I exercise often. I go to Curves at least 3x's a week and I have noticed that when I avoid the abdominal machines, I don't have any discomfort in my tummy. I only noticed this when I had a bad attack a couple of weeks ago, and didn't exercise for a few days, my tummy felt fine. When I returned, I didn't do the ab exercises and didn't have any discomfort. I don't understand it myself, but I think there might be something to this.