I can't find the answer to this anywhere, so I am not sure if I am being unrealistic. I have had 2 kids but my lower abs were never firm since my first child, though I was not fat at that time. I am working hard to get the body I want so somebody please answer this for me.

Is it possible to have firm lower abs at 40 after 2 kids? My son is 17 (averaged 130 after him) and my daughter is 9 (I am 10 lbs lighter now - at 148- than I was at my smallest before I gained a ton of weight).

Chappie - **** YEAH, it is possible ... (with one caveat). Assuming there was no true physical damage from the pregnancies (happens with multiples, occasionally), those muscles can be built just like any other. Finding the correct exercises ... different story. Crunches and sit-ups just won't do it. I've had very, very good luck with Matt Furey's Combat Abs program. I only had one pregnancy, and it was a C-section - but I am feeling results. I want to get this fluffy belly off so that I can see this new muscle!

Thank you! I will have to check into that. I can feel the hard abs under the flabby fluff, I just need to get rid of that layer (soon I hope).

I just realised I only have 13 more months in which I can post in the 40 somethings

This
http://www.bacinfo.com/popup/tips/diastasis.htm
is a pretty good article about "a separation of the rectus abdominis muscle" Check yours out and see a doctor if there is anything odd going on.

Other than that <sigh> it's fat. Google "abs are made in the kitchen". Sad but true ... it's all about fat loss.

Aw, SusanB - you can post here ANYTIME! Your posts are among those I hunt down to read, no matter which thread you're on!

Definately! Look at Valarie Bertonelli (SP?) and Faith Hill.Amazing!Hard work I am sure but AMAZING!!

Why thanks ICU!

I should make a point of catching the daily thread here.