Dear Sugar
I am 26, 5'0, 110 lbs. I've just recently started working out 4-5 times a week beginning with a 3 mile walk followed by an hour of abs, arms and legs. For the past two years I've been going through my "honeymoon" stage so I gained 10 pounds. I lost the 10 pounds naturally by cutting back on my snacking and sodas. The one area that I cannot seem to define is my lower abdomen; everything else seems to be tightening except for that area. What gives? I haven't had any children so why do I have a "momma pouch or a muffin top that rolls over my pants "? Can you recommend any exercises that I can do at home. I don't have the budget to hire a personal trainer. Trouble Spot Dot

Dear Trouble Spot Dot
I am impressed with your discipline and dedication to exercising. While at the gym, grab a trainer and ask them to show you a few more ab exercises. That's what they are there for and don't think there is a charge for it. Everyone has that 1 area on their body where it's hard to lose weight. Your 3 mile walk is great, but try running for at least half. Cardio may be the missing element in your work out routine since that is really what's going to burn the fat. The good news for you is that lower abdominals are easy to isolate. Try these exercises: Sit with your feet on the floor and your legs bent so that when you lean back you use your lower abs to keep you stable. Rock your arms from side to side (touching either side of the ground by your waist) while holding a 10 lb medicine ball. Work your way up to 3 reps of 30. You can also try lying flat on your back and putting your legs straight up the air at a 90 degree angle. Use your lower abs to lift your butt up and down. Lastly sit in the middle of one of those big balls. Traditional sit ups are harder to do this way. Try doing 15 at a time and do as many reps as you can. When you are finished, don't forget to work out your lower back. By focusing on your abs, you are undoubtedly going to strain your lower back, so it's important to build up both of these muscles simultaneously. Lie on the floor facing the ground and reach your arms and legs out (as though you were doing the dead man's float). Gently raise your head and arms for 2 counts, hold for 2 counts, and then lower. Keep your head and neck down. Do 3 reps of 25.