Weight training with *possible* inguinal hernia

So quick update: I went to an immediate care branch of a local health system for the purpose of a basic diagnosis and the doc said she felt a small hernia. I didn’t get the sense she knew that much about the subject other than what was in a textbook back in school (which was disappointing, given that she was a DO and I would have expected more knowledge of musculoskeletal issues, but I digress…).

Based on that encounter, I have a couple of additional questions:

1. She said that the inguinal canal was clear; does that by nature make this a direct hernia?

2. Is there any way to know whether, at this time, it is bowel or just fat comprising the hernia?

3. What, if any, value is ultrasound imaging at this point in terms of confirming the diagnosis or providing other information?

Thanks.