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I want to get rid of my lower belly pooch. How do I work the lower abs?

By Paige Waehner, About.com

Updated March 04, 2005

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board

Question: I want to get rid of my lower belly pooch. How do I work the lower abs?
Answer: Many people still think their abs are divided into lower and upper sections. This isn't true. Your rectus abdominis is actually one long muscle that travels from your lower chest to your pelvis so any exercise you do works the entire muscle.

That isn't to say that reverse crunches (or other exercises that target the 'lower' abs) are useless. It's a good idea to do a variety of exercises, but don't expect to do 'lower' ab exercises to get rid of a lower belly pooch. Remember--the only way to do that is to reduce your body fat.

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