How do you avoid getting a hernia?

[androjunkie]

Just by keeping your abdominals in good shape?

 

[ghettostudmuffin]

Probably. I've never had a hernia, but a hernia occurs when the muscle fibers covering the intestines cannot handle a given load and tear. Thus spilling the intestines out to some degree or another. Having strong abdominals is probably the best prevention for this. Never using a weight belt except for max squats and deads is probably a good idea as this will strengthen you abs by making them isometrically contract against heavy loads like squats and deads. That plus weighted crunches or incline situps, leg raises and weighted dumbell sidebends should keep you prett ywell protected. Stomach vacuums are great for keeping the muscle that actually keeps your stomach pulled in shape.

 

[eat big]

abs help, one of the main things is to breathe OUT when pushing hard.

eat big