[imahexadactyl]

Generally, I have a flat tummy, but I have a little 'pouch' on my lower abs. Is there any exercise to get rid of this? It is very frustrating and the least bit attractive.

[Eileen G]

That little pouch is fat, and you have to burn the fat to get rid of it. Doing ab exercises will just give you stronger muscles under that little bit of fat.

Having said that, pilates is great for the whole midsection.

[Eileen G]

Pilates is a series of moves and exercises, not one specific one. There is no one exercise which will magically give you flat abs. If there were, everyone would have a six pack.

[southamerica]

Cardio will help you get rid of the fat. Switch up the machines or cardio exercises you do in order to avoid fitness plateau.

To gain muscle in your lower abdomen, there is an exercise we do in acrobatics to help strengthen those muscles that my instructor calls the mermaid (not to be mistaken with the pilates mermaid). I wish I could find a video on how to do it, but I couldn't, so I'll just explain.

You lay on your back and prop up on your elbows. Then draw both your knees into your chest, straighten your legs up to the ceiling, then lower your straight legs until they're almost touching the floor. Repeat that ten times (without ever touching the floor with your legs).

Reverse the direction then, by bringing your legs from the floor straight up to pointing to the ceiling, then bend your knees into your chest, then straighten your legs again (without touching the floor) repeat that ten times.

Sounds easy, but it kills... and it will strengthen those muscles effectively. That exercise helped me perfect some acrobatic moves that I had been battling for a long time.

[imahexadactyl]

Yes, I understand that. But I'm looking for a few movements/exercises that I Can add to my daily routine.