Welcome to HCM!Answer to query is a possible yes, and at the very least a warning sign from your body to your mind.Inguinal Hernias can be diagnosed easily by physical exam in the doctors office. I just had a patient with the very same complaints. I recommended that he reduce the poundage on the weights he was lifting as he won t be building much muscle in the hospital with an inguinal hernia. If you feel no bulge in your groin, then hopefully, giving yourself a rest and returning to a less intense workout will prevent the symptomatic report of what appears to be a musle strain compromising the integrity of your abdominal muscles which might lead to a inguinal herniation. My patient, by the way, did not take my advice and ended up with a hernia which was attempted to be repaired laporascopically. It failed. The herniation area filled with a fluid and turned into a seroma which then had to be drained and biopsied. The seroma returned after drainage. In most cases the story ends more positively. Hernia is repaired, strength is built up slowly, no more major issues. When you do start retraining with reduced weights, it might be wise to have a trainer spot you for awhile and assure all lifts are well supported without unnecessary strains because of poor technique or lack of proper joint support when doing a lift. Also, between the doctor and the fitness trainer you might want to discuss support guards. I hope I have addressed your question. Be well. Don t push too hard. Best wishes and if problems continue, please see your physician. Kathryn Shattler, MS,RDN