My dad had a pinched nerve between c5-c7 that he had ACDF for in June 2016.
Can he safely do the Barbell lifts? Obviously this would be something to ask his surgeon or PCP, but you know better than anyone how physicians tend to avoid to recommend Strength training even when risk is minimal.
Let me know if you need more info. He is 55.
If he has been cleared without restrictions to do what he pleases, then he can probably train. I have trained a number of patients with history of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion and they do fine for the most part. However, I am NOT saying that your dad is one of those people -though he likely is. He’s just going to need his doc’s blessing first.