Ask the Personal Trainer Joni Hyde is a Certified Personal Trainer and owner of WorkoutsForWomen.com Robin writes, "I have had 3 very very large babies. (I don't know the name of the area, but the location is between the left and right side of the abs. The C section area.) That area got really stretched out so that now I have a large lower stomach area. When I try to do ab work it bulges outward and gets harder instead of flatter. Help!" Answer: Having babies can really weaken the abdominal muscles but they can be re-trained. In your letter you refer to the muscles that are on the left and the right, know as the oblique. You also mention that your lower abdominal section is stretched out as well. First, be sure that you are doing a variety of abdominal exercises. Your program should include exercises that work the obliques ( sides of the abdominal muscles), lower abdominal and upper abdominal muscles. Additionally, follow these key points when performing abdominal exercises. Proper form is important. Focus on the exact area that is being worked. If you don't really focus on what you're doing, it's very easy to allow other muscles to do some of the work. If you allow your neck or hip flexors to help you out, your abdominal muscles won't get fatigued or toned. Practice proper breathing technique when working your abs. Always exhale on the exertion. This decreases internal air pressure, allowing you to fully involve the abdominal muscles. If you do not practice proper breathing that can lead to "pooching" of the abdominal muscles. Also see: • More about toning your abs • Exercises that target the lower abs • Reverse crunch to firm up abs WorkoutsForWomen.com provides home exercise programs for today's busy women, under the guidance of a certified personal trainer.