I feel your pain! I use machines at the gym and I really do not see a difference either.

Surprisingly what people don't know is that doing squats and excercises that work the inner muscles of your thighs actually help with lower ab muscles. The muscles are connected and work together. Try doing things that work those muscles added to any ab excercises you already to. Also, walking on an incline while pulling those abs in helps, too! :)

Thank you so much. I also have a swiss ball... anyone know any exercises for the lower abs on that?

get a ball and do crunches on it it help me.

yeah I have been doing crunches on my swiss ball...

Here is a few AB exercises:
1. lay on your front and raise you body about 4 inches above the floor with you formarms and your toes. hold it for about 30 to 60 seconds.

2. I do sit ups different than the old way. Do not go up about 4 inches. They are called "pulses". do about 30 quickly. put your knees up when you do them.

If you lay on the floor on your back, put you arms by your side and lift your legs up and down while still straight, slowly that will work your lower abs. sometimes if you can hold a ball or something between your ankles that helps too. try to keep your feet from touching the floor when you lower your legs.

Hope this helps.

Thank you, you have all been a great help:)

I know two others from Physical therapy that are wonderful. Your ball is a great tool. You sit on it and thrust your pelvic upwards. It will feel awkward at first. It concentrates on your pelvic area.. which strengthens your core. My favorite is get down on all four like you are playing horsey with a child. Make sure your arms are directly below your shoulders.. not up too far or out too far. You extend your right arm and your left leg out. Sort of like superman.. hold for 5 seconds. Do the opposite side. You may feel wobbly at first...but you feel it. Good luck!!

pilates is really good for strengthening your core. you need to tighten up all the muscles around!