Testimonials

Comfortable Abs makes those abdominal workouts safer and as comfortable as possible.
By Hippocrates Health Institute

Who wouldn’t like to have six-pack abs rather than love handles? All of us would, but the process of acquiring that six-pack can be arduous and even harmful to one’s back and neck. Does the possibility of comfortable abdominal exercise seem like an oxymoron? Recently, Palm Beach trainer, Chris Zambelli, introduced Hippocrates Health Institute to a product, which we now utilize to make those abdominal workouts safer and as comfortable as possible. This product is called “Comfortable Abs.”

While training clients, Chris became concerned about the strain they put on their necks while doing crunches and wanted a solution. The normal crunch position (with hands behind the neck) causes a constant tension from shoulder contraction. He also realized how difficult abdominal exercises were for individuals with discomfort due to arthritis, osteoporosis and bursitis. As he researched other abdominal exercise equipment, he noted that many of the devices were bulky and cumbersome. This is what led him to design “Comfortable Abs.”

Comfortable Abs is a small pillow with accompanying handle straps. Its size makes it easy to slip into a suitcase for travel. This pillow has a zipper in the back so that the exerciser can add or remove filling to personalize it for his/her workout. Comfortable Abs provides neck support, and when the arms are placed beside the torso, shoulder contraction and strain to the shoulder joints overall is limited, while neck tension is completely avoided. The full support position allows for total ab isolation. You can visit Chris’ website to view illustrations of all exercise positions at www.comfortableabs.com.

Comfortable Abs is available at the Hippocrates store, which can be accessed at www.hippocratesinstitute.org or by calling 561-471-8876 ext. 124.

Crunch Time Comfort
Palm Beach trainer invents support device to help make abdominal exercises easier, more effective.
By David Rogers, Daily News Staff Writer

A good diet and exercise are essential to getting a flat, toned stomach. Performing abdominal exercises, though, can be a pain in neck.

To prevent neck strain while performing stomach work – for the upper, lower and side abdominals – Chris Zambelli has invented a portable neck-support tool called Comfortable Abs.

The device which comes with a full-color illustrated exercise guide, is a slightly arched pillow with two nylon handles.

Zambelli, a personal trainer at Trainers Gym on Sunrise Avenue, said the apparatus is particularly helpful for people with arthritis and other types of inflammation.

The personal trainer has clients perform exercises for the abdominals and lower back. These muscles, he said, are particularly important for maintaining the ability to walk safely and perform everyday tasks as one ages.

“If your core’s strong, everything comes together as far as your balance and stability. You feel more stable on your feet,” said Zambelli, who earned a bachelor’s degree in human improvement from Hunter College in New York City.

Palm Beacher Alan Miller, a retired manufacturing executive, provided backing for the project. Miller said he has used the device at the gym.

“It performs very well. It just makes it so much easier to put the muscle power where you want it, which is on the abs instead of the back of the neck,” Miller said.

One of Zambelli’s clients, Karin Dresbach of Lake Worth, does strength training three times a week. She said she has occasional neck pain and uses the Comfortable Abs device to avoid injury.

“I do not want to risk anything. I found having this support makes a big, big difference,” she said.” Dresbach said having a stronger, tighter stomach helps her with her golf game – and helps her feel younger. “I feel good about myself,” she said.

Dr. Andrew Sherman, associate professor of rehabilitation medicine at the University of Miami, said he could not comment on a device he hasn’t seen, but said doing crunches incorrectly can cause neck strain.

“One of the problems of doing abdominal exercises is that people grab the back of the head and that can cause neck pain. I do see that in people. It is concerning,” Sherman said.

Comfortable Abs is available at Trainers Gym and at www.comfortableabs.com for $29.95.