I'll respectfully take you to task on this one Sir.

To me, it's a simple equation: Downside risk vs. upside benefit.

And since you volunteered an example from your own experience, I'll take the liberty of extrapolating your example down a different outcome.

You had good luck- or you made your own good luck through good fitness and reasonable judgement. Problem is, not everyone is as wise.

Here is what the downside may have looked like: 4 days after your hernia surgery you go back to the weight room. Your initial experience is good so you "test" a little higher- just a little. Wham- the thing lets loose. Another hernia. Back to the drawing board.

It didn't happen- but that real possibility existed. Now, on the flip side- was the benefit of getting back into the weight room commensurate with the downside exposure? I can't answer that for you- only you can. I will suggest there was significant attendant risk. It's an individual decision as to whether it is worth it for you.

Now, with life threatening stuff- I'll strongly suggest erring on the side of safety is the obvious wisdom.

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Tom Demerly
The Tri Shop.com