The Safest Way to Return to the Gym After Laparoscopy
Updated on August 6, 2025
by
Aubrey Bailey, PT, DPT, CF-L1
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Laparoscopic surgery is less invasive than abdominal surgeries requiring a large incision to access the abdominal cavity, but you should still take care when returning to presurgery activities such as going to work or the gym. Even though it may be done on an outpatient basis, this surgery is still a complex procedure requiring an appropriate amount of recovery time. You may still experience some complications from being under general anesthesia, and internal incisions require time to heal.
Exercise After Laparoscopy
You will likely begin to move your body as soon as you come out of anesthesia. Ankle pumps can be performed in bed to help improve circulation and reduce risk of blood clots after surgery. The more you move, the less risk you have of developing complications from laparoscopic surgery.
You will likely be groggy from anesthesia for up to 24 hours after your surgery. It's a good idea to have another person with you while walking to help prevent falls.
Get Up and Walk
Walk as soon as you feel up to being on your feet for longer periods. Have someone stand by you for the first day of your laparoscopy recovery in case you feel dizzy or weak.
Your doctor may advise you to return to work within a few days after surgery if your job requires only sitting at a desk and minimal walking, or closer to two weeks if your job is more physically demanding. Your recovery time may also be dependent on the type of laparoscopic surgery you had, as some are more invasive than others. Your doctor most likely will advise you to progress your level of activity slowly with a goal of returning to your prior level of function within two weeks of your procedure. See your doctor or physical therapist if you're having pain with movement or activity.
Getting Back to the Gym
Return to the gym for light workouts, such as walking on a treadmill or elliptical trainer, as early as one or two weeks postsurgery, after getting clearance from your doctor. Once your incisions are healed, consider adding swimming to your routine as a low-impact exercise. Be sure you're able to do most of your regular core exercises before starting any heavy weight lifting.
Depending on the location of your laparoscopic scar and the type of laparoscopic surgery, attempting to lift heavy weights or pushing yourself back into your presurgery exercise program too quickly could interfere with the healing process. Perform scar massage a few days after the wound heals to manage the pain, swelling, and to improve tissue mobility. This will help prevent scar formation on the skin and internally in the abdominal muscles.
Do not increase the intensity of your gym workouts for at least two weeks after laparoscopic surgery. Heavy lifting after laparoscopic surgery — defined as lifting more than 10 pounds — should also be avoided during this time frame. After those first couple weeks, increase the intensity or length of your workouts slowly to gradually return to your presurgery gym workouts of resistance training or running.
See a Doctor
Use caution when exercising after laparoscopy. Monitor your incisions for any sign of infection, including increased pain, redness, swelling, or drainage that is thick or green. Thin, watery, reddish drainage is normal for the first few days after surgery, particularly during physical activity. Notify your doctor right away if you have a fever, are vomiting, or are experiencing abnormal discharge.
Recovery periods vary depending on the type of laparoscopic surgery performed. These instructions provide general information on how to return to the gym and begin training after surgery, but your doctor or physical therapist will be able to best guide you for your individual recovery.
The Takeaway
- Gradually return to the gym after laparoscopy, starting with light workouts such as walking or using an elliptical trainer, approximately one to two weeks post-surgery.
- Avoid heavy lifting (more than 10 pounds) for at least two weeks after your procedure to prevent interfering with the healing process.
- Monitor your incisions for symptoms of infection, such as increased pain, redness, swelling, or abnormal drainage, and consult your doctor immediately if these or serious symptoms like fever or vomiting occur.
- Ask your doctor or physical therapist about your individual recovery timeline, as it can vary.
EDITORIAL SOURCES
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Resources
- Laparoscopy. Cleveland Clinic. March 1, 2024.
- How to Do Ankle Pumps. New York – Presbyterian.
- Laparascopy – Recovering Well. Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. June 29, 2025.
- Post-Op Laparoscopy. Couri Center for Gynecology and Integrative Women's Health.
- Garvey P. 6 Things to Know About Scar Massage. MD Anderson Cancer Center. November 4, 2024.
Meet Our Experts
Aubrey Bailey, PT, DPT, CF-L1
Medical Reviewer
Cecilia Harsch
Author
Cecilia Harsch has been writing professionally since 2009. She writes mainly home improvement, health and travel articles for various online publications. She has several years of experience in the home-improvement industry, focusing on gardening, and a background in group exercise instruction. Harsch received her Certified Nurses Assistant license in 2004. She attended Tarrant County College and studied English composition.