Is it possible to develop a hiatal hernia from exercise?

No: But exercises that increase the pressure in your abdomen (crunches) may exacerbate the symptoms of your hernia.

Not really: While exercise alone in rare circumstances may cause or make a hiatal hernia worse, there are many factors at play such as genetics, normal aging process, and medical conditions such as obesity that also may contribute.

Hiatal hernia: Not likely, though you can exacerbate the symptoms of a hiatal hernia with strenuous exercise. Straining increases your intaabdominal pressure which can push the stomach up into the chest through an existing hiatal hernia and cause symptoms.