Having a toned midsection goes hand in hand with navel piercings, but the healing process may stop your exercise routine. Situps should not be done during the initial healing process of your belly button piercing because complications may arise. A personal trainer can help you develop a fitness plan that will minimize irritation to your navel piercing.
Healing
A navel piercing goes through the flap of skin around your belly button. This area is similar to the skin on your earlobe. A navel piercing can close quickly if jewelry is removed during the initial healing process, which can last up to six months. Your navel will be healed enough between six months and two years to remove your jewelry for a short period of time without the piercing closing. Your piercing will not be permanently healed for two to four years. During the healing process, keep your belly button and the jewelry clean by following the instructions given at the time of your piercing.
Complications
Bacterial infections and irritation from friction are the most common navel piercing complications. Your belly button may be infected if it's warm to touch, red or your notice discolored pus draining from the piercing. Do not take out the jewelry or increase the amount of times you clean the piercing without consulting with your physician first. Friction increases your risk of an infection and can occur while doing situps, especially if you wear tight clothing around your waist. Navel piercings are a poplar self-piercing area, which increases your risk of problems since a professional is not available to help with aftercare.
Prevention
Activities, such as situps, that increase the amount of friction and pressure on your belly button should be avoided during the initial healing process. Abdominal exercises should not involve twisting or bending your torso while your belly button heals. If you still do situps, avoid tight-fitting clothing so you reduce the amount of friction on your piercing. A curved barbell instead of a ring may reduce the amount of irritation you experience with your piercing.
Alternatives
Half-kneeling wood chops and single-leg stands are two alternative abdominal exercises you can do while your belly button heals. For a wood chop, start in a half-kneeling position so your left foot is flat on the ground in front of you and your right knee is on the ground. With your arms straight, bring a medicine ball to your right hip. Without rotating your torso and keeping your arms straight, rotate the medicine ball upward and to your left in a chopping motion. The ball should be on your left-hand side and slightly higher than your head. Keep your arms straight and return to your starting position. Repeat three sets of eight on both sides.
To perform a single leg stand, stand with you feet together and your arms resting to your side. Slowly lift your right leg about 6 inches off the ground. Keep your torso straight and balanced. Hold this position for 10 seconds and perform 10 on each side.
Member Comments