My mommy trouble zone!!! What is yours?

I find it hard to get a lower ab workout. I don't think I'm the only mommy with this trouble spot am I?

It seems to me that the lower abs are one of the toughest areas in the core to thoroughly get a great workout with. So, I thought I'd share some of my knowlege on this specific trouble zone. Before we get into some great exercises that will help you to hit the lower abs, it is very important that we talk about "spot reduction" and how this myth may have you on the wrong track.
Spot reduction refers to the idea that you tone and lose fat over a specific muscle group if you do tons of exercises focusing on that zone. For example, someone who wants to lose weight might think they need to do hundreds of crunches per day in order to do so. I assure you that this is not the case. If you want to lose fat in general, you are going to lose it with the right combination of diet, strength training, and interval training - a type of cardio that is specific for burning fat.
So doing a great ab workout feels great and will help to make your core stronger, but it will not make you lose fat around the midsection all by itself. Even so, it does feel awesome to work the abs. This is why I want you to try these two exercises below that are specific for working the lower abs.

Reverse crunches
1. Lie on your back with your knees in the air at a 90 degree angle.
2. Put your hands behind your head and tense your abs.
3. Keeping the same 90 degree bend in your knees, lower your feet so they touch the ground. Then, go the other direction and bring your knee up towards your chest. Repeat this 10-15 times.
With this exercise, you want to go slow throughout the whole range of motion. If you go too fast, you will not keep the same amount of tension on your lower abs. Be sure to exhale as you bring your knees close to your chest.
Plank (this one is a killer!!!!)
1. Lie face down on mat resting on the forearms, palms flat on the floor.
2. Push off the floor, raising up onto toes and resting on the elbows.
3. Keep your back flat, in a straight line from head to heels.
4. Tilt your pelvis and contract your abdominals to prevent your rear end from sticking up in the air or sagging in the middle.
Hold for 20 to 60 seconds, lower and repeat for 3-5 reps.
5. If you feel like adding intensity, while doing the plank alternate pulling your legs into your chest and breathing out as you pull the leg in.

So in conclusion, you have learned that in order to lose body fat you need to have the right combination of diet, cardio, and strength training. You also learned two exercises that will help you to have a great lower ab workout.
Remember the key to success is to keep learning and stay persistent! =)

What is your trouble zone? Maybe we can share some exercise tips with eachother!