shouldn’t I do it?

Your pectoral muscles sit just above your breasts, so undoubtedly the surrounding area is going to feel very heavy and sore. Imagine a pug sitting on your boobs 24 hours a day, every day, for a few weeks. Working these muscles will add extra tension and tightness. We’re not saying to avoid the shoulder press completely* after your boob job, but be extra careful. Top tip? If it hurts, stop.

4.Planking

What is a plank?

A plank is a core strengthening exercise which involves holding your body, as stiff as a plank of wood, for minutes at a time. Think of a static press-up with your fists clasped together.

Which muscles does it use?

Planking uses your upper and lower body, including your shoulders, arms, glutes, core, and pelvis.

Why shouldn’t I do it?

After you’ve had a boob job, you’ll want to keep your boobs supported. Planking encourages your boobs to gravitate away from your chest, which could cause discomfort and strain. Not only that, you might fall onto your new boobs as you break away from the plank.

Swinging

5.Battle ropes

What are battle ropes?

If you go to a commercial gym, chances are you’ve seen the sorcery that is battle ropes. Effectively they are long, heavy bits of rope attached to a bar or piece of equipment. Doing ropes commonly involves grabbing one in each hand, jumping up and down and whipping each rope as hard as you can, although there are other purposes for them.

Which muscles do they use?

Battle ropes are a blend of cardio and strength training. They boast a full body workout- strengthening your hands, forearms, shoulders, back, legs, abs, and core.

Why shouldn’t I do it?

Doing ropes involves jerking motions which could disturb your wounds or implants. Swinging and whipping exercises such as battle ropes, kettlebells, and medicine balls should be avoided until your boobs are healed properly.

Jiggling

6.Cross-trainer

What is a cross-trainer?

A cross-trainer is a cardio machine designed to simulate walking, running, and climbing stairs. It’s low-impact, so your muscles and joints are under less pressure than if you were to walk, run, or use the stairs in an everyday environment.

Which muscles does it use?

The cross-trainer uses your upper and lower body- including your arms, shoulders, biceps, triceps, quads, and even your core.

Why shouldn’t I do it?

Although it’s low-impact, using a cross-trainer causes a jiggling movement in your breasts (much like any cardio!) If you are planning on using a cross-trainer soon after recovery, we stress the importance of a supportive post-surgical bra or sports bra.

MORE ABOUT BREAST SURGERY RECOVERY

 

*Always follow the advice of your surgeon first. Exercising should only be undertaken after your surgeon has given you the OK to do so.

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